History of early modern mathematics (1200-1700)

Course Programme

Session timings are below.

Please plan to arrive online shortly before each session is due to begin.

Friday 13 November, 6.30pm: Medieval Muslim inheritance, new tech and ancient wisdom, universities, logic and symbols, and Leonardo (not da Vinci) and capitalism

Saturday 14 November, 6.30pm: Renaissance maths, status of the Greeks, and the power of mathematics; Brunelleschi, engineers, and mathematics as a window on the mind of God

Sunday 15 November, 6.30pm: Geometry, recovery of Archimedes, ambitious engineers, the diversity of mathematical practices

Monday 16 November, 6.30pm: Where did algebra really come from? Cubics, printing books and notation

Tuesday 17 November, 6.30pm: Going beyond the ancients (i): infinitesimals, the missing heuristic, and maths gone rogue

Wednesday 18 November, 6.30pm: Going beyond the ancients (ii): Cartesian algebraic geometry, a hidden heuristic? The search for a Theory of Everything (the GAGTOC)

Thursday 19 November, 6.30pm: New maths, new physics, new cosmology, new science, new world. It's called force and here are its equations.

Additional requirements

ICE is committed to providing equality of opportunity and to a proactive and inclusive approach to equality. We aim to support and encourage under-represented groups, promote an inclusive culture, and value diversity.
Further information about student support.

Course materials

A book list, course syllabus and detailed timetable are circulated as far as possible in advance of a course. You will receive these documents by email if you have provided us with your email address; please check your spam folder if you have not received these documents.

You can also download material from the Documents section at the bottom of this page.

Fees

Fees for remote-study courses cover the course tuition for all remote sessions. VAT does not apply to course fees and there is no service charge. Payment is by credit/debit card unless otherwise arranged and is taken in full at the time of booking.

Cancellations

You may cancel a course booking at any time. After the 14 day cancellation period has expired, the standard ICE course cancellation policy will apply. Please view our refund and cancellation policy for further details.

Bursaries

The Cambridge University Press (CUP) Bursary Fund offers a bursary of 50% of the course fee to applicants who teach in a UK state school or state-funded further education institution, applying to study a day school, weekend course or online course.

What you will need

The course is open to anyone, however it is taught via a virtual classroom. You will be able to see, hear and interact with your classmates and the tutor. In order to participate you will need to have a laptop, computer, tablet or other device equipped with a camera (webcam), speakers and a microphone. 

Full instructions and support on the use of the software will be given on request.