• Skip to main content
  • Skip to main navigation
Baylor University
Mathematics
College of Arts & Sciences
  • Info
    • Available Positions in Mathematics
    • Contact Us
    • Faculty Information (restricted access)
    • Faculty Office Hours
    • FAQs
    • Living in Waco
    • Message from the Chair
    • Newsletters
    • Sid Richardson Building Guidelines and Rules
  • People
    • Adjunct Lecturers
    • Administrative Faculty
    • Emeritus and Retired Faculty
    • Faculty
    • Graduate Students
    • Office Staff
    • Visiting Professors
  • News
  • Conferences
    • Baylor Analysis Fest
      • Baylor Analysis Fest Conference Schedule
      • Baylor Analysis Fest Participants
    • Fritz Fest
    • Partial Differential Equations Conference
  • Talks
    • Baylor Lecture Series in Mathematics
      • 2007-2008 Baylor Lecture Series in Mathematics
      • 2008-2009 Baylor Lecture Series in Mathematics
      • 2009-2010 Baylor Lecture Series in Mathematics
      • 2010-2011 Baylor Lecture Series in Mathematics
      • 2011-2012 Baylor Lecture Series in Mathematics
      • 2013-2014 Baylor Lecture Series in Mathematics
      • 2014-2015 Baylor Lecture Series in Mathematics
      • 2015-2016 Baylor Lecture Series in Mathematics
      • 2016-2017 Baylor Lecture Series in Mathematics
      • 2017-2018 Baylor Lecture Series in Mathematics
      • 2018-2019 Baylor Lecture Series in Mathematics
      • 2019-2020 Baylor Lecture Series in Mathematics
    • Baylor Undergraduate Lecture Series in Mathematics
      • 2008-2009 Baylor Undergraduate Lecture Series
      • 2009-2010 Baylor Undergraduate Lecture Series
      • 2010-2011 Baylor Undergraduate Lecture Series
      • 2011-2012 Baylor Undergraduate Lecture Series
      • 2012-2013 Baylor Undergraduate Lecture Series in Mathematics
      • 2013-2014 Baylor Undergraduate Lecture Series in Mathematics
      • 2014-2015 Baylor Undergraduate Lecture Series in Mathematics
      • 2015-2016 Baylor Undergraduate Lecture Series in Mathematics
      • 2016-2017 Baylor Undergraduate Lecture Series in Mathematics
      • 2017-2018 Baylor Undergraduate Lecture Series in Mathematics
      • 2018-2019 Baylor Undergraduate Lecture Series in Mathematics
    • Colloquia
    • Life Experiences in Mathematics Series
      • 2009-2010 Life Experiences in Mathematics Lecture Series
      • 2010-2011 Life Experiences in Mathematics
      • 2011-2012 Life Experiences in Mathematics
      • 2012-2013 - Life Experiences in Mathematics
      • 2013-2014 Life Experiences in Mathematics
      • 2014-2015 Life Experiences in Mathematics
      • 2015-2016 Life Experiences in Mathematics
    • Research Seminars
  • Undergraduate Program
    • Academic Resources
    • ALEKS Placement Exam
      • ALEKS Summer/Fall 2023
      • ALEKS Summer/Fall 2023 (ADA)
    • Apply Now
    • AWM - Baylor Chapter
    • Course Descriptions
      • 1000 Level
      • 2000 Level
      • 3000 Level
      • 4000 Level
      • Statistics Courses
      • Baylor Course Listings
    • Major in Mathematics!
    • Majors
      • B. A. in Mathematics with Mathematics Education Concentration
      • B.A. in Mathematics
      • B.S. in Applied Mathematics
      • B.S. in Mathematics
      • B.S. in Mathematics with Mathematics Education Concentration
      • Mathematics Minor
      • Secondary Major in Mathematics
    • Math Careers & Opportunities
    • Math Lab and Tutors
    • Math Videos
    • Mathematics Scholarships
      • Scholarship Form
    • Studying Tips
    • Transfer Policy
    • Undergraduate Advising
    • Undergraduate FAQs
    • Undergraduate Research
  • Graduate Program
    • Apply to Our Programs
    • AWM - Baylor Chapter
    • Course Descriptions
      • 4000 Level - Electives
      • 5000 Level - Core
      • 5000 Level - Electives
      • 6000 Level - Electives
    • Former Ph.D. Students
    • Graduate Advising
    • Graduate Faulty
    • Graduate FAQs
    • Graduate Student Information (restricted access)
    • Guidelines for Doctoral Students
    • Multimedia Resources
    • Ph.D. Degree
    • Previous Qualifying Examinations
    • Teaching Opportunities
    • Why Come to Baylor?
  • Research
    • Algebra
    • Analysis
    • Differential Equations
    • Mathematical Physics
    • Numerical Analysis and Computational Mathematics
    • Representation Theory
    • Topology
  • Giving
Baylor BU Mathematics Talks Baylor Undergraduate Lecture Series in Mathematics 2015-2016 Baylor Undergraduate Lecture Series in Mathematics
  • Baylor Lecture Series in Mathematics
  • Baylor Undergraduate Lecture Series in Mathematics
    • 2008-2009 Baylor Undergraduate Lecture Series
    • 2009-2010 Baylor Undergraduate Lecture Series
    • 2010-2011 Baylor Undergraduate Lecture Series
    • 2011-2012 Baylor Undergraduate Lecture Series
    • 2012-2013 Baylor Undergraduate Lecture Series in Mathematics
    • 2013-2014 Baylor Undergraduate Lecture Series in Mathematics
    • 2014-2015 Baylor Undergraduate Lecture Series in Mathematics
    • 2015-2016 Baylor Undergraduate Lecture Series in Mathematics
    • 2016-2017 Baylor Undergraduate Lecture Series in Mathematics
    • 2017-2018 Baylor Undergraduate Lecture Series in Mathematics
    • 2018-2019 Baylor Undergraduate Lecture Series in Mathematics
  • Colloquia
  • Life Experiences in Mathematics Series
  • Research Seminars

