First-Year Writing Seminar (105-8-51)

Topic

Symmetry in mathematics and our world

Instructors

Sonja Mapes Szekelyhidi

Meeting Info

Lunt Hall 103: Mon, Wed, Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM

Overview of class

Course Title: Symmetry in mathematics and our world

Course description:
Symmetry is a concept that many of us are familiar with in at least one way. This course aims to examine how mathematicians define the notion of symmetry. We will explore how this allows mathematicians to answer questions ranging from how many possible wallpaper patterns there are to whether or not a formula like the quadratic formula exists for other types of polynomial equations. Along the way we will explore also how this mathematical notion of symmetry plays a role in art, music, physics, chemistry and beyond. This course will be a mix of recreational math explorations related to understanding this formalization of the concept of symmetry, as well as discussions related to the readings. This course assumes no prior mathematical knowledge.

Class Materials (Required)

Title: "Groups and Symmetry: A Guide to Discovering Mathematics"
Author: David Farmer
ISBN: 978-0-8218-0450-6 OR 978-1-4704-1190-9 (for the ebook)
Publisher: AMS

Title: "The Equation That Couldn't Be Solved"
Author: Mario Livio
ISBN-13: ‎ 978-0743258210

Class Materials (Suggested)

No suggested materials. See required materials

Class Attributes

WCAS Writing Seminar