VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.

401-3200-73L 4 Credits BSC , MSC D-MATH

Proofs from THE BOOK

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Peter Feller
Number of participants limited to 24.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:14:48

Abstract

A seminar based on 'Proofs from the BOOK', a collection of beautiful arguments curated by Aigner and Ziegler inspired by an idea of Erdös.

Objective

Absorb highlights of ideas of elegant and simple proofs from number theory, geometry, analysis, combinatorics, and graph theory. Focus on successful communication of mathematical arguments.

Content

In this seminar, each week participants are responsible for presenting a mathematical argument. The idea is to pick topics that are light on mathematical jargon, so that a focus can lie on the ideas and how they can be best communicated to an audience of peers. I suggest picking an argument from 'Proofs from the BOOK', but other choices are possible. While every week will be independent from the next one, active participation over the entire semester, not just the week you present, is expected.

Resources

Literature

Proofs from THE BOOK by Martin Aigner and Günter M. Ziegler. https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-662-57265-8

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC , MSC

Examination

Type
ungraded semester performance

Registration & Places

Limited places (Special selection)
Signup Start
31.07.2023
Signup End
10.09.2023
Priority: Registration for the course unit is only possible for the primary target group

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
seminar Proofs from THE BOOK
  • Thu 16:15-18:00 (ML F 39)
2 h weekly

Offered In

  • Mathematics Bachelor
    • Seminars (NOTICE: The number of seminar places is limited, and the special selection procedure should help to allocate the places not primarily according to the registration time. Everybody is waitlisted first when he/she tries to register for a seminar in myStudies. Moreover: Only one mathematics seminar can be chosen per semester. Notice also the course unit 401-0002-99L Generic Seminar - Second Priority / Third Priority.)
  • Mathematics Master
    • Seminars and Semester Papers
      • Seminars (NOTICE: The number of seminar places is limited, and the special selection procedure should help to allocate the places not primarily according to the registration time. Everybody is waitlisted first when he/she tries to register for a seminar in myStudies. Moreover: Only one mathematics seminar can be chosen per semester. In case you need to attend 2 seminars in this semester, please take contact with the Study Administration (email: ). Notice also the course unit 401-0002-99L Generic Seminar - Second Priority / Third Priority.)