Steve Abbott
Professor of Mathematics
Email: abbott@middlebury.edu
Phone: work802.443.2256
Office Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri: 1:30-2:30 pm, Tues: 2:00-3:15 pm
Download Contact Information
Degrees, Specializations & Interests:
A.B., Colgate University; M.S., Ph.D., University of Virginia; (Functional Analysis, Operator Theory)
Awarded the 2010 Perkins Award for Excellence in Teaching, see story here.
Courses
Courses offered in the past four years.
▲ indicates offered in the current term
▹ indicates offered in the upcoming term[s]
INTD 0206 - Math/Science Contemp. Theatre ▲
Mathematics and Science as Art in Contemporary Theatre
In Tom Stoppard’s Jumpers, philosopher George Moore employs a list of mathematical arguments to make his case for the existence of a moral God. George’s confused allusions to the paradoxes of Zeno and Bertrand Russell form an interesting backdrop to a host of moral questions that include an astronaut stranded on the moon, the installation of an atheist as Archbishop of Canterbury and the mysterious circumstances surrounding the dead body of George’s debating partner concealed in the next room. This is just one example of how acclaimed playwrights such as Tom Stoppard, Rinne Groff, Michael Frayn, and others have effectively explored mathematical and scientific themes for artistic purposes. Through readings and exercises, and by conducting labs and staging scenes, this class will gain some first-hand insight into the complementary ways in which science and art aim to seek out their respective truths.
Fall 2011, Fall 2013
MATH 0116 - Intro to Statistical Science
Introduction to Statistical Science
A practical introduction to statistical methods and the examination of data sets. Computer software will play a central role in analyzing a variety of real data sets from the natural and social sciences. Topics include descriptive statistics, elementary distributions for data, hypothesis tests, confidence intervals, correlation, regression, contingency tables, and analysis of variance. The course has no formal mathematics prerequisite, and is especially suited to students in the physical, social, environmental, and life sciences who seek an applied orientation to data analysis. (Credit is not given for MATH 0116 if the student has taken ECON 0210 or PSYC 0201 previously or concurrently.) 3 hrs. lect., 1 hr. computer lab.
Spring 2009
MATH 0121 - Calculus I
Calculus I
Introductory analytic geometry and calculus. Topics include limits, continuity, differential calculus of algebraic and trigonometric functions with applications to curve sketching, optimization problems and related rates, the indefinite and definite integral, area under a curve, and the fundamental theorem of calculus. Inverse functions and the logarithmic and exponential functions are also introduced along with applications to exponential growth and decay. 4 hrs. lect./disc.
Fall 2009, Spring 2012, Spring 2013
MATH 0122 - Calculus II ▲
Calculus II
A continuation of MATH 0121, may be elected by first-year students who have had an introduction to analytic geometry and calculus in secondary school. Topics include a brief review of natural logarithm and exponential functions, calculus of the elementary transcendental functions, techniques of integration, improper integrals, applications of integrals including problems of finding volumes, infinite series and Taylor's theorem, polar coordinates, ordinary differential equations. (MATH 0121 or by waiver) 4 hrs. lect./disc.
Fall 2011, Fall 2013
MATH 0200 - Linear Algebra
Linear Algebra
Matrices and systems of linear equations, the Euclidean space of three dimensions and other real vector spaces, independence and dimensions, scalar products and orthogonality, linear transformations and matrix representations, eigenvalues and similarity, determinants, the inverse of a matrix and Cramer's rule. (MATH 0121 or by waiver) 3 hrs. lect./disc.
Fall 2012, Spring 2013
MATH 0225 - Topics in Linear Alg & Diff Eq
Topics in Linear Algebra and Differential Equations
Topics may include diagonalization of matrices, quadratic forms, inner product spaces, canonical forms, the spectral theorem, positive matrices, the Cayley-Hamilton theorem, ordinary differential equations of arbitrary order, systems of first-order differential equations, power series, and eigenvalue methods of solution, applications. (MATH 0200 or by waiver) 3 hrs. lect./disc.
Spring 2010
MATH 0323 - Real Analysis
Real Analysis
An axiomatic treatment of the topology of the real line, real analysis, and calculus. Topics include neighborhoods, compactness, limits, continuity, differentiation, Riemann integration, and uniform convergence. (MATH 0223) 3 hrs. lect./disc.
Spring 2010, Fall 2012
MATH 0500 - Advanced Study ▲ ▹
Advanced Study
Individual study for qualified students in more advanced topics in algebra, number theory, real or complex analysis, topology. Particularly suited for those who enter with advanced standing. (Approval required) 3 hrs. lect./disc.
Spring 2009, Fall 2009, Winter 2010, Spring 2010, Winter 2011, Fall 2011, Winter 2012, Spring 2012, Fall 2012, Winter 2013, Spring 2013, Fall 2013, Spring 2014
MATH 1006 - Heart of Mathematics
The Heart of Mathematics
Wrestling with the infinite, tiling a floor, predicting the shape of space, imagining the fourth dimension, untangling knots, making pictures of chaos, conducting an election, cutting a cake fairly; all of these topics are part of the landscape of mathematics, although they are largely excluded from the calculus-centric way that the subject is traditionally presented. Following the acclaimed text, The Heart of Mathematics, by Ed Burger and Michael Starbird, we will dive headfirst into ideas that reveal the beauty and diverse character of pure mathematics, employing effective modes of reasoning that are useful far beyond the boundaries of the discipline.
Winter 2012
Co-Editor Math Horizons
Of all of the publications we know Math Horizons is the broadest, most creative forum that exists for communicating the culture, characters and folklore of mathematics today's students. Whether helping our students to know and care about the "who" and the "why" of their chosen subject, giving voice to its current practitioners, or shedding light on the interface between mathematics and the larger academic or popular culture, Math Horizons always explores its subjects with an inviting tone and trademark accessibility.
For going on fifteen years, Math Horizons has exposed undergraduates-and instructors-to the mathematical world beyond the classroom with authentic detail and good humor that make it easy to pick up and irresistible to read.
Bruce Torrence and Steve Abbott; Co-Editors, Math Horizons