The enormous scope for higher studies in mathematics was discussed at a day-long workshop organised by the Anna Science Centre Planetarium. Ninety students of mathematics, from 10 city colleges were taken through opportunities for higher studies in the subject, its applications in day-to-day life and in advanced research studies.
The first session, handled by R.Krishnakumar, Department of Mathematics, Urumu Dhanalakshmi College, delved into higher studies in mathematical analysis. In his lecture, Prof.Krishnakumar cited the various courses available at institutions like Indian Institute of Technology, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Inter University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics among others.
The second lecture of the day was delivered by M.Marudai, Department of Mathematics, Bharathidasan University. Outlining the present situation in the field of mathematics, Prof.Marudai said that students must use a concept-based approach while learning the subject. Pointing out that a concept in science is synonymous with a corresponding set of operations he said that it was possible to convert mathematical concepts into easily understandable diagrammatic representations. V.Mohana Selvi from Jayaram College of Engineering and Technology, Thuraiyur, dealt with the real time applications of mathematics in her lecture. Talking about the various fields of applications of mathematics , she said that people fail to recognise its significance in our day-to-day lives.
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The final session for the day was on the advanced applications of mathematics, handled by Dr.A.Nagoor Gani, Department of Mathematics, Jamal Mohamed College. In his address, he said that there were two types of logic-crisp and fuzzy-and he talked about the application of fuzzy logic in a variety of electronic gadgets such as camcorders, mobile phones, washing machines .
The chief guest for the day was D.Paul Dhayabaran, Principal, Bishop Heber College. Addressing the students, he said that they must not dismiss mathematics as a field they chose because they had no other option and must instead approach it with interest and enthusiasm. To support this, he quoted incidents from the life of mathematical genius, Ramanujam.