Math Colloquia

FLC Mathematics Colloquia are a series of talks given by FLC Math faculty, FLC Math students, and math researchers from outside the college. Usually the talks are about interesting mathematical topics, which we always try to make sure are accessible to everyone. Sometimes we change things up a bit and and talk about some more practical matters like what math class you should take next or careers in math.

Here are the upcoming talks:

Thursday, November 6 at 4:00 pm in EBH 219

Speaker: Dr. Charles Carson, Professional Associate of Fort Lewis College

Title: Why am I Stuck in This Line? (and Other Mathematical Mysteries)

Abstract: Dr. Carson will illustrate the utility of mathematical models by building and exercising a deceptively simple one – a Markov Chain – to help understand a common experience, waiting in line for service. The talk should be a fun introduction to math modeling at a level appropriate for a general audience interested in how systems work. The discussion will include several extensions of the basic model and will underscore how modeling can make unique contributions to the design and management of physical systems.

Thursday, November 12 at 4:00 pm in EBH 219

Speaker: Erich McAlister, Fort Lewis College

Title: Counterexamples in Calculus

Abstract: Students in Calculus courses often ask questions like “Isn’t that just obvious?” or “Do I have to check all the hypotheses?” As a professor I almost always answer no to the first question and yes to the second. Often the reason given for my answers is unsatisfying. In this talk I will give some examples of good answers to these questions via counterexamples from Calc I, II, and III.

Recent talks:

Thursday, October 8 at 4:30 pm in EBH 219

Speaker: Kathy Merrill (Colorado College, Emertitus)
Title: Who is Fourier?
Abstract: Fourier analysis extends the basic ideas of linear algebra to describe sounds and images in terms of waves of different frequencies. The result is one of the most powerful tools in mathematics and the sciences. This introductory talk will show how Fourier series arises naturally out of linear algebra, and then returns to linear algebra in its execution, through the discrete and fast Fourier transforms.

A list of colloquia from the 2008 - 2009 school year can be found here.