Both familiar and unfamiliar

The main focus this time is my final year project, which replaces two standard modules. From the five topics I chose at the end of last year, I got allocated to my first choice – Fourier analysis. The work on the project is very different to the way I have been studying for normal modules and it was difficult to get used to it. It involves searching through relevant resources to find useful information and deciding about the structure and contents of my project. Now I am already more familiar with this method and I appreciate the freedom it offers in the direction and execution of the project. Regular consultations with my supervisor are also very useful for me as I can ask for advice and discuss possible problems.

My other modules are interesting as well, and go in more depth than modules in previous years. We don’t have any compulsory modules in third year, so the choice is completely in our hands. I chose Analysis, Topology, Differential Geometry and Partial Differential Equations. I tried to choose modules as general as possible which will be useful to me in my following studies. I was interested in other modules as well, but unfortunately I don’t have time for everything.

The major extracurricular activity for me remains dancing. This year I joined the Durham DanceSport team, which is the most professional dancing society in Durham. Aneta Baďurová, a graduate of Durham University who was also supported by the Kellner Family Foundation, used to be an active member, and through her I got to know about this team. I am very grateful for having the opportunity to learn a variety of dances at an extraordinary level of teaching. I also occasionally attend yoga and fitness classes, which are very well led.

It is typical for Durham that students have an option to attend a wide range of scientific talks and lectures beyond their course. This term, I attended a lecture about mathematical modelling of climate change, which was organized by the mathematical society. It was a very informative and inspiring talk, which made me realise how important role mathematics plays in solving many problems of our time.

An eagerly awaited event of the following days is the light festival Lumiere, which returns to Durham after two years for a special 10th anniversary edition. It is an unusual and impressive experience, walking around an unrecognizable Durham, transformed into a display of stunning light effects and installations. I am looking forward to having this opportunity to explore new and spectacular places, without travelling at all.