History of Mathematics (MAT240)

Development of some central concepts of modern mathematics: Numbers and number systems (Natural numbers, rational numbers, real numbers, cardinal numbers) from Babylon to Europe, the concept of infinity from Zeno to Cantor, integration and derivation (the concept of limit from Fermat to Weierstrass, Newton's fluctions, the infinitesimals from Leibniz to Robinson), infinite series. Classical algebra, including solutions of cubic and biquadratic equations.


Course description for study year 2023-2024. Please note that changes may occur.

Facts

Course code

MAT240

Version

1

Credits (ECTS)

10

Semester tution start

Spring

Number of semesters

1

Exam semester

Spring

Language of instruction

Norwegian

Offered by
Time table

View course schedule

Content

Development of some central concepts in modern mathematics: Numbers and number systems (natural numbers, rational numbers, real numbers, cardinal numbers) from Babylon to Europe, infinity from Zeno to Cantor, integration and derivation (the limit concept from Fermat to Weierstrass, Newton's fluctions, the infinitesimals from Leibniz to Robinson), infinite seres. Development of Classical Algebra. Solution of polynomial equations from early times (Rhind papyrus, 1650 BCE) to Abel (1825) and Galois (1830).

Learning outcome

After comleting the course students should have a good general idea of the evolution of some of the major concepts of modern mathematics, such as

(i) numbers and their representations, (ii) derivation and integration, (iii) polynomial equations and their solutions.

Required prerequisite knowledge

None

Recommended prerequisites

MAT100 Mathematical Methods 1

Exam

Form of assessment Weight Duration Marks Aid
Written exam 1/1 4 Hours Letter grades No printed or written materials are allowed. Approved basic calculator allowed

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Alex Bentley Nielsen

Study Adviser:

Helene Nicolaisen

Course coordinator:

Martin Gunnar Gulbrandsen

Course teacher:

Paul Georg Papatzacos

Course teacher:

Alexander Ulanovskii

Head of Department:

Bjørn Henrik Auestad

Method of work

6 hours per week - lectures and problem solving.

Overlapping courses

Course Reduction (SP)
The History of Mathematics (ÅMA240_1) 10

Open for

Biological Chemistry - Biotechnology - Bachelor's Degree Programme Civil Engineering - Bachelor in Engineering Computer Science - Bachelor in Engineering Control Engineering and Circuit Design, Vocational Path - Bachelor in Engineering Control Engineering and Circuit Design - Bachelor in Engineering Chemistry and Environmental Engineering - Bachelor in Engineering Mechanical Engineering - Bachelor in Engineering Mathematics and Physics - Bachelor's Degree Programme Admission to Single Courses at the Faculty of Science and Technology Environmental Engineering - Master of Science Degree Programme Industrial Economics - Master of Science Degree Programme Industrial Economics - Master of Science Degree Programme, Five Year Mathematics and Physics - Five Year Integrated Master's Degree Programme Marine and Subsea Technology, Master of Science Degree Programme, Five Years Petroleum Engineering - Master of Science Degree Programme Petroleum Engineering - Master of Science Degree Programme, Five Years Mathematics - One-Year Programme

Course assessment

There must be an early dialogue between the course coordinator, the student representative and the students. The purpose is feedback from the students for changes and adjustments in the course for the current semester.In addition, a digital course evaluation must be carried out at least every three years. Its purpose is to gather the students experiences with the course.

Literature

The syllabus can be found in Leganto