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Department of Mathematics



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MA4502 Mathematics Project

MA4502 Mathematics Project

Credits: 20 Convenor: Dr. N. Snashall Semester: 1
Prerequisites:
Assessment: weekly work and presentation (15%) and written thesis (85%): 100% Examination: 0%
Lectures: none Problem Classes: 14
Tutorials: none Private Study: 136
Labs: none Seminars: none
Project: none Other: none
Surgeries: none Total: 150

Subject Knowledge

Aims

The aim of the module is for the student to use and extend their knowledge and skills acquired in other modules to produce (in conjunction with MA4503) a project on a substantial piece of advanced mathematics through self-study and project supervision from a member of staff.

Learning Outcomes

This module will establish the lines of enquiry to be followed and produce an interim report, demonstrating both progress to date and a detailed plan of the further steps needed to complete the work.

Methods

Weekly supervisions and independent study.

Assessment

Project description document, diary, presentation, written thesis.

Subject Skills

Aims

To develop written and oral communication skills, problem solving skills, research skills, IT skills and independent study.

Learning Outcomes

Students will produce an interim report in LATEX on a substantial piece of mathematics which will require use of library and other external resources. The interim report will describe the mathematics learned, presenting arguments and solutions in a coherent and logical form, and the preparations and plans for the remainder of the project. Students will give an oral and visual presentation to a group of peers and staff.

Methods

Weekly supervisions and independent study.

Assessment

Project description document, diary, presentation, written thesis.

Course Description

This module forms the first half of the 40-credit M.Math. Project. It cannot be taken in combination with the 20-credit project MA4501 and it must be taken in combination with MA4503. Mathematics with Astronomy students may not take this module in combination with PA497. Only students on the M.Math. Mathematics and M.Math. Mathematics with Astronomy degrees are allowed to take this module.

The purpose of the 40 credit mathematics project is for the student to combine the skills acquired in other mathematics modules in the production of a suitable project.

The ability to learn independently and the ability to solve mathematical problems are two of the department's objectives for its students. The 40 credit project aims to develop both of these to an extent which is not possible in a 20 credit project. In some areas of mathematics the 40 credit project can even allow the opportunity to make a real contribution to knowledge through a small amount of original work, something which certainly requires highly developed problem-solving skills. Similarly, successfully completing one third of one's final year curriculum without the guidance of lectures or similar classes should be greater evidence of the ability to study independently than any other activity undertaken by an undergraduate. Some projects may involve a substantial computing element.

Each student on the module will be assigned to a project supervisor (in exceptional circumstances, the student may be assigned to more than one supervisor). It is the responsibility of the student wishing to take this module to ensure, via the module convenor, that a suitable project supervisor is available.

Resources

Access to library and web based material, workshops on library resources, use of LATEX, and presentation skills.

Module Evaluation

Module questionnaires, module review, year review.

Next: MA4503 Mathematics Project Up: ModuleGuide03-04 Previous: MA4501 Mathematics Project

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Author: C. D. Coman, tel: +44 (0)116 252 3902
Last updated: 2004-02-21
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