2015-2016 Baylor Undergraduate Lecture Series in Mathematics

Simon Singh
Simon Singh

Simon Singh

Simon Singh, an award-winning author, producer and director, was the eighth speaker in the annual Baylor Undergraduate Lecture Series in Mathematics. Dr. Singh gave two lectures when he visited Baylor University on October 19, 2015.

Dr. Singh holds a Ph.D. in particle physics from Cambridge University and conducted his doctoral research at CERN in Switzerland. His research centered on the search for the 'top quark', the elusive subatomic particle (and the last undiscovered particle of the six-member quark family predicted by current scientific theory) which was eventually discovered, after an almost twenty year search, at the FermiLab in 1995.

Throughout his undergraduate studies at Imperial College, Dr. Singh enjoyed occasionally writing for various student newspapers and departmental newsletters. At the time, however, he was headstrong in becoming a research physicist and he had no intention of starting a career in journalism. However, his obvious talents for writing and his exceptional ability to explain science to the general public eventually turned his promising career in academia to writing and broadcast journalism.

In 1990, Dr. Singh joined the BBC’s Science and Features Department, where he was a producer and director of various television programs. In 1997, he directed an award-winning documentary "Fermat’s Last Theorem" which aired as part of BBC’s Horizon series. This film was memorable for its opening shot of Andrew Wiles holding back tears as he recalled the moment when he finally realized how to prove Fermat’s Last Theorem, the most notorious problem in the history of mathematics. This documentary was also aired in the US as part of PBS's NOVA series; "The Proof", as it was retitled in the United States, was subsequently nominated for an Emmy Award. The story of this celebrated mathematical problem was also the subject of his first book "Fermat’s Enigma", published in 1997. This became the first book about mathematics to become a No.1 bestseller in the UK and has been translated into twenty-five languages.

Dr. Singh also began working on his second book "The Code Book" in 1997. This book, detailing the history of codes and code-breaking, led to him presenting a five-part television series in the UK called "The Science of Secrecy". He has also presented several radio and TV shows for the BBC, including "Mind Games", "Five Numbers" and "Five Particles".

He has also written several other best-selling books: "The Big Bang" (2004), "Trick or Treatment?: Alternative Medicine on Trial" (2008), and "The Simpsons and their Mathematical Secrets" (2013).

After being sued for libel by chiropractors in 2008, Dr. Singh successfully defended his criticism of chiropractic and was then at the forefront of a campaign to reform the libel laws of England and Wales. This resulted in the more liberal Defamation Act 2013.

Dr. Singh received the Kelvin Medal from the Institute of Physics in 2008 for his achievements in promoting physics to the general public, and received an MBE from Queen Elizabeth II in 2003. He has received honorary doctorates from Royal Holloway, University of London, the University of Kent, the University of St. Andrews, the University of Southampton, the University of the Loughborough, the University of the West of England and the University of East Anglia.

