MATH 053. Topics in Analysis: Analytic Number Theory

The Ukrainian mathematician Maryna Viazovska won the 2022 Fields Medal, the most famous prize in mathematics, for her work in analysis and number theory. Specifically, Viazovska proved a seemingly intractable conjecture about the most efficient way to pack spheres in eight-dimensional space. Her work is a tour of some of the most powerful and interesting tools in contemporary mathematics, including lattices, Fourier analysis, and modular forms. This class will introduce some of the key ideas in her proof.
Alternate years.
Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in one of and MATH 033, MATH 034, or MATH 035; placement by examination; or permission of the instructor. Some experience reading and writing mathematical proofs is strongly recommended.
Natural sciences and engineering.
1 credit.
Eligible for COGS
Spring 2025. Whitehead.
Catalog chapter: Mathematics and Statistics
Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/mathematics-statistics

Access the class schedule to search for sections.