The Grid template

Lecture Information

Instructor:  Adam Bowers
Time:  MWF 9:00a-9:50a
Location:  APM 2402

Discussion section:   A01
Time:  Tu 8:00a-8:50a
Location:  TBA

Contact information will be posted to Canvas.

Final Exam:  06/12/2023   W   8:00a-10:00a   Location: TBA

Course Information

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course will introduce students to the origins of many topics that they may encounter during a first-year mathematics course. Focus will be on the mathematical development (rather than the mathematicians themselves), but some biographical information will be given. (Note: Topics of Math 163 may vary from year to year.)

REQUIRED TEXT: Journey through Mathematics, Enrique A. González-Velasco, Springer, 2011.

From the back of the textbook: "This book offers an accessible and in-depth look at some of the most important episodes of two thousand years of mathematical history. Beginning with trigonometry and moving on through logarithms, complex numbers, infinite series, and calculus, this book profiles some of the ... crucial contributors to modern day mathematics ... [A] knowledge of first-year calculus is the only prerequisite. But undergraduate and graduate students alike will appreciate this glimpse into the fascinating process of mathematical creation."

NOTE: The book (Journey through Mathematics) is published by Springer and is available to UC San Diego students electronically for free through SpringerLink. In order to get the text for free, you have to access that URL either using a computer on campus or using a VPN.

UC San Diego students can also purchase a MyCopy print on demand softcover version for a discounted price.