MC346 Communicating Mathematics

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MC346 Communicating Mathematics

Credits: 20

Convenor: Dr M.D. Dampier

Semester: 1

Prerequisites:	essential: 40 credits of level 2 mathematics
Assessment:	Coursework: 100%	Three hour exam: 90%

Lectures:	none	Classes:	none
Tutorials:	none	Private Study:	114
Labs:	none	Seminars:	24
Project:	none	Other:	12
Total:	150

Explanation of Pre-requisites

There are no formal prerequisites, but a knowledge of the core mathematics modules at level one and two will be assumed in a general way in the course.

Course Description

In many careers, it is important to be able to communicate mathematical ideas to a variety of audiences, including non-experts. This course aims to provide practical opportunities to learn and practice skills in communicating Mathematics. The course is taught through interactive seminars, with group work playing an important part.

Aims

To develop skills in the analysis of mathematical ideas, and the communication of these to a variety of audiences.
To gain experience in using a variety of presentation formats including written reports, posters, and verbal communication to a group with aids such as OHP and blackboard.
To become aware of the requirements and discipline needed for group working.

Objectives

By the end of the module students will have developed and practised:

presentation skills
the ability to select information appropriately for presentation to a target audience
skills in analysing mathematical information from books or journals
writing skills
the ability to work effectively in a team setting

Transferable Skills

oral presentation skills
teamwork skills
skills in analysing written arguments
writing skills
poster presentation skills

Details of Assessment

The final assessment will be based on contributions of 10% from assessment of groupwork and 90% from a portfolio of work containing one very short piece (5%), three short pieces (10% each), a poster done as groupwork (15%), a final report (30%) and a presentation (10%). Details of the topics and the lengths of the pieces will be given during the classes.

Next: MC347 Coding Theory Up: Year 3 Previous: MC342 History of mathematics

S. J. Ambler
11/20/1999