The 2004 Bowen Lectures will be delivered by Professor Curt McMullen, Harvard University, on November 30, December 1, and December 2.
Department of Mathematics, University of California, Berkeley, presents
The 2004 Bowen Lectures
Curt McMullen
Professor of Mathematics
Harvard University
"Dynamics over moduli space"
Lecture I: "Sqrt[n] mod 1"
Tuesday, November 30
Sibley Auditorium - 4:10pm-5:00pm
Abstract for the Series: These three talks will discuss the moduli space of Riemann surfaces from the perspective of elementary problems in which it makes an unexpected appearance:
1) The scattering of the points sqrt[n] mod 1,
2) The dynamics of billiards in polygons, and
3) The search for the smallest algebraic integer.
All the talks will be accessible to a general audience, and none is a prerequisite for any other.
Reception in 1015 Evans at 5:15pm after Tuesday's lecture.
Lecture II: "Billiards"
Wednesday, December 1
1 LeConte Hall - 4:10pm-5:00pm
For details see the abstract for the whole series following the announcement for Lecture I on November 30.
Lecture III: "Integers and knots"
Thursday, December 2
Sibley Auditorium - 4:10pm-5:00pm
For details see the abstract for the whole series following the announcement for Lecture I on November 30.
The 2004 Bowen Lectures are supported by the Koret Foundation and an anonymous donor. The Koret Foundation supports organizations and initiatives in the San Francisco Bay Area and Israel that advance economic and educational opportunities, individual freedom, personal initiative and entrepreneurial values. The Foundation's grant-making helps to develop and enhance vibrant and thriving communities, with a special focus on the Jewish community.