Computers need maths

YOU don't need to be a mathematical genius to succeed at computing but a certain amount of mathematical ability is accepted worldwide as being essential. Some very important areas do, after all, depend on mathematical skills.

Historically, the development of computers, was the result of co operation between engineers, who developed the hardware, and mathematicians, who developed the software. George Boole was professor of mathematics at UCC ink the last century whose ideas on logic were fundamental to the operation and design of the computer. Alan Turing and John von Neumann are just two of the mathematicians behind the development of the first computers.

The history of computing credits Augusta Ada (1815-1852), Countess of Lovelace and only child of Lord and Lady Byron, as being the first" programmer. She had an extensive mathematical training and the computing language, ADA, is named after her.

Many important new developments have a mathematical basis. Documents and data sent electronically need to be securely and accurately transmitted. Cryptography is the science of the secret transmission of data, used nowadays on the Internet, by financial institutions and many others. Coding theory is used for the accurate transmission of data - error correcting codes are used, for example, in CDs. Formal methods provide a rigorous mathematical basis to software development and must be used for, safety critical systems - needed in the aviation, military, medical and other fields.

Storage, compression and recovery of large amounts of data are achieved using mathematical transforms - wavelet transforms are used to store finger prints on FBI computers. Statistics and probability are an important part in the study of networking. The graphical images in Microsoft's Encarta encyclopaedia are stored in highly compressed form on the CD by means of techniques developed by mathematicians working in fractal geometry.

Newer developments in the financial services sector need highly numerate and computer literate graduates. Neural networks are mathematical/computer models with a learning process that try to mimic the workings of the human brain. These have found extensive applications in many areas, as in the prediction and modelling of markets, signature analysis, selection of investments. Quote from a recent article: "Neural networking is the buzz word in the insurance industry".

AMERICAN EXPRESS has recently taken on many mathematicians and computer scientists with the aim of producing "micro marketing computer models that work out the offers' that best suit the buying habits of each customer". Option pricing models on the markets use mathematical formulae implemented on computer.

Companies need graduates who can cope with these ideas. Although not all courses in Ireland require rigorous mathematical training, some concentrate on the interaction between computer science and mathematics. UCG has a denominated course (GY013) in computing studies leading to a degree in either computing/mathematical science or computing/physics. Graduates from these course are greatly in demand and have the background to develop and work in the areas I've mentioned.

Ted Hurley

Professor of Mathematics at UCG.