Poster Advertising Dr. Singh's Public Lecture (753.3 KB)

The titles, and abstracts, for his two lectures are:

Monday, October 19, 2015 at 4:00 pm - MMSCI 101

FIRST LECTURE: Happy Birthday Fermat's Last Theorem

Abstract: Simon Singh celebrates the fact that it has been exactly twenty years since a proof of Fermat's Last Theorem was published. He will discuss the origin of the world's most notorious mathematical problem, describe the heroes and villains who tried and failed to prove Fermat's Last Theorem, and tell the story of Professor Andrew Wiles, who conquered Fermat's challenge after working in secret for seven years. Along the way, Simon will explain how he turned this mathematical conundrum into a bestselling book (Fermat's Enigma) and an award-winning documentary aired as part of the PBS Nova series (The Proof).

Monday, October 19, 2015 at 6:00 pm - MMSCI 101

PUBLIC LECTURE: The Simpsons and Their Mathematical Secrets

Abstract: Simon Singh, author of Fermat's Enigma, The Code Book and Big Bang, talks about his latest book, which explores mathematical themes hidden in The Simpsons. Everyone knows that The Simpsons is the most successful show in television history, but very few people realize that its team of mathematically gifted writers have used the show to explore everything from calculus to geometry, from pi to game theory, and from infinitesimals to infinity. Singh will also discuss how writers of Futurama have similarly made it their missions to smuggle deep mathematical ideas into the series.

