Based on your preferences and considerations, here’s a revised ranking of the projects, balancing technical alignment, personal interests, and social factors:
1. Project E: Bessel Functions
- Rationale: This project combines calculus (solving differential equations), computational methods, and practical applications, making it a strong fit for your interest in applied mathematics and software development. Additionally, the lecturer, Andrei Zvelindovsky, does not raise any concerns, ensuring a comfortable working environment.
2. Project F: Operational Research
- Rationale: Operational research focuses on optimization and decision-making, which aligns well with your problem-solving skills and software background. The lecturer, Martin Greenall, is also a positive factor, making this a solid choice for both technical and social fit.
3. Project C: Dynamical Models of Love
- Rationale: While this project is highly relevant to calculus and differential equations, and involves computational modeling, the potential social concerns with the lecturer (D.R.) and group dynamics make it a less optimal choice despite its technical strengths.
4. Project A: Role of Computers in Mathematics
- Rationale: This project explores the intersection of mathematics and computing, which is relevant to your software background. However, the potential social concerns with the lecturer (B.V.) and the less direct focus on calculus reduce its appeal compared to the top choices.
5. Project B: Symmetries and Wallpaper Groups
- Rationale: This project delves into geometry and group theory, which, while interesting, are less aligned with your stated preference for calculus. The lecturer, Yuri Santos Rego, does not raise any concerns, but the topic itself may not fully engage your interests.
6. Project D: Group Actions
- Rationale: This project focuses on abstract algebra and group theory, which are less connected to calculus and applied problem-solving. While the lecturer, Paula Macedo Lins de Araujo, is unproblematic, the topic’s abstract nature makes it the least aligned with your preferences.
Recommendation:
- Project E is the top choice due to its strong technical alignment, practical applications, and comfortable social environment.
- Project F is a close second, offering a blend of applied mathematics and optimization, with a reliable lecturer.
- Projects C and A remain viable options if the social concerns can be managed, but they are less ideal compared to the top two.
- Projects B and D are less recommended due to their weaker alignment with your interests in calculus and applied problem-solving.