Wednesday 28 September 2011. Branch Social Event at the Grainstore Brewery. A video and guided tour (approx 1 hour) of the Brewery. Meet at 7.30 p.m. in the bar, Grainstore Brewery and Public House, Station Approach, Oakham, Rutland.
Wednesday 19 October 2011. Neptune’s First Birthday. A talk by Chris Linton (School of Mathematics, Loughborough University) 7.30 p.m. Room A0.01, Schofield Building, Loughborough University.
Abstract: On 12 July 2011, Neptune completed one orbit around the sun since its discovery in 1846. This first birthday is an opportune time to celebrate one of the great triumphs of theoretical science: the mathematical prediction of Neptune’s existence and location.
Tuesday 15 November 2011. From Sylvia Plath to Bad Sex: uses of mathematics in fiction. A talk by Tony Mann (University of Greenwich) 7.30 p.m. Lecture Theatre 2, Ken Edwards Building, University of Leicester.
Abstract: Mathematics and mathematicians have featured in many novels. This talk looks at a variety of ways in which novelists have used mathematics and its practitioners, and at how fiction has been used to present mathematics.
Thursday 8 December 2011. Lessons for mathematical modelling from the global financial crisis. A talk by Prof. Lyn Thomas (Southampton University) 7.30 p.m. GEE004, George Eliot Building, The Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Site, Nottingham.
Thursday 26 January 2012. Complex Networks in Biology. A talk by Jonathan J. Crofts (Nottingham Trent University) 7.30 p.m. Lecture Theatre 2, Ken Edwards Building, University of Leicester.
Abstract: In the past decade or so complex networks have received a significant amount of attention. The ability to model apparently disparate real-world networks using a single unified language, has led to the growth of a truly interdisciplinary field, where physicists, mathematicians, computer scientists, and people from both the natural and social sciences work side by side. Examples of complex networks include the Internet, the World Wide Web, scientific collaborations, social, ecological, and neuronal networks to name but a few. In this talk, we shall consider a number of examples from biology, where a network approach, as opposed to the traditional `one gene – one phenotype’ Mendelian approach, presents perhaps the greatest promise. Indeed, the potential benefits to the understanding of human disease are enormous. For example, the identification of disease genes and disease pathways, a crucial step towards improving specificity and identifying accurate drug targets, can be seen to be greatly enhanced by such an approach.
Friday 2 March 2012. Two Dictionaries of Mathematics, 1679 and 1989. A talk by David Nelson (Manchester University) 7.30 p.m. Room A17, Mathematical Sciences Building, University of Nottingham.
Abstract: This talk attempts to describe the history, aims and content of two books. Firstly Joseph Moxon’s Mathematicks made Easie: or, a Mathematical Dictionary Explaining the Terms of Art and Difficult Phrases used in Arithmetick, Geometry, Astronomy, Astrology, and other Mathematical Sciences (1679), which was the first mathematical dictionary to be published in English. Secondly The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (1989), which has had subsequent editions in 1998, 2003 and 2008.
Thursday 22 March 2012. The Hidden Maths of Sport. A talk by Rob Eastaway 7.30 p.m. Room A17, Mathematical Sciences Building, University of Nottingham.
Rob Eastaway is best known for his books on the maths of everyday life and regularly appears on BBC radio to talk about everyday maths. Books include “Why do buses come in threes?” and “Maths for Mums & Dads”, and most recently “The Hidden Mathematics of Sport”. He is a former President of the Mathematical Association, and the Director of Maths Inspiration, a national programme of theatre-based lecture shows for teenagers.
Abstract: Maths and sport have always been inextricably linked. And we’re not just talking about statistics. The strategies of a penalty-taker, an athlete and a tennis server can all be highly mathematical. Why should a shot-putter head for Mexico? What do American football and cricket have in common? Why should the referee have KNOWN that Lampard’s shot went in against Germany?
Is it better to be a brilliant but flawed golfer, or a boringly consistent one? And when you’re down the pub, should you really aim your dart at treble 20? All this and more in a talk that has something for everyone.
Saturday 28 April 2012. Branch Dinner at Spice 45. Meet 7:15 pm in the restaurant for a meal starting 7.30 p.m. Spice 45, The Bell Inn, Leicester Road, Narborough, Leicester LE19 2HL.
Wednesday 16 May 2012. AGM at 7.10 p.m. followed by The Mathematics Magic Show. A talk by Peter McOwan (Professor of Computer Science at Queen Mary, University of London) 7.30 p.m. Lecture Theatre 2, Ken Edwards Building, University of Leicester.
Peter’s research interests are in visual perception, mathematical models for visual processing, in particular motion, cognitive science and biologically inspired hardware and software. He is also active in science outreach through various projects such as cs4fn http://www.cs4fn.org/ and Sodaracehttp://www.sodarace.net/. Peter was awarded a National Teaching Fellow in 2008 by the Higher Education Academy.
Abstract: Witness an amazing magic show and sneak behind the scenes to explore the maths and computing powering the tricks.
Wednesday 13 June 2012. Branch Social Event at the Heathcote Arms. Meet by 6.30 p.m. in the Bar for a directed walk and quiz or 7.30 p.m. in the Skittle Alley. The Heathcote Arms, Hill Street, Croft, Leicester LE9 3EG.
