MA38D: History of Mathematics

Module Provider:

Mathematics

Number of credits:

10 [5 ECTS credits]

Level:

H (Honours)

Terms in which taught:

Autumn, Spring and Summer

Module Convenor:

Dr P Glaister

Pre-requisites:

MA11B MA11C

Co-requisites:

Modules excluded:

Current from:

2004

Aims:
To study the history of mathematical ideas and the way in which they have flourished or stagnated in different cultures and environments.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module students are expected to be able to:

Additional outcomes:
Enhancement of communication skills.

Outline content:
In recent years the history of mathematics has been granted its true position as an essential ingredient in the central core of the subject and as such is an important part of any well balanced degree course containing mathematics. It is intended that this course should appeal to students reading for a wide variety of degrees and amongst its considerations are the review of the earliest beginnings of mathematics, the correlation between mathematical development and different cultures, the applications of mathematics to other disciplines and its status in different societies.
The topics studied will be selected from various times between pre-history and the seventeenth century, from different continents and from all branches of mathematics.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Lectures supported by problem sheets

Contact hours:

Assessment:
Coursework
Relative percentage of coursework : 0%
Examinations
An exam of one and a half hours requiring the answers to two questions from three. This contributes 100% of the overall assessment.
Requirements for a pass
A mark of 40% overall.
Reassessment arrangements
Re-examination in August/September only.