MTH2132 · The nature and beauty of mathematics

Overview

This unit is intended for students with little or no mathematical background. Through the discussion of historical, practical and conceptual questions, it will emphasise the beauty and the power of mathematics. The number of topics covered will be very broad. These will include, amongst many others: • Symmetry (regular solids, tilings, Escher, ruler-and-compass, origami) • Fibonacci numbers and Golden Ratio • Optimal design (soap bubble maths, minimal networks) • Mathematical soul capturing (the maths of juggling and lacing shoes) • Visualising the 4th dimension • The shape of space (Mobius bands, Klein bottles, "pacman" spaces) • Infinity.

Areas of study: Applied mathematics Mathematics Pure mathematics

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Appreciate and articulate the beauty and power of mathematics;
2. Demonstrate understanding of fundamental concepts in number theory and geometry;
3. Apply the notion of proof and construct basic mathematical proofs;
4. Analyse the historical interplay between mathematics and attempts to explain the physical world;
5. Identify and describe some of the great unsolved problems in modern mathematics.

Workload

• Three 1-hour seminars and • 9 hours of independent study per week.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.