This Colloquium is sponsored by the Department of Mathematics and the Brooklyn College Math Club. Talks are accessible to a broad audience of students and faculty in mathematics and related disciplines. It is usually held during common hour on Tuesdays from 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm in 1127 Ingersol, but the day, time and location does change so please note the details listed by each talk.

Fall 2016

Speaker: Alexander Gindes, Mathematics, Brooklyn College
Date: Tuesday Sep 27, 2016
Time: 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Location: 1146 Ingersol

Title: 4 Proofs of oo of Primes
Abstract: We will discuss 1 of the most beautiful mathematical theorem - Infinitude of Primes. 4 proofs with variations will be given: Euclid's indirect proof, Euler's analytical proof, Furstenberg's topological proof, and Chaitin's complexity proof. These proofs reflect to some degree evolution of techniques in number theory and mathematics.

Speaker: David Aulicino, Mathematics, Brooklyn College
Date: Tuesday Nov 1, 2016
Time: 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Location: 1141 Ingersol

Title: Billiards in Polygons
Abstract: We will begin by considering a square billiard table and ask, "When is a billiard trajectory periodic?" We will give an answer to this question, and explain how this relates to a surface with a "flat geometry." We will generalize this setting to other polygons and investigate some of their properties. We will conclude by stating an unsolved problem about triangles.

Speaker: Jeff Suzuki, Mathematics, Brooklyn College
Date: Tuesday Nov 15, 2016
Time: 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Location: 1146 Ingersol (Math Seminar Room)

Title: Linear Algebra: The Fourth Wave of Mathematics
Abstract: Big ideas in mathematics often lead to fundamental changes in human culture. Thus the invention of written numbers allowed the rise of cities and central government, while calculus played a key role in the scientific and industrial revolution. Some mathematicians believe that over the next fifty years, linear algebra will bring about profound changes in our society. We'll take a look at how some very simple ideas from linear algebra are already beginning to change how we live, work, and play.

Speaker: Noson Yanofsky, Computer Science, Brooklyn College
Date: Tuesday Nov 29, 2016
Time: 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Location: 1127 Ingersol

Title: Category Theory by Example
Abstract: Category theory started as a branch of mathematics that studied various types of structures. Over the past few decades, category theory has arisen in almost every branch of mathematics, theoretical physics, and theoretical computer science. We give the basic definition of a category and discuss the relationships between categories. We then show the ubiquity of category theory by describing ten simple examples of categories from various fields of science. We conclude by showing how category theory is a unifying language of science by describing the relationships between these categories.

Speaker: Scott Goldstein, Guardian Life
Date: Thursday Dec 8, 2016
Time: 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Location: 1141 Ingersol

Title: Actuarial Science
Abstract: I will give a brief overview of the profession, talk a little about the kind of work I do, give an overview of how retirement products work, and then explain how variable annuities with living benefits work.