BSc Mathematics

These weekly classes are intended to help students experience a wide range of mathematical topics. The course unit includes a number of projects to be worked on individually and in groups. The projects are assessed via a written report. Marks will be awarded for presentation as well as mathematical content to encourage the development of good writing habits.
 

The aims of this course unit are to help students

•     to improve mathematical modelling and problem solving skills;
•     to develop mathematical writing and presentation skills;
•     to introduce students to the computer software package MATLAB.

On successful completion of this course unit students will be able to:

• write clear and accurate mathematical reports,
• use LaTeX to typeset mathematical reports,
• develop simple mathematical models to solve real-world problem,
• identify and apply appropriate MATLAB functions, loops and conditional statements to solve simple mathematical problems,
• collaborate with other students to solve open-ended maths problems.

Week 1 – Introduction
Week 2 – LaTEX
Week 3 – Introduction to MATLAB and Week 3 Feedback
Week 4 – MATLAB
Week 5 – MATLAB project
Week 6 – Reading Week, no lecture
Week 7 – Modelling and problem solving
Week 8 – Graphs
Week 9 – Graphs project
Week 10 – Cryptology
Week 11 – Cryptology project
Week 12 – Coursework test

A timetable of co-ordinated Workshop activities is available on our Blackboard.

MATLAB project:  weighting within unit 25%

Graphs project: weighting within unit 30%

Cryptology project: weighting within unit  30%

Online coursework test: weighting within unit 15%

Feedback tutorials will provide an opportunity for students' work to be discussed and provide feedback on their understanding.  The projects and in-class tests also provide an opportunity for students to receive feedback.  Students can also get feedback on their understanding directly from the lecturer, for example during the lecturer's office hour.

Giordano, F, A First Course in Mathematical Modeling (Brookes-Cole, 1985)

Desmond Higham and Nick Higham, MATLAB Guide (3rd edition)

Devlin, K.  Mathematics: The Science of Patterns (Scientific American Library, 1997)

Higham, N. J.  Handbook of writing for the mathematical sciences (SIAM, 1993)

Mason, J.  Thinking Mathematically (Addison-Wesley, 1985)

Learning LATEX Griffiths, D. F. (David Francis) ; Higham, D. J. (Desmond J.) ;   Books 24x7, Inc. ; c1997 (essential)

This course unit detail provides the framework for delivery in 21/22 and may be subject to change due to any additional Covid-19 impact.  Please see Blackboard / course unit related emails for any further updates