MA-305 History of Mathematics
- ECTS Credits:
- 5
- Responsible department:
- Faculty of Engineering and Science
- Course Leader:
- Reinhard Siegmund-Schultze
- Lecture Semester:
- Spring
- Teaching language:
- Norwegian or English.
- Duration:
- 1 term
The course is connected to the following study programs
- Industrial Mathematics, Bachelor's Programme
- Advanced Teacher Education level 8-13, 5-year Master's Programme
Teaching language
Norwegian or English.Recommended prerequisites
MA - 163 , MA - 164 og MA - 165
Course contents
The course gives a perspective of the main lines of the development of mathematics from antiquity to modern times with emphasis on the roots of school mathematics. Euclidean geometry, and the notions of number and function, will be particularly emphasized. At the example of the development of the notion of number it will be given a historical explanation for the increasing abstractness of mathematics. This includes various systems of representation of numbers (Egyptian, Babylonian, our own system) and it pertains also to the content of the number notion (natural up to complex numbers). In addition the historical development of the notions of mathematical proof, limit and algorithm will be discussed. By comparing the purely geometrical presentation in Euclid with Descartes`algebraic approach the students acquire a better understanding of the different branches and disciplines of mathematics.
Learning outcomes
The student is able to
-
Thorough understanding of fundamental mathematical notions such as number and magnitude and their historical origins
-
Be able to combine history with mathematical content
-
Be able to work with and apply mathematics effectively both in teaching and in other social contexts
Examination requirements
Required assignments must be approved, see Canvas for more information.
Teaching methods
Seminars, lectures and obligatory written papers. The course has an expected workload of around 133 hours.
Parts of the course require attendance, detailed information will be given at the start of the course. If needed the teaching can be performed in English.
Evaluation
The person responsible for the course, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1. Information about evaluation method for the course will be posted on Canvas.
Offered as Single Standing Module
Yes
Assessment methods and criteria
4-hour written examination. Graded assessment.
Reduction of Credits
This course’s contents overlap with the following courses. A reduction of credits will occur if one of these courses is taken in addition:
Course | Reduction of Credits |
---|---|
MA-414 – The Development of Mathematics | 5 |