A group of Year 12 mathematics students travelled into central London on Wednesday 30th November 2011 to listen to a day of lectures at the Logan Hall, University of London Institute of Education. The event titled ‘Mathematics in Action' comprised of a series of talks by five distinguished speakers on various applications of mathematics.
The programme of lectures commenced with a talk from the host, Dr Mark Hogarth, Fellow and Director of Studies in Philosophy at Girton College, University of Cambridge called ‘Mathematicians don't know what they're talking about'. We were encouraged to question the philosophy of mathematics and to ask ourselves whether the most basic of mathematical statements, 1+1=2 is really true. The lecture was an amusing and thought-provoking start to the day, challenging the foundations of our mathematical knowledge and beliefs.
The subsequent lectures explored the application of mathematics in calculating the age of the universe, in re-creating the 1943 dambusters raid, where a bouncing bomb was used to blow up a German dam during the Second World War, and in solving real world problems. The day concluded with a highly entertaining talk from Matt Parker, Queen Mary, University of London, who revealed the mathematical jokes hidden in plain sight within episodes of The Simpsons.
Most importantly, the day provided us with an opportunity to learn about mathematics beyond the AS Level and IB syllabus. The variety of lectures highlighted the importance of mathematics in a range of disciplines from cosmology to engineering to writing cartoon shows, emphasising the analytical and problem skills developed by the study of the subject. We were encouraged to more actively question mathematical theories and to find creative solutions to unusual problems. Overall the event was very enjoyable and beneficial, widening our knowledge and understanding of mathematics beyond the classroom.
Article: Priya Shah (Year 12)