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AE-XN201 - AweSums - Outstanding Problems of Maths
This is a follow-on course for “Sum-enchanted Evenings”. However, it is not essential that you have taken that course and no previous knowledge beyond basic school mathematics (pass level) will be assumed. The course should appeal to anyone with interests in the history and development of maths.
The essence of mathematics is solving problems. Some problems have been formulated recently while others have been awaiting solution since ancient times. In the past few decades we have seen proofs of the Four Colour Theorem, Fermat's Last Theorem and the Poincare Conjecture. Other problems have been “outstanding” for centuries: Goldbach's Conjecture and the infinitude of twin primes.
Whether you loved or hated maths at school, you will find this expository treatment of some recent dramatic developments in mathematics fascinating and fulfilling. The emphasis will be on exposition of the key results, omitting inessential technicalities. All the mathematical theory necessary for a broad understanding and appreciation of the recent breakthroughs and problems awaiting solution will be presented.
| Tutor | Dates | Schedule | Time | Venue/Location | Fee € | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professor Peter Lynch | 29 Jan 2018 to 26 Mar 2018 | Sessions: 8 8 Mondays, 7.00pm – 9.00pm Jan 29, Feb 5, 12, 19, 26, March 5, 12, 26 (No Class March 19 – bank holiday) |
19:00 | Belfield | 160.00 |
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Belfield
8 Mondays 7.00 – 9.00pm
Jan 29, Feb 5, 12, 19, 26, March 5, 12, 26
(No Class March 19 – bank holiday)
· Mathematics in the Ancient World.
· Seven $1,000,000 Challenges: The Millennium Problems.
· Mathematics and Music: a fruitful synergy.
· The Golden Number in art, technology and the living world.
· Fractals: a new window on the world.
· Symmetry: a guiding principle in maths, science and the arts.
· The Music of the Spheres: mathematics in astronomy.
· Topology: going far beyond Euclid.
At the end of this course, a student should be able to:
- Appreciate the role of mathematics the modern world.
- Have an enhanced perception of and delight in the beauty and elegance of mathematics.
- Gain greater knowledge, insight and pleasure from reading popular mathematical books.
- Be able to discuss in general terms, some of the great unsolved problems of mathematics.
Peter Lynch is Emeritus Professor in the UCD School of Mathematical Sciences. Formerly Deputy Director of Met Eireann, he was Professor of Meteorology from 2004 to 2013. He writes a regular mathematical column in The Irish Times and maintains a mathematical blog, thatsmaths.com. He has a passionate interest in all things mathematical.
There are many excellent popular books on recreational maths. I will bring along a selection of these to the first lecture. One specific book that is very relevant to the course and at a suitable level is:
- Peter Lynch (2016): That's Maths. Gill Books. A collection of readable articles on all areas of mathematics and its applications. Articles are self-contained, so that they can be read in any order and the contents assimilated in small doses.
- Richard Elwes: Maths 1001. A comprehensive collection of 1001 articles on mathematical topics in bite-sized portions.