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Topics in Competition Mathematics
Last Updated: 2026-07-21 00:37:06
Abstract
Students present various topics and techniques featured in university-level mathematics competitions and apply them.
Objective
Students will gain experience in - presenting their solutions to peers in an instructive and intuitive manner - answering questions from competitions by combining their mathematical knowledge with problem solving techniques
Content
This seminar revolves around the problems commonly featured in university-level mathematics competitions like the International Mathematics Competition for University Students (IMC). Each session will include a review of a topic or technique as well as an interactive problem solving part. The focus is on getting to know a variety of techniques and applying them to competition questions. In particular, the seminar will cover problems in some of the following areas - Analysis (limits, continuous and differentiable functions, integrals, inequalities) - Linear Algebra (matrix computations, eigenvalue analysis) - Number Theory (modular arithmetic, diophantine equations) - Combinatorics (Graph Theory, counting, invariants) - Algebra (Group Theory, polynomials) as well as appropriate further topics depending on student interest.
Resources
Literature
Past problems of university-level competitions, including - International Mathematics Competition for University Students - Putnam Mathematical Competition - Vojtech Jarnik International Mathematical Competition - Imperial-Cambridge Mathematics Competition which are all available online.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- BSC , MSC
Examination
- Type
- ungraded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Signup End
- 30.08.2026
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| seminar |
Topics in Competition Mathematics
Number of participants limited to 12.
|
No time listed | 2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Seminars (Seminar placement is determined by waiting lists and is not on a first-come, first-served basis. You can add yourself directly to the waiting list for your preferred seminar via myStudies.. We recommend that you specify a second and third priority using the placeholder course “Generic Seminar – Second Priority / Third Priority.” Please register for your desired waiting list(s) by Sunday, August 2, 2026, if possible, as the selection process begins shortly thereafter.)
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Seminars (Seminar placement is determined by waiting lists and is not on a first-come, first-served basis. You can add yourself directly to the waiting list for your preferred seminar via myStudies.. We recommend that you specify a second and third priority using the placeholder course “Generic Seminar – Second Priority / Third Priority.” Please register for your desired waiting list(s) by Sunday, August 2, 2026, if possible, as the selection process begins shortly thereafter.)
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