Using maths to explain natural phenomena

Using maths to explain natural phenomena

North Queensland residents are invited to the 2014 Last Lecture for James Cook University, titled The Maths Lesson You Always Wanted But Never Had.

The Last Lecture is an annual event for JCU, which provides an opportunity to bring the community together to celebrate the end of the academic year.

It also provides an opportunity for a distinguished academic to address the community on a topic of their choosing.

The event is free and open to the public.

The 2014 lecture is being presented by Dr Yvette Everingham, Senior Lecturer in JCU’s College of Science, Technology and Engineering next Friday (October 31) in Townsville.

Summary of Dr Everingham’s presentation:

Galileo once wrote, ‘the book of nature is written in the language of mathematics’.

This talk will showcase natural phenomena that can be explained by mathematics and discuss the opportunities that mathematical and statistical methods can deliver society in the 21st century.

To meet these challenges educators will need to develop and implement strategies that alleviate anxieties about maths and build mathematical confidence among students.

A framework for making mathematics accessible to maths-phobic people will be presented along with many practical and real world applications of mathematics and statistics.

Event details:

Townsville Friday 31 October 2014 3.00pm - 4.00pm JCU Townsville Campus, Education Central Lecture Theatre (134.010) video conference to Mount Isa (Lecture Room 1) and Singapore (JCUS Boardroom D01-02)

Refreshments will be served following the lectures.

JCU Media Liaison: Caroline Kaurila, tel: (07) 4781 4586 or 0437 028 175

First published October 24, 2014