Course syllabus
Matematisk kommunikation
Mathematical Communication
FMAB55, 5 credits, G1 (First Cycle)
Valid for: 2020/21
Decided by: PLED F/Pi
Date of Decision: 2020-04-01
General Information
Main field: Technology.
Compulsory for: Pi1
Language of instruction: The course will be given in Swedish
Aim
The aim of the course is to increase the student's awareness of,
and understanding of, mathematical reasoning. The course gives an
introduction to the construction of mathematical
theory, demonstrating the need for rigour through
simple examples. Furthermore, the student should practise his or
her ability to seek information, and to put forward and present
mathematical reasoning, also in popular form. The student should
also get some notions of current and modern mathematical
research.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must
- be able to use fundamental concepts used in mathematical theory
construction, and to understand their meaning.
- be able to informally describe the mathematical sciences
(geometry, algebra, analysis and probability theory) and to give
examples of research in classical as well as modern
mathematics.
- now the procedure for getting a mathematical work published,
and be familiar with some important mathematical journals.
Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must
- be able to use logical reasoning to analyse and solve
mathematical problems which require a division into several
subproblems.
- be able to explain in a well-structured manner, with clear
logic and proper terminology, orally as well as in
writing, solutions (produced by the student or by others) to
a mathematical problem, and be able to present, orally as well as
in writing, a given mathematical problem in a manner accesible
to laypersons.
- be able to comment on and review, both in writing and orally, a
mathematical text or a mathematical reasoning with respect to both
content and form.
- be able to search for articles and journals in data bases and
libraries containing mathematical literature, and be able
to provide references according to the accepted standards.
Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must
- develop an attitude to the world around him or
her, according to which mathematics is a natural and precise
instrument for communication and reasoning.
Contents
The construction of mathematical theories. A presentation of the
mathematical sciences. A glimpse into modern mathematics.
Examination details
Grading scale: UG - (U,G) - (Fail, Pass)
Assessment: Assignments. Written and oral reports of project work, individually and in groups. Compulsory attendance at the presentation of the assignments and the project report.
The examiner, in consultation with Disability Support Services, may deviate from the regular form of examination in order to provide a permanently disabled student with a form of examination equivalent to that of a student without a disability.
Admission
Assumed prior knowledge: Knowledge from courses in calculus and linear algebra which are taught in parallel.
The number of participants is limited to: No
The course overlaps following course/s: FMA085, FMAA30
Reading list
- Kevin Houston: How to Think Like a Mathematician, A Companion to Undergraduate Mathematics. Cambridge University Press, 2009, ISBN: 978-0-521-89546-0. A book about reading, understanding and writing mathematics.
The ISBN number refers to the paperback edition.
- Stenciler med populärvetenskaplig presentation av modern matematik. Handed out.
Contact and other information
Course coordinator: Studierektor Anders Holst, Studierektor@math.lth.se
Teacher: Niels Christian Overgaard, nco@maths.lth.se
Course homepage: http://www.maths.lth.se/course/FMAB55matkom/