Department of Mathematics

Sid Richardson Science Building
1410 S.4th Street
Waco, TX 76706

math@baylor.edu
(254) 710-3561
News
Faculty
Give
Apply
Research
Baylor BU Mathematics Talks Baylor Undergraduate Lecture Series in Mathematics 2015-2016 Baylor Undergraduate Lecture Series in Mathematics
  • Info
    Back
    • Available Positions in Mathematics
    • Contact Us
    • Faculty Information (restricted access)
    • Faculty Office Hours
    • FAQs
    • Living in Waco
    • Message from the Chair
    • Newsletters
    • Sid Richardson Building Guidelines and Rules
  • People
    Back
    • Adjunct Lecturers
    • Administrative Faculty
    • Emeritus and Retired Faculty
    • Faculty
    • Graduate Students
    • Office Staff
    • Visiting Professors
  • News
  • Conferences
    Back
    • Baylor Analysis Fest
      Back
      • Baylor Analysis Fest Conference Schedule
      • Baylor Analysis Fest Participants
    • Fritz Fest
    • Partial Differential Equations Conference
  • Talks
    Back
    • Baylor Lecture Series in Mathematics
      Back
      • 2007-2008 Baylor Lecture Series in Mathematics
      • 2008-2009 Baylor Lecture Series in Mathematics
      • 2009-2010 Baylor Lecture Series in Mathematics
      • 2010-2011 Baylor Lecture Series in Mathematics
      • 2011-2012 Baylor Lecture Series in Mathematics
      • 2013-2014 Baylor Lecture Series in Mathematics
      • 2014-2015 Baylor Lecture Series in Mathematics
      • 2015-2016 Baylor Lecture Series in Mathematics
      • 2016-2017 Baylor Lecture Series in Mathematics
      • 2017-2018 Baylor Lecture Series in Mathematics
      • 2018-2019 Baylor Lecture Series in Mathematics
      • 2019-2020 Baylor Lecture Series in Mathematics
    • Baylor Undergraduate Lecture Series in Mathematics
      Back
      • 2008-2009 Baylor Undergraduate Lecture Series
      • 2009-2010 Baylor Undergraduate Lecture Series
      • 2010-2011 Baylor Undergraduate Lecture Series
      • 2011-2012 Baylor Undergraduate Lecture Series
      • 2012-2013 Baylor Undergraduate Lecture Series in Mathematics
      • 2013-2014 Baylor Undergraduate Lecture Series in Mathematics
      • 2014-2015 Baylor Undergraduate Lecture Series in Mathematics
      • 2015-2016 Baylor Undergraduate Lecture Series in Mathematics
      • 2016-2017 Baylor Undergraduate Lecture Series in Mathematics
      • 2017-2018 Baylor Undergraduate Lecture Series in Mathematics
      • 2018-2019 Baylor Undergraduate Lecture Series in Mathematics
    • Colloquia
    • Life Experiences in Mathematics Series
      Back
      • 2009-2010 Life Experiences in Mathematics Lecture Series
      • 2010-2011 Life Experiences in Mathematics
      • 2011-2012 Life Experiences in Mathematics
      • 2012-2013 - Life Experiences in Mathematics
      • 2013-2014 Life Experiences in Mathematics
      • 2014-2015 Life Experiences in Mathematics
      • 2015-2016 Life Experiences in Mathematics
    • Research Seminars
  • Undergraduate Program
    Back
    • Academic Resources
    • ALEKS Placement Exam
      Back
      • ALEKS Summer/Fall 2023
      • ALEKS Summer/Fall 2023 (ADA)
    • Apply Now
    • AWM - Baylor Chapter
    • Course Descriptions
      Back
      • 1000 Level
      • 2000 Level
      • 3000 Level
      • 4000 Level
      • Statistics Courses
      • Baylor Course Listings
    • Major in Mathematics!
    • Majors
      Back
      • B. A. in Mathematics with Mathematics Education Concentration
      • B.A. in Mathematics
      • B.S. in Applied Mathematics
      • B.S. in Mathematics
      • B.S. in Mathematics with Mathematics Education Concentration
      • Mathematics Minor
      • Secondary Major in Mathematics
    • Math Careers & Opportunities
    • Math Lab and Tutors
    • Math Videos
    • Mathematics Scholarships
      Back
      • Scholarship Form
    • Studying Tips
    • Transfer Policy
    • Undergraduate Advising
    • Undergraduate FAQs
    • Undergraduate Research
  • Graduate Program
    Back
    • Apply to Our Programs
    • AWM - Baylor Chapter
    • Course Descriptions
      Back
      • 4000 Level - Electives
      • 5000 Level - Core
      • 5000 Level - Electives
      • 6000 Level - Electives
    • Former Ph.D. Students
    • Graduate Advising
    • Graduate Faulty
    • Graduate FAQs
    • Graduate Student Information (restricted access)
    • Guidelines for Doctoral Students
    • Multimedia Resources
    • Ph.D. Degree
    • Previous Qualifying Examinations
    • Teaching Opportunities
    • Why Come to Baylor?
  • Research
    Back
    • Algebra
    • Analysis
    • Differential Equations
    • Mathematical Physics
    • Numerical Analysis and Computational Mathematics
    • Representation Theory
    • Topology
  • Giving
  • General Information
  • Academics & Research
  • Administration
  • Admissions
  • Gateways for ...
  • About Baylor
  • Athletics
  • Ask Baylor
  • Bookstore
  • Calendar
  • Campus Map
  • Directory
  • Give Light
  • Give to Baylor
  • Illuminate
  • News
  • Pro Futuris
  • Search
  • Social Media
  • College of Arts & Sciences
  • Diana R. Garland School of Social Work
  • George W. Truett Theological Seminary
  • Graduate School
  • Hankamer School of Business
  • Honors College
  • Law School
  • Louise Herrington School of Nursing
  • Research at Baylor University
  • Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences
  • School of Education
  • School of Engineering & Computer Science
  • School of Music
  • University Libraries, Museums, and the Press
  • More Academics
  • Athletics
  • Compliance, Risk and Safety
  • Human Resources
  • Marketing and Communications
  • Office of General Counsel
  • Office of the President
  • Office of the Provost
  • Operations, Finance & Administration
  • Senior Administration
  • Student Life
  • University Advancement
  • Undergraduate Admissions
  • goBAYLOR
  • Graduate Admissions
  • Baylor Law School Admissions
  • Social Work Graduate Programs
  • George W. Truett Theological Seminary Admissions
  • Online Graduate Professional Education
  • Virtual Tour
  • Visit Campus
  • Alumni & Friends
  • Faculty & Staff
  • Online Graduate Professional Education
  • Parents
  • Prospective Faculty & Staff
  • Prospective Students
  • Students
  • Accessibility
  • Anonymous Reporting
  • Annual Fire Safety and Security Notice
  • Cost of Attendance
  • Digital Privacy
  • Legal Disclosures
  • Mental Health Resources
  • Report It
  • Title IX
 
Baylor University
Copyright © Baylor® University. All rights reserved.
Baylor University • Waco, Texas 76798 • 1-800-229-5678