This course contains an overview of manipulation in complex
numbers at a second-year undergraduate level. Various techniques, such as
visualizing mappings, solving integrals, and manipulating series in complex
numbers are introduced. The course also goes through some of the application of
a few crucial theorems, such as Cauchy-Riemann Equations, Cauchy’s Theorem and
Cauchy Integral Formula.
8 weeks ago, I started this course with a knowledge of some
very basic real analysis (the epsilon-delta definition of convergence,
differentiation, and Riemann integration). As a major in mathematics, I found
this course refreshing and a pleasure to take. Dr Taylor’s voice was engaging,
and the lecture notes were self-contained and well-explained.
One remarkable feature that I want to highlight is the coursework
component. It consisted of graded quizzes with multiple choices, tick boxes,
and some short fill in the blanks. There were also graded peer assignments once
per 2 weeks, this made sure that our answers produced are readable by other
people. I found the difficulty of the coursework very appropriate: it was
deliberately not straightforward, and you must be careful while applying
different theorems and concepts that were taught in the lessons. The
peer-graded assignment also emphasized communicating mathematics carefully,
with clearly given guidance and appropriate suggestions from other learners, it
was a very well thought out part of the course.
The course was very enjoyable on its own. But certain
features could be more well-polished. Overall, this feels like a course for
applied mathematicians. Heavy focus is put on and applying the results.
However, with a little bit of generalization and more discussions of proofs and
their logic behind them, it can benefit more pure mathematicians that are
interested in the subject. Similarly, I think the assignments (especially the
peer-graded ones) can be more proof-centric, with more videos explaining the
sketch of proof in more detail. Therefore, the course can aim for a balance
between applied and pure content, which would in turn benefit more learners.
Moreover, even with the addition of Residue Calculus, I
still think that more content can be added to the course. It currently contains
topics such as Solving Real-valued Integrals, Understanding the Mandelbrot set,
etc. But more applied topics, such as introducing the idea of the harmonic
equation in liquid flow or heat flow using polar coordinate might be more
inspiring and make the course more fulfilling.
Lastly, I found Week 5 (The first week that introduces
complex integration) particularly challenging. I think I spent twice the time
revising it compared to other units in this course. Therefore I think it will
be better to add new content and let the whole course be 12-week long or so.
Overall, I enjoy this course a lot, and I will recommend anyone
who has an interest in Complex numbers and have 1-2 years of experience in
university STEM subjects.