This information is for the 2020/21 session.
Teacher responsible
Prof Jan van den Heuvel
Additional teachers: Prof June Barrow-Green and Prof Norman Biggs
Availability
This course is available on the BSc in Actuarial Science, BSc in Mathematics and Economics, BSc in Mathematics with Economics and BSc in Mathematics, Statistics and Business. This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit. This course is available with permission to General Course students.
Pre-requisites
Students must have completed Mathematical Methods (MA100).
General Course students may substitute an equivalent course.
Course content
This course surveys the development of mathematics from the beginning of history with an emphasis on its applications to finance and economics. Major themes are the development of arithmetic and geometry, the use of algebraic symbolism, the creation of the calculus, geometry, probability, and game theory. In order to give this course a distinctive flavour, we will illustrate these themes with examples taken from the social sciences, broadly interpreted. For example, the algorithms of arithmetic will be illustrated by their applications in finance, rather than astronomy.
Teaching
This course is delivered through a combination of classes and lectures totalling a minimum of 30 hours across Lent Term. This year, some or all of this teaching will be delivered through a combination of virtual classes and lectures delivered as online videos.
Formative coursework
Students are expected to submit written work on a weekly basis. One of these assignments will be a short essay of 900-1100 words.
Indicative reading
The course is based on source material which will be distributed to students as hard copy. J. Stedall’s ‘History of Mathematics: A Very Short Introduction’ (Oxford 2011) is recommended for background reading.
Assessment
Exam (50%, duration: 2 hours, reading time: 5 minutes) in the summer exam period.
Essay (50%, 2000 words) in the ST Week 1.
Key facts
Department: Mathematics
Total students 2019/20: 13
Average class size 2019/20: 13
Capped 2019/20: Yes (30)
Value: Half Unit
Personal development skills
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.