Penny Wightwick

Hi! I'm a tutor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Melbourne.

I give tutorials at first and second year level in both mathematics and statistics subjects.

Another important activity is providing mathematics and statistics course advice to new and prospective first year students. Please feel free to drop into my office in the First Year Learning Centre in the Richard Berry building if you wish to discuss your maths and stats options.

My main research interests are in algebra and topology.
While plane algebraic curves have been studied for many years it is only recently that the topology of affine algebraic plane curves has been explored and significant progress made. Those curves with one place at infinity are well understood. However little is known in other cases. I am working on developing a greater understanding of the topology of affine algebraic plane curves. In addition it is possible that the research that I undertake will help throw some light on one of the great unsolved conjectures, the Jacobian conjecture.

If you want to know more about our courses please contact me by emailing to

or write to me at
Department of Mathematics and Statistics
The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, AUSTRALIA