MAT 444-01 - Senior Seminar - Experimental Mathematics (Spring)

4 credits (Spring)

The pure mathematican has traditionally solved problems by “paper and pencil.” While the use of computers has changed our world in many respects, this has not (with few exceptions) come back to help mathematicians in their research. This course will show how computers can be used to solve a variety of problems from calculus, linear algebra, combinatorics, analysis, and other areas. The common thread is using the computer for discovery, not just calculations. Students will master a computer algebra system, learn some recently developed algorithmic tools, and work on a research project. The course is intended for anyone interested in seeing how computers can be used to solve problems in pure mathematics. Recommended for those considering graduate school in mathematics. Previous experience with a computer algebra system is not required.

Prerequisite: MAT 316. MAT 321 recommended.
Instructor: Chamberland