Science & Technology Number Theory: A Visual Introduction
Birth, Life & Death of Stars ONLINE: The sun is one of billions of stars in the Milky Way galaxy and trillions throughout the universe. Stars vary tremendously in character, and this online course will present ideas on the life cycle of various types of stars, ranging from barely luminous brown dwarfs to massive stars that end their lives in spectacular explosions. The course is divided into the three areas of stellar evolution: birth, life, and death. Stellar evolution has been studied since the realization that nuclear fusion was the main energy source powering stars. A vast amount of specialized knowledge has been developed, but in this course we will distill this information into essential aspects accessible to nonexperts. If successful, students will gain a greater appreciation for the wonderful complexity of our star-filled universe. They should be prepared to listen, ask questions, and, hopefully, aided by provided Internet links, seek further information on the nature of stars. • Lecture + Q&A.
ONLINE: In this online lecture course, we focus on basic aspects of number theory. We first investigate integers and their structure, showing how the ideas of factoring and prime numbers develop, as well as how these concepts can be extended into the complex numbers. Next, we investigate the world of modular arithmetic and ways it can be applied in cryptography. Finally, we look at the analysis of binary quadratic equations using the visual technique of the topograph. Students will gain an understanding of both how mathematicians think and develop new ideas as well as how they present these ideas in polished form. They will gain an appreciation for number theory, often referred to as the queen of mathematics. This being a math class, the class lectures build from week to week, so students are expected to attend all sessions. Students are encouraged to try the optional problem sets provided after each lecture in order to exercise their understanding of the concepts presented. • Lecture + Q&A.
Please note: Students wishing to get a broader view of stars can consult any introductory (non-physics-major) college textbook. The recommended book should give a good overview for most people.
Prerequisites: Some facility with high-schoollevel algebra and basic number skills are required. The textbook is highly recommended, since the course is based heavily on 10 of the 11 chapters. With its historical notes and many exercises, it is a useful supplement to the course for anyone wanting to delve further.
Recommended text: • Stephen P. Maran, Astronomy for Dummies, 4th ed. (9781119374244) Professor Don Ellison obtained his PhD in 1982 from the Catholic University of America. He has been on the physics faculty of NC State University since 1987 and emeritus since 2013. Before that he was a researcher at NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center and the University of Maryland. He has taught and done research on the theory of cosmic rays, particle acceleration in high-energy astrophysics, and the modeling of supernova remnants.
Recommended text: • Martin H. Weissman, An Illustrated Theory of Numbers (9781470463717) Frank Brown celebrated retirement by obtaining an MA in mathematics from East Carolina University. He has been teaching mathematics courses for OLLI since 2016. His previous OLLI course topics included the mathematics of voting, geometric topology, and cryptography.
• 3 Tue, Mar 15-Mar 29, 11:00am-12:15pm • Online via Zoom • Maximum: 50; Fee: $40; Course ID: 3332
• 10 Thu, Jan 27-Mar 31, 11:00am-12:15pm • Online via Zoom; Sessions are recorded • Maximum: 290; Fee: $100; Course ID: 3349 34
