Mathematical Perspectives (8104.3)
Please note these are the 2019 details for this unit
| Available teaching periods | Delivery mode | Location |
|---|---|---|
| View teaching periods | ||
| EFTSL | Credit points | Faculty |
| 0.125 | 3 | Faculty Of Science And Technology |
| Discipline | Study level | HECS Bands |
| Academic Program Area - Technology | Level 3 - Undergraduate Advanced Unit | Band 1 2021 (Commenced After 1 Jan 2021) Band 1 2021 (Commenced Before 1 Jan 2021) |
A broad introduction to mathematics from earliest times to the present, suitable for anyone with an interest in the history of ideas. Accessible to a broad audience, its mathematical prerequisites are a bare minimum. Students have the option of following their own interests via project work. Topics include: Mathematics in ancient times, the modern era, and western culture; varieties of mathematical thinking; has all mathematics been discovered? and what is useful mathematics? Selected Topics in Mathematics chosen from: Prime number theorem, straightedge and compass constructions, solvability of polynomial equations in radicals, transfinite arithmetic, group theory, Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometry, mathematical foundations, infinity, chaos and fractals, quantifying uncertainty, mathematical physics, cryptography, error correcting codes, and information theory.
1. A mature perspective on mathematics as a cultural phenomenon and contrast this with mathematics as an enabling discipline for other sciences;
2. Mathematics will take its place as one aspect in the history of ideas and hence students will understand mathematics as a human enterprise; and
3. Skill in historical scholarship.
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
2. UC graduates are global citizens - think globally about issues in their profession
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:1. A mature perspective on mathematics as a cultural phenomenon and contrast this with mathematics as an enabling discipline for other sciences;
2. Mathematics will take its place as one aspect in the history of ideas and hence students will understand mathematics as a human enterprise; and
3. Skill in historical scholarship.
Graduate attributes
1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
2. UC graduates are global citizens - think globally about issues in their profession
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development
Prerequisites
None.Corequisites
None.Incompatible units
None.Equivalent units
None.Assumed knowledge
6543 Mathematical Structures or 8110 Linear Algebra| Year | Location | Teaching period | Teaching start date | Delivery mode | Unit convener |
|---|
Not available
Required texts
Required text: John Stillwell, "Mathematics and its history", Second Edition, Springer ISBN 0-387-95336-1.
https://books.google.com.au/books/about/Mathematics_and_Its_History.html?id=WNjRrqTm62QC&redir_esc=y
Learner engagement
| Activities | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lectures (2 hours/week; 11 times) |
22 |
| Workshops (2 hours/week; 12 times) |
24 |
| Weekly study (2 hours/week; 12 times) |
24 |
| in class tests preparation |
30 |
| Assignment/Presentation |
50 |
| Total hours |
150 |
Participation requirements
It is expected that students will attend all lectures and tutorials.
Required IT skills
The students should be able to access the unit website and email.
In-unit costs
See recommended text section.
Work placement, internships or practicums
None
