The theory of finite fields is a branch of algebra that has come to the fore because of its diverse applications in such areas as combinatorics, coding theory and the mathematical study of switching ciruits. This book is devoted entirely to the theory of finite fields, and it provides comprehensive coverage of the literature. Bibliographical notes at the end of each chapter give an historical survey of the development of the subject. Worked-out examples and lists of exercises found throughout the book make it useful as a text for advanced-level courses.

Accessible to junior and senior undergraduate students, this survey contains many examples, solved exercises, sets of problems, and parts of abstract algebra of use in many other areas of discrete mathematics. Although this is a mathematics book, the authors have made great efforts to address the needs of users employing the techniques discussed. Fully worked out computational examples are backed by more than 500 exercises throughout the 40 sections. This new edition includes a new chapter on cryptology, and an enlarged chapter on applications of groups, while an extensive chapter has been added to survey other applications not included in the first edition. The book assumes knowledge of the material covered in a course on linear algebra and, preferably, a first course in (abstract) algebra covering the basics of groups, rings, and fields.

The theory of finite fields is a branch of algebra with diverse applications in such areas as combinatorics, coding theory and the mathematical study of switching circuits. This updated second edition is devoted entirely to the theory of finite fields, and it provides comprehensive coverage of the literature. Bibliographical notes at the end of each chapter give a historical survey of the development of the subject. Worked examples and lists of exercises throughout the book make it useful as a text for advanced level courses for students of algebra.

The theory of finite fields is a branch of modern algebra that has come to the fore in recent years because of its diverse applications in such areas as combinatorics, coding theory, cryptology and the mathematical study of switching circuits. The first part of this book presents an introduction to this theory, emphasizing those aspects that are relevant for application. The second part is devoted to a discussion of the most important applications of finite fields, especially to information theory, algebraic coding theory, and cryptology. There is also a chapter on applications within mathematics, such as finite geometries, combinatorics and pseudo-random sequences. The book is designed as a graduate level textbook; worked examples and copious exercises that range from the routine, to those giving alternative proofs of key theorems, to extensions of material covered in the text, are provided throughout.