In this course we will traverse history as we look back at some of the most important discoveries in the field of Mathematics.

From the use of Numbers in Ancient Egypt, to the Geometry of the Ancient Greeks, via the invention of Calculus by Newton and Leibniz simultaneously in the 17th Century – each discovery yielded a new way of viewing the universe.

In this course we will not only look at the Maths itself, but the stories of the Mathematicians that discovered it.

No specific mathematical knowledge is required, but a familiarity with school maths would be helpful.

This course is part of the Oxford University Summer School for Adults (OUSSA) programme.

Seminars

Participants are taught in small seminar groups of up to 10 students, and receive two one-on-one tutorials with their tutor.

Sunday
Ancient Egypt: Number systems and Calendars

We will translate hieroglyphs to uncover the Ancient Egyptian number system and explore how their calendar was determined by the flooding of the River Nile.

Monday
Ancient Greece: Geometry and Proof

We will look at the ‘cult of Pythagoras’, the incredible work of Euclid and his seminal text ‘Elements’ which became the basis of mathematical knowledge for the next 2000 years, and some examples of mathematical proof via Plato and Hipassus.

Tuesday
Astronomy across India and Europe

We will explore the work of astronomers throughout history and the great strides made across the world with the development of telescopes and other measuring devices. We will study Indian Astronomers, alongside the famous names of the Renaissance period such as Galileo and Kepler.

Wednesday
From Mathematical Duels to ‘actual’ Duels

From the ‘mathematical duels’ of Italian Mathematicians, to the more traditional pistols at dawn and the tragic story of Galois, the competition between mathematicians has always been fierce. Here, we take a look at how it led to the creation of two important areas of the subject with Imaginary Numbers and Abstract Algebra.

Thursday
Calculus: Newton and Leibniz

Calculus is perhaps the most important tool we have for understanding the laws of our universe, and its history is fascinating. Discovered independently by both Newton and Leibniz, it led to many arguments about the ‘right’ way to do mathematics – but which approach survives today?

Friday
The Million-Dollar Equations

The 7 greatest unsolved problems facing mathematicians today, each with a $1-million prize. What led to the development of such problems? And what areas of maths are they related to?

Programme timetable

The daily timetable will normally be as follows:

Saturday

14.00–16.30 – Registration
16.30–17.00 – Orientation meeting
17.00–17.30 – Classroom orientation for tutor and students
17.30–18.00 – Drinks reception
18.00–20.00 – Welcome dinner

Sunday – Friday

09.00–10.30 – Seminar
10.30–11.00 – Tea/coffee break
11.00–12.30 – Seminar
12.30–13.30 – Lunch
13.30–18.00 – Afternoons are free for tutorials, individual study, course-related field trips or exploring the many places of interest in and around Oxford.
18.00–19.00 – Dinner (there is a formal gala dinner every Friday to close each week of the programme).

A range of optional social events will be offered throughout the summer school. These are likely to include: a quiz night, visit to historic pubs in Oxford, visit to Christ Church for Evensong and after-dinner talks and discussions.