Local-global aspects of (hyper)elliptic curves over (in)finite fields (Q540351)

This paper provides a brief, general introduction to the properties of rational points on curves, particularly elliptic curves. In particular, the paper touches upon the Weil conjectures, the Birch-Swinnerton-Dyer conjecture, and Schoof's algorithm for counting points. Throughout, the emphasis is on the interaction between local and global problems. No proofs and few technical details are given, so that the paper is certainly accessible to an early-stage graduate student.