Siegfried Bleher
Visiting Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Statistics
- Office
- Warner 203
- Tel
- (802) 443-3073
- sbleher@middlebury.edu
- Office Hours
- Mon/Tue 1:00-2:00 PM, Wed/Thu 2:00-3:00 PM
Courses Taught
CSCI 0200
Math Foundations of Computing
Course Description
Mathematical Foundations of Computing
In this course we will provide an introduction to the mathematical foundations of computer science, with an emphasis on formal reasoning. Topics will include propositional and predicate logic, sets, functions, and relations; basic number theory; mathematical induction and other proof methods; combinatorics, probability, and recurrence relations; graph theory; and models of computation. (CSCI 0145 or CSCI 0150) (Juniors and Seniors by waiver) 3 hrs. lect./lab
Terms Taught
Requirements
INTD 1009
Upcoming
Intro to Quantum Biology
Course Description
Introduction to Quantum Biology
Although it is well known that the rules of quantum mechanics govern the shapes of atoms and molecules, and how they interact when they are close to each other, it is not clear whether the properties of the quanta that distinguish their dynamics from those of classical particles contribute meaningfully to biological functions. In this course, we will look for common mechanisms in recent studies of magnetoreception in migratory birds, efficient transport of energy in photosynthetic bacteria, enzyme function and the action of anesthetics in human brains cells that support the thesis that biology has evolved molecular structures that can sustain quantum coherent excitations for long enough times and across large enough regions to impact essential functions. In this interdisciplinary course, we will cover necessary terms from chemistry, biology and physics. (MATH 121 required, BIOL 145 or CHEM 103 or PHYS 109 recommended)
Siegfried Bleher has a PhD in physics (nonlinear dynamics), completed two postdoctoral appointments in computational transition state dynamics and quantum chaos, and has taught physics since 1994, most recently at Middlebury College. His current research is the nonlinear dynamics of photosynthetic molecules such as the FMO complex./
Terms Taught
Requirements
MATH 0122
Current
Calculus II
Course Description
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 equivalent) 4 hrs. lect/disc.
Terms Taught
Requirements
PHYS 0109
Introductory Mechanics
Course Description
Introductory Mechanics
This calculus-based course examines fundamental topics in motion and mechanics, including inertia, force, Newton's laws of motion, work, energy, linear momentum, collisions, gravitation, rotational motion, torque, angular momentum, and oscillatory motion, emphasizing applications in physics and engineering. Laboratory explorations of topics covered in lecture will build students’ physical intuition and problem solving skills. (MATH 0121; students may not receive credit for both PHYS 0108 and PHYS 0109) 3 hrs. lect/3 hrs. lab.
Terms Taught
Requirements