The most important mathematical event of the past decade has been the resolution of a famous problem that had been around since Fermat stated that a certain Diophantine equation (Fermat's equation, x^n+y^n=z^n for n larger that 2) does not have any positive integer solutions. The assertion defied numerous proof attempts over a period of 400 years, until recently it was proved as a result of work of Andrew Wiles and other mathematicians, using many of the modern techniques of number theory that have been developed over the past 30 years.

Perhaps the most famous remaining open problem in mathematics is the Riemann hypothesis on the location of the zeros of a specific meromorphic function, the Riemann zeta function. The location of the zeros has consequences for the asymptotic distribution of prime numbers.

Prime numbers are of great concern in connection with mathematical cryptography, entering into the construction of public key encryption codes. This illustrates how number theory ties in with various areas, ranging in this case from complex analysis to areas of current business and governmental security interest.

Because number theory is so vast, there is no one course that could serve as a good introduction to the entire field. Several possibilities for class syllabi are given, each of which focuses on a different emphasis. It may be that the course instructor will follow yet a different path.