Mathematics Education

Theme: What do mathematicians do now that machines can “do (all) the maths”?; delivered by Professor Keith Devlin

Date: 13th November 2019

Time: 6.00 pm refreshments, proceedings from 6.30 pm

Venue: OA5.5/01, Oastler Building, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH

Contact: Professor Fionn Murtagh, Centre for Mathematics and Data Science, School of Computing and Engineering

 

About the lecture

What do mathematicians do now that machines can “do (all) the maths”?

ABSTRACT: For thousands of years, calculation (numerical and symbolic) was the price we had to pay to do or use mathematics. But that is no longer the case. Since the late 1980s, we have had machines that can perform any step-by-step mathematical procedure. Those systems can handle far more variables than a human ever could, they never make mistakes, and they do it in a fraction of a second. Moreover, many of those tools are easily available and free. As a result, for the last thirty years, professional mathematicians, or those who use mathematics professionally, have not performed any kind of calculation by hand (except in very special circumstances).

So what exactly do the math pros do? And how do we teach the next generation to live and work in this world.

The event is free of charge to attend and will include refreshments and the opportunity to network.

Please register on our online store