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The World of MathematicsA Free Public Lecture Series at Melbourne Museum.
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As seen on Schools Television News, hear why the MAV thinks these lectures are so interesting: Go to the Schools TV archive of news stories, select the news stories from 16 June, 2004 and then the clip featuring Simon Pryor. Start at http://www.sofweb.vic.edu.au/schoolstv/news/vault.htm.
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Sunday, 18 July 2004 |
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| Time: | 1:00pm to 2:00pm |
| Lecturer: | Dr Burkard Polster |
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Sunday, 25 July 2004 |
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| Time: | 1:00pm to 2:00pm |
| Lecturer: | Dr Marty Ross |
| Knowledge and luck will always help on TV game shows, but so will mathematics! Marty showed how to dramatically increase your chances of taking home the big prizes. |
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Sunday, 29 August 2004 |
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| Time: | 1:00pm to 2:00pm |
| Lecturer: | Dr Marty Ross |
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Saturday, 11 September 2004 |
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| Time: | 11:00am to 12:00noon |
| Lecturer: | Dr Burkard Polster |
Your favourite mathematician Count Count described his thrilling adventures in the world of knots. The audience participated in some serious knot-spotting, learned to untangle Gordian knots, and found out why knots are the key to some of the deepest secrets of the universe. |
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The Dutch artist M.C. Escher is famous for his unique fusions of natural and mathematical beauty. Burkard gave a guided tour of Escher's magical world, and the audience marveled at some new parts of this world that even Escher himself did not know about.
Mathematics is the key to explaining how much of the World works. But at times we can get carried away, "seeing" patterns which aren't really there. Supermarket magazines often contain such silliness, but it is much more prevalent than that, and even experts can be fooled. Marty discussed how this happens and gave many examples, both silly and serious.About the Lecturers:
Drs Burkard Polster and Marty Ross entertain and educate budding and experienced mathematicians alike with their exciting brand of fun, information and, above all, ideas.
"These really are world class public lectures. And to make them work for such a diverse audience is a splendid achievement."
Dr Max Stephens, MAV Immediate Past President.
Burkard Polster is a Logan Research Fellow, and Monash University's resident mathematical juggler, origami expert, bubble-master, shoelace charmer, and Count Count impersonator. When he is not doing fun mathematics he has fun investigating perfect mathematical universes..
Marty Ross is a mathematical nomad. After studying at ANU and Stanford University,
he returned to his home town of Melbourne, via Texas, Bendigo, and Tasmania. He is currently teaching a course on the nature of mathematics for Akademos. His research is in geometric analysis (the use of geometry to study naturally occurring phenomena), but he spends a lot of time thinking up jokes to slip into lectures.
For details of MAV's professional development activities, please go to http://www.mav.vic.edu.au/activities/.
For further information contact: Simon Pryor