Problem of the Month Solutions are due Friday

Reminder: Solutions to September's "Problem of the Month" should be turned in to Dr. Swanson by this Friday, September 27.  Copies of the problem were e-mailed to math and computer science majors and left in Patterson 211.  Solutions will be posted.  Good luck!

Senior Seminar Presents "Sailing with Spherical Trigonometry" Thursday, September 26.

The shortest distance between two points is a straight line, right? Join integrated math major Katelyn Mittelstaedt and find out why that's not always the case.  

Sailing with Spherical Trigonometry

by Katelyn Mittelstaedt

Thursday, September 26

1:40 - 2:30 p.m.

in Patterson 324

Abstract: We’re sailing from California to Hawaii and we want to take the shortest route possible. We will explore the derivation of the Latitude Equation of the Mid-longitude derived using spherical trigonometry. Next we will apply the equation using the coordinates of our locations to calculate the mid-longitudes. The mid-longitudes will allow us to be sure that we are following the great circle path from one destination to the other. Join us to sail the great circle from California to Hawaii and see why the shortest path really isn’t a straight line. Everyone is welcome to attend these seminars!

Math and Computer Science Fall Picnic

Don't forget to join us Sunday evening, September 22, on the Quad for lawn games, food, and fun with fellow math and computer science students and faculty. 

Math & CS Fall Picnic

Sunday, September 22nd 

4:00 - 7:00 p.m. 

on the Quad at A.U. 

Fun, Games & Fellowship start at 4:00 

 Dinner at 5:00 

Senior Seminar Presents: "Mathematical Epidemiology and Combating Diseases" on Tuesday, Sept. 24.

Any good plague thriller movie features a scene where they predict the spread of a lethal Hollywood disease.  At Tuesday's Senior Seminar, biotechnology senior Joshua Allman explains how this works in real life and how the information can be used to combat the spread of disease.

Mathematical Epidemiology and Combating Diseases 

by Joshua Allman 

Tuesday, September 24 

3:05 - 3:55 p.m.

in Patterson 324

Abstract: The field of mathematical epidemiology is dedicated to developing mathematical models that describe how diseases act on populations, and is a critical element in devising strategies to combat epidemics. Mathematical epidemiology played a significant role in the eradication of smallpox. Its significance continues to increase as new resources, treatments and computing power become available to health officials. Some general methods for developing mathematical epidemiological models will be presented along with applications of those models to fight infectious diseases.  All are welcome to attend these seminars. 

Senior Seminar Series presents "The Code to Life" on Thursday, September 19

Have you ever used the internet, a cell phone, or done online shopping? Then you have used cryptography. Join Senior Sara Reidler as she provides a look into the mechanics of these security processes. These seminars are open to anyone with an interest in Math topics.  

The Code to Life

by Sara Reidler

Thursday, September 19 

1:40 - 2:30

in PTC 324

Abstract: Have you ever used the internet, a cell phone, or done online shopping? Then you have used cryptography to get information from one location to another without someone in the middle reading the information. Cryptography is the science of the hidden message, often called “secret writing.” To encrypt your message both the sender and receiver use the same key. This talk will use group theory to explain the process of the Diffie-Hellman key exchange and help us understand why no one can intercept the key in the middle.

It's TIME for the Fall Picnic

The 2013 Math and Computer Science Fall Picnic is this Sunday, September 22, 4-7 p.m. on the AU Quad.  

Math students, faculty staff and friends are all welcome to meet on the quad, beginning at 4:00 for games, fellowship and fun.  Dinner time is 5:00 p.m.  Faculty are asked to bring a side dish to share.

According to early weather reports, we'll have a perfect fall day for it.  If you plan to come, you can sign up with your math professors or on the door of Patterson 202.

Hope to see you there!

Senior Seminar Series presents "The Winning Shot" on Tuesday, September 17

Explore the mathematics behind the perfect free throw with senior Alexandria Eubank.  These seminars are open to anyone with an interest in Math topics.  This one might just "improve your game" too!

Math 450 Senior Seminar Presents

The Game Winning Shot

by 

Alexandria Eubank

Tuesday, September 17

3:05 - 3:55

in PTC 324

Abstract: The parameters of making a free throw in basketball can be calculated using the angle of elevation, the initial velocity of the ball, the position of the ball’s center, and gravity. The player only has control of the angle of the elevation and the force that the ball is thrown. We define a successful free throw using upper and lower bounds for the initial velocities possible for a given angle of elevation. Using parametric equations from physics, we then investigate changing parameters (height of the person, size of the ball, and distance from the rim) within this definition. Finally, using geometry and computer programs, the best angle of elevation and the best initial velocity are found for a perfect swoosh shot.