Guest Lecture

Besides lectures and tutorials, we also organize guest talks for EPYMT students. In 2011 summer, we held four guest talks in different mathematics topics. Many students enjoyed the talks and raised further mathematics questions.


Guest Lecture in July

  1. Topic: Limits and convergence
    Speaker: Prof. Polam Yung (Rutgers University)
    Date and time: 15 July (Fri), 1:30pm to 2:30pm

  2. Topic: Computer programs and natural number arithmetic
    Speaker: Dr. Wong Tin Lok (National University of Singapore)
    Date and time: 27 July (Wed), 1:30pm to 2:30pm

    Abstract: I will give an exposition of a correspondence between computer programs and natural number arithmetic, and describe some problems that are not solvable by a computer. Students are recommended tocheck out what the Russell Paradox is (on the Internet or otherwise)before the talk.


Guest Lecture in August

  1. Topic: Beyond Elementary Number Theory
    Speaker: Ms. Ching Wong (Chinese University of Hong Kong) and Mr. Kwok-Wing Tsoi (University of Warwick)
    Date and time: 10 August (Wed), 2:30pm to 3:30pm

    Abstract: Gauss refers Number Theory as the Queen of Mathematics. However, ones who are studying Elementary Number Theory could rarely see how she is related to other branches of mathematics. In the talk, we will pick a number theoretical problem from a Mathematics Contest as an example. We will describe how to solve the problem beautifully by applying some standard algebraic tools like Cyclotomic Field and Galois Theory. The level will be for the novice as the talk is intended to satisfy a general audience; that is, Sif you have never had a number theory course, then you are encouraged to come and see what is happening.



  2. Topic: A Friendly Invitation to Elliptic Curves
    Speaker: Mr. CHAN Edisy Kin-Wai (Indiana University Bloomington, USA)
    Date and time: 17 August (Wed), 2:30pm to 3:30pm

    Abstract: Abstract: Elliptic curves are fascinating objects living in the intersection of many fundamental fields in mathematics, including algebra, geometry, analysis and number theory. They are not only interesting mathematical objects to be investigated, but also surprisingly playing main roles in cryptography. In this guest lecture I will give out a brief and easy introduction to elliptic curves and explain how they are related to cryptography, which would let general audience with basic mathematics knowledge to feel how elegant elliptic curves are.