MAT 438E - History of Mathematics

Course Objectives

Prehistoric Mathematics, Ancient Egyptian, Greek, Mesopotamian Mathematics, Medieval and Islamic Civilization Mathematics
The birth of mathematics in Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.
Number systems, geometry, arithmetic.
Mathematical solutions for calendar and engineering purposes.
Babylonian mathematics and the base-60 number system.
Medieval Islamic Mathematics:
Mathematical developments in the Islamic world (8th-13th centuries).
Al-Khwarizmi and algebra.
Contributions to trigonometry and astronomy.
Transfer of Islamic mathematics to the West.
Application: Algebra problems of Al-Khwarizmi and applications of trigonometry
Rebirth of mathematics and mathematical revolutions

Course Description

This program covers the history of mathematics from the beginning to modern times. Each week, important mathematical developments of a certain period, famous mathematicians of that period and the effects of these developments on mathematics and other sciences are covered. In addition to theoretical knowledge, students reinforce this knowledge with applications.