MTH1122

The Nature and Beauty of Mathematics (6 points)

(SCI)

Leader: Dr Cristina Varsavsky

Offered:
Clayton Second semester 2003 (Day)
Clayton Second semester 2004 (Day)

Synopsis: 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 others: irrational numbers and the Pythagorean theory of music; Fermat's last theorem; Moebius bands, Klein bottles and beyond; three and four dimensional worlds; mapping the Earth and mapping the Universe.

Assessment: Examination (3 hours): 40% + assignments: 30% + mid-semester test (2 hours) or essay (1500 words): 30%

Contact Hours: two 1-hour lectures and one 1-hour tutorial per week

Prerequisites: none, but science students should seek course advice before enrolling in this subject

Prohibitions: MTH2132