Mathematics Matters
The Mathematics Matters case studies have been written to address the issue that contemporary mathematics research affects the daily lives of a very large number of people worldwide, yet most remain in almost total ignorance of this fact. The case studies aim to give examples of contemporary research and describe the mathematics, without resorting to technical detail but also without over-simplification. They can be used by teachers to guide their students or shared directly with students to influence their future choices and careers using mathematics.
In preparing this work, the IMA is grateful for financial support from the EPSRC, and the help of a number of experts who have helped in the preparation of these papers.
HEALTH and SAFETY
Any use of a resource that includes a practical activity must include a risk assessment. Please note that collections may contain ARCHIVE resources, which were developed at a much earlier date. Since that time there have been significant changes in the rules and guidance affecting laboratory practical work. Further information is provided in our Health and Safety guidance.
Advancing the Digital Arts
A case study from Mathematics Matters which looks at how mathematics is applied in the animation industry. The computer animation industry relies on a steady stream of mathematics to produce the fantastic images found on our cinema and television screens. Advanced mathematics also fuels developments in other areas of 3D modelling,…
An Energy Evolution
This Mathematics Matters case study describes how mathematicians help to boost efficiency in the energy industry by mapping buried oil reserves. As oil supplies become harder and more expensive to reach, it’s essential that we maximise the yield from available reservoirs in any way possible. Mathematicians are contributing…
Building the Digital Society
This Mathematics Matters case study looks at how mathematics converts digital data into useful information for business, the government and the public. Computers and networks stuffed with ever-increasing amounts of data are transforming our society, creating a digital world with its own rules and behaviours. We need mathematicians…
Danger: Rogue Waves
This Mathematics Matters case study, from the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, looks at how mathematical models try to understand the causes of rogue waves. These huge waves appear without warning, towering high over ships and oil rigs. Traditional mathematical models couldn’t predict the occurrence of these dangerous…
Faster Formula One
This Mathematics Matters case study looks at how Formula One teams use mathematical methods such as fluid mechanics and Navier-Stokes equations to improve performance. Every second counts in the fast-paced world of Formula One, so race teams use advanced mathematics to squeeze the best performance out of their cars. Computational…
Fighting Infections with Symmetry
This Mathematics Matters case study looks at how mathematicians are aiding the fight against viruses. Many viruses have a symmetrical structure made from basic building blocks, and biologists have struggled to explain some of the more detailed shapes. Now mathematicians are using complex theories of symmetry to reveal these viral…
Go with the Industrial Flow
This Mathematics Matters case study looks at how mathematicians can help industry to manage their use of fluids. Many industrial processes involve the complex movement of fluids, but predicting fluid behaviour can often be difficult. Mathematical models of fluid flow can help to improve manufacturing efficiency and reduce costs,…
Keeping Hearts Pumping
This Mathematics Matters case study, from the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, looks at how mathematics modelling can aid investigations into the circulatory system. Blood-related diseases can seriously harm patients’ quality of life and even lead to death. Many of these diseases are caused by problems with the…
Modelling an Epidemic Emergency
This Mathematics Matters case study looks at how mathematicians work with epidemiologists to understand the spread of infections and mitigate their effects. Epidemics can threaten the lives of both humans and animals, so it is essential that we react swiftly to any outbreaks. Mathematicians play a key role in assessing the risks…
Networking for the Future
This Mathematics Matters case study, from the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, looks at how mathematical network theory helps to improve connections for global transport, internet and telephony networks. Modern society relies heavily on a variety of networks, but we don’t fully understand how they behave. Mathematical…
Optical Fibres: The Hole Story
A case study from Mathematics Matters which looks at the development of optical fibres and how mathematical models have simplified the process of producing them. Modern society relies heavily on a variety of networks, but we don’t fully understand how they behave. Mathematical network theory lets us create models of our communication…
Picture Perfect Processing
A Mathematics Matters case study looking at how mathematical software supports new deveopments in imaging technology. Mathematical image processing techniques make it possible for us to capture, transmit and store photographs and video. They also let us restore noisy or damaged images and extract useful information from visual data.…
Preserving Britain's Coastlines
This Mathematics Matters case study looks at the serious problem of coastal erosion. Much of the UK’s coastline is undergoing erosion, placing homes, businesses and other important coastal sites at risk. Mathematical modelling can enable us to understand both the short and long term processes that lead to erosion, and help…
Scans on the Brain
This Mathematics Matters case study, produced by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, looks at how mathematical research contributes to the development of new medical imaging technology. Brain scans play a vital role in the treatment of many serious medical conditions, but decoding the signals inside our minds would…
Smarter Phones for All
This Mathematics Matters case study, produced by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, looks at how industry relies on cutting-edge mathematics to develop better quality communications. The amount of information we can transmit though the air is limited by the laws of physics, but the mathematics of signal processing…
Statistically-Secure Identities
This Mathematics Matters case study, from the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, looks at how biometric identification systems rely on mathematical methods to convert images into data that can be digitally stored. It is essential that the biometric systems we depend on for national security can reliably identify individuals…
Stats in Your Genes
This Mathematics Matters case study, from the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, discusses the importance of statistics and computing to developments in medical research. Sequencing the human genome was a fantastic achievement, but it was only the beginning. Now, statisticians are coming up with new methods to sift through…
Taking Decisions, Not Risks
A Mathematics Matters case study which looks at how advances in statistics allow us to analyse risks and consequences and so make informed decisions. Risks are an unavoidable part of modern life, but mathematicians and statisticians have developed a variety of methods to help mitigate its effects. These techniques enable hospitals,…
Unravelling the Genetic Code
This Mathematics Matters case study, from the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, looks at how mathematicians' understanding of knots can help unravel potentially fatal knots in DNA molecules. Understanding how to manipulate tangles of DNA could help us create new treatments for diseases, so mathematicians are working…
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Resource by: Institute of Mathematics and its Applications
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