MICHAEL MARTIN

TEACHING INTERESTS ::.:.:.

I love to talk about mathematics – what we know, what we want to know, what we need to know, how we can prove it, how we can apply it, how we can see it.  I look at mathematics as an ongoing discussion, between you and I, perhaps, or between you and those studying in your area, or between yourself and your text, or between yourself and the whole body of literature in some area.  My classes are primarily lecture-driven, but I work to invite whole-class discussions on individual questions and interpretations.  This questioning and dialogue about mathematics is when the subject really comes alive!  Talk is good, but it's only a precursor to the work ahead.

Mathematics is builit on many foundational results, results that can be proved.  My teaching reflects the typically rigorous development of backbone material in a given course.  While I don't avoid the theoretical development of major results, I try to do so in an accessible, engaging manner.

I am keenly interested in the application of mathematics in the real-world.  THe study of mathematics, by itself, is worthwhile, but I try very hard to kep abreast of the computational and mathematical needs of disciplines we are partnered with.  THe needs of other disciplines can be very dynamic and mathematics, as a teaching discipline, needs to be responsive.

I am interested in utilizing technology, when appropriate, to help in understanding, applying, and visualizing mathematics.  While technology neither teaches or learns mathematics, it can be a very useful tool to help you master mathematics.  I do require a scientific calculator in my classroom, but the greater emphasis is on dedicated software, web tools, and web interactions to help facilitate understanding and application.

Some of my favorite courses to teach are algebra, discrete mathematics, trigonometry, calculus, calculus for biology & medicine, statistics, and differential equations.  I am working to include more probabilistic modeling in my work and teaching.  I am also working with new and existing courses at the intersection of mathematics, the biosciences, and information technology.