Tuesday, January 27
Professor John MacCormick, Associate Professor of Computer Science
"The Magic of Error-Correcting Codes"
Error detecting and correcting codes are among the most important, yet least appreciated, concepts in computer science. Without these codes, most modern technology would be useless--this includes hard drives, DVDs, wireless networks, and the Internet itself. This talk will explain how error-correcting codes work, without assuming any prior knowledge of mathematics or computer science. So, the next time you upload a photo to Facebook, you will understand how millions of pieces of information got there without a single mistake--despite all the noise in the airwaves and wires between you and Facebook.
Tuesday, February 10
Dr. Rick Mabry, Louisiana State University in Shreveport
"The Pizza Conjecture" ("You can disguise it with pizza, but it's still math!")
The quip in the subtitle above is from Dave Barry's blog, and is but one of many cheesy reactions worldwide to the solution of the Pizza Conjecture, which appeared in 2009. A special case of the actual problem is pictured below. Cut a pizza into six congruent traditional slices, perhaps by using the instrument of the left. OH NO! You missed the center! If you share this pizza with a friend by taking alternate slices, will you each get your fair share? We'll explore the solution to the problem, along with some of its comedic and combinatoric consequences.
Thursday, February 19
Seth Tracy '12 & James Doyle '10
"An Epic Approach to Digitizing Healthcare"
Join James Doyle '10 and Seth Tracy '12 in a discussion around how their Dickinson education and experiences helped uniquely place them at the junction of two growing fields: medicine and computer science. Learn how the complexities of electronic medical care are approached everyday at Epic and what it means to impact over 180 million people with the code you write. The talk will also include an overview of career opportunities and time for open discussion.
Tuesday, February 24
Professor Dick Forrester, Dickinson College
"Lies, Damned Lies, and Hip Resurfacing Statistics"
Statistics provides us with a methodology for wading through vast amounts of information. When used correctly, statistics can help us to understand what happened in the past and is useful in predicting what may happen in the future. However, statistical data can easily be misinterpreted, leading to false assertions. In this talk he will examine some commonly misconstrued statistical methods, with some of the examples originating from his experience with analyzing the conflicting information about whether or not to have hip resurfacing surgery.
Tuesday, March 17
Professor Annalisa Crannell, Franklin & Marshall
"Talk Title TBD"
Thursday, March 26
Priestley Celebration - Dr. Timothy Gowers
*More details to follow*
Tuesday, April 21
Mathematics & Computer Science Majors Dinner
Social Hall West
*Must sign-up in advance - more details to follow*
Wednesday, May 6
Mathematics & Computer Science Majors BBQ
Rector Courtyard (Rain Location - Rector Atrium)