Wednesday 18 September 2013. An Evening tour of Belvoir Brewery has been arranged for Branch members and their friends starting at 7.30pm. To avoid disappointment please book before 8 September 2013.
Wednesday 23rd October 2013. What can we learn from the birds and bees? – Optimality Models in Behavioural Ecology A talk by: Dr Sean Collins (School of Mathematics, University of Bristol) 6.30 pm. Main Building, University of Derby, Kedleston Road.
Abstract: Traditionally, optimisation and equilibrium theory has addressed the solution of problems in areas such as operation research, applied probability and economics. However, behavioural biology is a surprisingly rich source of non-standard problems of this type, leading to original models, challenging mathematics and thought-provoking results. Research using standard optimisation models such as Markov decision processes, as well as game theory and more heuristic techniques such as genetic algorithms and reinforcement learning, has led to significant theoretical advances in areas such as mate choice and optimal foraging. We will provide an introductory survey to the area, reflecting on the techniques, the intuition behind the
results and possibly on the wider relevance for more standard optimisation and learning frameworks.
Tuesday 12 November 2013. Post-16 Mathematics Curriculum and Assessment Changes A talk by: Stella Dudzic starting at 7.30 pm. Room A0.01, Schofield Building, Loughborough University.
Abstract: New GCSEs and A levels in mathematics are planned for first teaching from September 2015. In the meantime, other changes have taken place including GCSEs going linear and the ending of A level units in January. This talk will outline recent and forthcoming changes at Key Stage 4 (KS4) and post-16.
Stella Dudzic is MEI Programme Leader for Curriculum. Stella taught for 22 years in secondary schools, including 9 years as head of department, before joining MEI in 2006. In addition to her work in curriculum development, she is a textbook author and editor and regularly leads CPD for teachers. She was the 20112 Royal Statistical Society Guy Lecturer.
Monday 2nd December 2013. Modern Cryptography, by Dr Richard Pinch, starting at 7:00 pm, Lecture Theatre B13, Physics and Astronomy Building University of Nottingham University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD.
Details: Traditionally cryptography has been concerned with protecting secrecy of messages and was largely the domain of governments and the military. Today we are increasingly all living our lives in cyberspace where security is an issue and we are using cryptography whether we know it or not! In this talk we look at how mathematics, from the elementary to the advanced, is providing the elements of security in cyberspace.
Thursday 5 December 2013. Easter Island population collapse; historical anachronism or warning for the 21st Century? A talk by John Stubbs and Chris Parkes (University of Derby). 7.30 pm. Heap Lecture Theatre, University of Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby.
Abstract: The debate on global population growth and resource availability is both long standing and contentious. Using the example of Easter Island, whose population collapsed in the 14th/15th century through exhaustion of the island’s resources, mathematical models are developed to investigate whether this collapse was inevitable or whether it could have been prevented through improved resource management schemes. The conclusions derived from the modelling of Easter Island’s population – resource balance are then used to present some possible future scenarios for global population growth for the 21st century and beyond.
Wednesday 12th February 2014. Building on Mathematics. A talk by John Read (Arup, Nottingham) 7.30 pm CELS Building Lecture Theatre 015, Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Campus, Clifton Lane, Nottingham.
Abstract: John will talk about some of the geometry and applied mathematics behind the projects he has worked on, and how his interested in mathematics has influenced some of the projects he has worked on. He will also talk briefly about some thinking that he did recently investigating the Euler Bernoulli equation for a recreational maths conference and about how he has been involved in presentations to inspire future engineers and architects about mathematics and engineering.
John Read is a Chartered Civil and Structural Engineer, with 26 years’ experience working for the engineering design firm Arup, where he is currently an Associate Director. Much of this time he has been based in Nottingham as a Building Engineer. He has been interested in recreational mathematics since he picked up Martin Gardner’s ‘Mathematical Puzzles and Diversions’ in the local library at the age of 12. That fascination, along with many happy childhood years of Lego building, inspired his choice of career. John has worked on projects such as the Imperial War Museum of the North in Manchester, the National Ice Centre in Nottingham and the Derby Multisport Arena currently under construction. He has
also been involved in a number of projects in the nuclear industry, as well as in healthcare planning and many other construction sectors within the built environment during a varied career.
Wednesday 5th March 2014. Making mathematics visible: the challenge for the digital age. A talk by Celia Hoyles, IMA President Designate 2014 (London Institute of Education) 7.30 pm Lecture Theatre 2, Ken Edwards Building, University of Leicester.
Abstract: In this talk I will present some examples from many years of research and practice of the use of digital technologies in mathematics education. Through these examples, I will seek to illustrate the potential of the use of computers to transform engagement with mathematics and, crucially, to open a window on to its widespread use.
Wednesday 19 March 2014. Brass for Brain: Lord Kelvin and tide prediction. A talk by Raymond Flood (Emeritus Fellow of Kellogg College, University of Oxford and Gresham Professor of Geometry, Gresham College). 7.30 pm. Room A17, Mathematical Sciences Building, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD.
Abstract: In 1882, in a paper in the Proceedings of the Institute of Civil Engineers, William Thomson, later Lord Kelvin, wrote about his Tidal Harmonic Analyser: “The object of this machine is to substitute brass for brain in the great mechanical labour of calculating the elementary constituents of the whole tidal rise and fall…” In my talk I want to discuss some of his contributions to tide recording, analysis, prediction and mechanization as well as giving a background to Lord Kelvin’s life and work.
Saturday 17th May 2014. Branch Dinner at Spice 45, Leicester Road, Narborough, Leicester LE19 2HL
Meet 7:15 pm in the restaurant, for a meal starting 7.30 p.m.
Tuesday 20 May 2014. Taxi-cab geometry. A talk by Tom Roper (University of Leeds). 7.30 pm Main Building University of Derby, Kedleston Road
The 2013 Branch AGM will be held prior to this talk starting at 7.10 pm
Abstract: We measure the world in which we live by the theorem of Pythagoras. But what happens if we change the measure, the metric? Does the world look different? And if so how different? You will need pencil, squared paper and ruler in order to explore some taxi-cab geometry.
