For the dedicated math student who wants to push the envelope, here you go. Join Fred at Kittens University for the summer session at least for the first five days in which he lectures (from 4am-8am) on, respectively, Set Theory, Modern Algebra, Abstract Arithmetic, and Topology. Prerequisites for this course include more than a passing knowledge of algebra as well as a course in Geometry that taught and required proofs. Prior algebra instruction should have included:
- Union of sets
- Math induction
- Associative property
- One-to-one functions
- Inverse functions
- Multiplying matrices
As you can see, this includes most high school seniors. However, final prerequisites I would add are an appreciation for math, an ability to think outside the book, ability for creative thought, and a willingness to take a peek at "real" math. I got this opportunity when I took some upper-level university math courses. There is truly a "magic" and beauty to math (which Prof. Schmidt alludes to in the introduction to this book) that most people never get to experience. If your student would like to experience the same, I heartily recommend this summer session with Fred.
Unlike other LOF books, there is no real storyline outside of Fred's lectures. There are fun puzzles (which look suspiciously like proofs, for the most part) to solve - 139 of them that require thought, creativity, and, for some, dedication. Some are easily solved, others are going to take some time. Solutions to all exercises are in the back of the book. If your student loves math or just wants to get a glimpse of higher level math, this course is a great introduction to math beyond calculus.