[The University of Leicester]

Department of Mathematics



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MA3501 History of Mathematics

MA3501 History of Mathematics

Credits: 20 Convenor: Dr. M. Dampier Semester: 1 (weeks 2 to 12)
Prerequisites:
Assessment: written assignments: 100% Coursework only: 0%
Lectures: 12 Problem Classes: none
Tutorials: none Private Study: 138
Labs: none Seminars: none
Project: none Other: none
Surgeries: none Total: 150

Subject Knowledge

Aims

This module aims to introduce the student to the vast field of the History of Mathematics, through selected examples. There will be guidance on general methodological and chronological issues, and on use of sources including electronic archives.

Learning Outcomes

To know how historical perspectives and modern mathematical knowledge can be combined to understand historical mathematical texts. To be able to use library and electronic resources to research particular areas in the history of mathematics. To write clear reports on the results of research appropriate to an audience of peers.

Methods

Lectures, optional consultations, reading, electronic search.

Assessment

Marked essays.

Subject Skills

Aims

To introduce skills of independent research and writing clear reports. To develop students' abilities to assess unfamiliar mathematical arguments and to relate them to modern ways of understanding mathematics.

Learning Outcomes

Students will have improved their ability to use the resources of a modern library, including electronic resources, and will have improved their ability to write both descriptive and mathematical arguments.

Methods

Lectures, library session.

Assessment

Marked essays.

Explanation of Pre-requisites

There are no specific prerequisites for this module but it builds upon a general familiarity with mathematics at about the level of second year degree work. Training in the use of the resources of the library is provided by library staff. Simple early assignments are designed to help students get back into writing extended pieces of work, and use is made of literature from the Study Support Centre to give guidance on essay writing and referencing.

Course Description

This module covers the field of the History of Mathematics through a mix of class workshops, informal and formal lectures, and private reading and research. Most of the class hours are taken up with working in small groups looking at selected historical mathematical texts and reporting findings back to the whole class. There is some lecturer input to give general chronological orientation. Two short pieces of writing associated with this work contribute in a small way (10

Syllabus

Ancient mathematics Greek mathematics Arabic and Chinese mathematics Selected topics in the European Tradition

Reading list

Recommended:

C. B. Boyer and U. C. Merzbach, A History of Mathematics, Wiley, 1989. J. Fauvel and J. Gray eds., The History of Mathematics - A Reader, The Open University, 1987.

Resources

Source sheets, Library including the MA collection, lecture rooms.

Module Evaluation

Module questionnaires, module review, year review.

Next: MA3521 Computational Mathematics Project Up: ModuleGuide03-04 Previous: MA3201 Generalized Linear Models

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Last updated: 2004-02-21
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