J. W. P. Hirschfeld

G. Korchmáros

F. Torres

This book provides an accessible and self-contained introduction to the theory of algebraic curves over a finite field, a subject that has been of fundamental importance to mathematics for many years and that has essential applications in areas such as finite geometry, number theory, error-correcting codes, and cryptology. Unlike other books, this one emphasizes the algebraic geometry rather than the function field approach to algebraic curves. The authors begin by developing the general theory of curves over any field, highlighting peculiarities occurring for positive characteristic and requiring of the reader only basic knowledge of algebra and geometry. The special properties that a curve over a finite field can have are then discussed. The geometrical theory of linear series is used to find estimates for the number of rational points on a curve, following the theory of Stöhr and Voloch. The approach of Hasse and Weil via zeta functions is explained, and then attention turns to more advanced results: a state-of-the-art introduction to maximal curves over finite fields is provided; a comprehensive account is given of the automorphism group of a curve; and some applications to coding theory and finite geometry are described. The book includes many examples and exercises. It is an indispensable resource for researchers and the ideal textbook for graduate students.

Algebraic Curves over a Finite Field

Fernando Eduardo Torres Orihuela

This title provides a self-contained introduction to the theory of algebraic curves over a finite field, whose origins can be traced back to the works of Gauss and Galois on algebraic equations in two variables with coefficients modulo a prime number.

Algebraic Curves Over a Finite Field

N. J. Hitchin

Reader in Mathematics J W P Hirschfeld

The British Combinatorial Conference is held every two years and is now a key event for mathematicians worldwide, working in combinatorics. This volume is published on the occasion of the 18th meeting, which was held 1st-6th July 2001 at the University of Sussex. The papers contained here are surveys contributed by the invited speakers, and are thus of a quality befitting the event. There is also a tribute to Crispin Nash-Williams, past chairman of the British Combinatorial Committee. The diversity of the subjects covered means that this will be a valuable reference for researchers in combinatorics. However, graduate students will also find much here that could be of use for stimulating future research.

J. W. P. Hirschfeld

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