- UCAS course code
- GG13
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course unit details:
Mathematical Problem Solving
| Unit code | MATH11221 |
|---|---|
| Credit rating | 20 |
| Unit level | Level 1 |
| Teaching period(s) | Semester 1 |
| Offered by | Department of Mathematics |
| Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
This unit aims to develop students’ mathematical problem solving and communication skills through a series of group projects and project reports. Students will work on three group projects covering a range of topics in pure and applied mathematics. These topics will vary from year to year and will not be pre-requisites for any later course units. The topics will be introduced in weekly lectures and developed by group problem solving in weekly workshops. Students will collaborate on the projects but will submit individual reports for each project. However, this collaboration will be also assessed through a group mark based on the average mark for the members of the group who attend the workshops.
Aims
This unit aims to develop students’ mathematical problem solving and communication skills through a series of group projects and project presentations.
Learning outcomes
On the successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Collaborate with other students to solve mathematical problems
- Write clear and accurate mathematics, including reports and presentation media
- Develop and analyse simple mathematical models to investigate real world problems
- Create and deliver a presentation using appropriate media
Apply mathematical software to solve mathematical problems
Assessment methods
| Method | Weight |
|---|---|
| Report | 90% |
| Oral assessment/presentation | 10% |
Feedback methods
Formal feedback is given through the marked projects; informal feedback through discussions with session leaders during the workshops.
Recommended reading
Alcock, Lara. (2012). How to study for a mathematics degree. Oxford University Press.
Main changes compared to previous version: the assessment format has replaced the previous written project report by presentation, to prevent cheating by generative AI. The ILOs have also been updated to reflect that.
Study hours
| Scheduled activity hours | |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 11 |
| Practical classes & workshops | 22 |
| Independent study hours | |
|---|---|
| Independent study | 167 |
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| Nora Szakacs | Unit coordinator |
| Steven Broom | Unit coordinator |
| Geoffrey Evatt | Unit coordinator |
