Course Department: |
Department of Mathematics and Statistics |
Course Code: |
MAS 007 |
Course Title: |
History of Mathematics |
Number of ECTS: |
5 |
Level of Course: |
1st Cycle (Bachelor's Degree)  |
Year of Study (if applicable): |
2  |
Semester/Trimester when the Course Unit is Delivered: |
Spring Semester 
|
Name of Lecturer(s): |
  |
Lectures/Week: |
2 (2 hours per lecture)  |
Laboratories/week: |
--  |
Tutorials/Week: |
--  |
Course Purpose and Objectives: |
Familiarization with the concept of infinity and the difficulties that human intellect has overcome with it over time, as well as the way it has been understood. The limits of the Sciences, the concepts of provable and nonprovable. The beauty of the prime numbers. The mathematics of ancient Greeks and the way they influenced the evolution of Philosophy and Science. Utopian searches in Mathematics. Heroes and demigods of Mathematics. Introduction to the Philosophy of Mathematics.
  |
Learning Outcomes: |
Understanding the way in which Mathematics have influenced (and still influences) Sciences, Letters and Arts, and Philosophy.
  |
Prerequisites: |
Not Applicable  |
Co-requisites: |
Not Applicable  |
Course Content: |
The understanding of infinite and the destiny of Cantor. Foundations: Lost and Found. Prime Number Theorem and Riemann Hypothesis. Roots of equations: The search for a non-existent formula. Archimedes, Newton and Gauss. The mathematics of ancient Greeks. The non-existent "Nobel Prize in Mathematics" and other prizes. Recent sensational developments.
  |
Teaching Methodology: |
Important mathematical concepts and biographical data are introduced, and then the audience is involved in a discussion for understanding both the concepts and how they have influenced since developments in human thinking.  |
Bibliography: |
- P.J. Davis and R. Hersh, The Mathematical Experience, Pelican, 1986
- Singh, Fermat's Last Theorem, 4th Estate, 1997
- M. Kline, Mathematical Thought from Ancient to Modern Times, OUP, 1972
- S. Hollingdale, Makers of Mathematics, Pelican Books, 1989
  |
Assessment: |
Mid-term Examination 4/10, Final Examination 6/10  |
Language of Instruction: |
Greek
|
Delivery Mode: |
Face-To-Face  |
Work Placement(s): |
Not Applicable  |