Alexander Diesl
Professor of Mathematics
Noncommutative ring theorist, sees mathematics as a central part of a well-rounded liberal arts education.
My research concerns a type of abstract algebraic structure known as a ring. A ring is a set of elements (familiar examples include such things as numbers, polynomials, matrices, or functions) endowed with both an addition operation and a multiplication operation. My current research interests involve classification questions and the visualization of algebraic structures.
At Wellesley, I have taught courses at the introductory, intermediate, and advanced levels. I view mathematics very much as a liberal art, and I strive to adhere to this philosophy in every class that I teach. During the summer of 2010, I advised three Wellesley students in a research project concerning zero-divisor graphs of rings.
I am also interested in the future of mathematics education at the secondary level in the United States.
In my spare time, I am often found playing with my kids.
Education
- B.A., Johns Hopkins University
- M.A., Johns Hopkins University
- Ph.D., University of California (Berkeley)
Current and upcoming courses
Calculus I
MATH115P
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Elements of Analysis I
MATH302
Real analysis is the study of the rigorous theory of the real numbers, Euclidean space, and calculus. The goal is to thoroughly understand the familiar concepts of continuity, limits, and sequences. Topics include compactness, completeness, and connectedness; continuous functions; differentiation and integration; limits and sequences; and interchange of limit operations as time permits.