Magic, mosaics and Pythagoras promote maths for the masses

WHAT'S ON: IF YOU want to develop computer games, study climate change or work with Formula One racing teams, then you should consider becoming a mathematician.

The diversity of job opportunities available to maths graduates is being highlighted during Maths Week, which starts today with events running around the country.

Co-ordinator Eoin Gill says Maths Week aims to promote a positive attitude to maths by convincing people of all ages that the subject is relevant to their everyday lives.

"It's maths for the masses, really. The principles of maths are applicable to everyday life, whether you are buying a car, following a recipe, saving money in the supermarket or calculating interest on a loan," he said.

"The diversity of job opportunities that are open to mathematicians is endless; finance, developing computer games, studying climate change to working with a Formula One racing team on aerodynamics."

Highlights include a lecture from Harvard University physics department's Professor Lisa Randall on the mysteries of the universe's hidden dimensions at Trinity College Dublin on Thursday, which is already booked out.

Geometric patterns in Islamic mosaics will be the subject of a talk at the Chester Beatty Library on Wednesday at 6.30pm.

Pythagoras's theorem, probability in practice and the role of chance in everyday life will feature in various events designed to be "fun, interesting and challenging but accessible".

Universities, Institutes of Technology, museums, libraries and schools throughout the country are playing host to international and Irish experts.

Young people are well catered for with interactive events at which mathematical concepts will be explained through magic tricks.

Today in Dublin, an outdoor "Maths in the City" event takes place on South King Street, at the top of Grafton Street.

The events are co-ordinated by the Centre for the Advancement of Learning of Maths, Science and Technology (CALMAST) at Waterford Institute of Technology.

Maths Week runs until next Saturday. www.mathsweek.ie