Course unit details:
MSc Pure Mathematics Research and Project Skills
Unit code | MATH61000 |
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Credit rating | 30 |
Unit level | FHEQ level 7 – master's degree or fourth year of an integrated master's degree |
Teaching period(s) | Full year |
Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
A list of possible project titles and supervisors will be circulated early in semester one. Students may substitute an alternative title, subject to a member of staff being willing to supervise it. The project supervisor will provide a description of the project, and a partial list of library references. It is then the responsibility of the student to read up on the topic, and (eventually) to write a report on it. Project supervisors will give some guidance on the early chapters, but otherwise supervision is expected to be minimal.
The project gives the student the experience of working independently providing useful practice for later life. The skills developed are regarded highly by employers and this is useful when applying for jobs. The experience of preparing the project will also provide useful training for writing the dissertation (and, for those who go on to study for a PhD, writing a doctoral thesis).
The main project is assessed by two independent examiners, the project supervisor and a second member of academic staff. The student must also participate in oral examinations (one for each project), which form an integral part of the course unit. The oral for the main project is conducted by both examiners during the relevant examination period.
Aims
To allow the student to personally research a particular mathematics topic and to produce his/her own expository description of it.
Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes: At the end of the course unit the student will:
- have successfully located information regarding a chosen mathematical topic;
- used independent learning skills to read and research the chosen topic;
- acquired some factual knowledge of the chosen topic;
- written an expository account of the chosen topic, showing an appreciation of the subject area.
Assessment methods
Method | Weight |
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Other | 33.3% |
Written assignment (inc essay) | 66.6% |
Mini project: 8 weeks, 33.3% weighting.
Main project: 16 weeks, 66.6% weighting.
10 credits will be awarded for the mini-project and 20 credits will be awarded for the main-project.
For both projects 80% of the marks for the project will be awarded for the quality of the written report. The examiners will look for:
Structure:
Clear definition of aims and objectives
Selection of material
Organisation and ordering of material
Presentation:
Precise and effective communication
Clarity of writing and exposition
Accuracy:
Correctness of arguments
Factual accuracy
Mathematical precision
Initiative
Originality:
Independent thinking and individual expression
Critical writing (as opposed to routine copying)
Independent use of library and external sources
Understanding:
Appreciation of the meaning, context and significance of the work
The remaining 20% in each project will be awarded based on performance in an oral exam.
Study hours
Scheduled activity hours | |
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Tutorials | 10 |
Independent study hours | |
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Independent study | 290 |
Teaching staff
Staff member | Role |
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Omar Leon Sanchez | Unit coordinator |
Marcus Tressl | Unit coordinator |
Additional notes
Please see Blackboard / course unit related emails for any further updates.