Programme Specifications

September 2023

This programme is a 4-year honours degree scheme in which almost the entire content is in Mathematics and Statistics.

The educational aims of the programme are:

· To provide students with knowledge and understanding in a range of topics in Mathematics, including Statistics.

· To develop skills in the application of such knowledge and understanding to the solutions of problems in Mathematics.

· To develop the ability to transfer subject-specific skills to a range of topics in Mathematics.

· To develop mastery of a complex and specialised area of Mathematics, to work independently in that area and to present results obtained orally and in written form.

· To prepare students for careers in Mathematics and Statistics at an advanced level and in professions which make extensive use of advanced Mathematics and Statistics. 

· To develop analytical reasoning skills, team-working skills, information technology skills and other skills appropriate to a wide range of careers. 

Knowledge and understanding

A1. Of fundamental concepts and techniques of calculus, algebra, geometry, analysis, mathematical modelling, probability and statistics.
A2. Of more advanced concepts in abstract algebra, real and complex analysis, numerical mathematics, fluid dynamics, probability and statistics.
A3. Of a selection of specialist topics in Mathematics and Statistics.
A4. Of software for the analysis of numerical data.
A5. Of software for supporting presentations and producing reports.

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated:
Formal lectures (A1-A4), tutorials (A1-A3), examples classes (A1-A3), practical classes (A4, A5), help-desk encounters (A1), student-initiated informal meetings with lecturers (A1-A4), coursework (A1-A4). Project consultations (A1-A5).

Assessment – unseen written examinations (A1-A3), open-book practical examinations (A1-A4), Presentations (A1-A5), coursework (A1-A4), project report (A1-A5), if appropriate.

10.2.1.      Intellectual skills

The ability to

B1. Calculate and manipulate data obtained from, or related to, the bodies of knowledge studied.
B2. Apply a range of concepts and principles in well-defined mathematical or statistical contexts, showing judgement in the selection and application of tools and techniques.
B3. Develop and evaluate logical arguments.
B4. Abstract the essential elements of problems, formulate them in a mathematical context and obtain solutions by appropriate methods.

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated

Formal lectures, tutorials, examples classes, practical classes, revision workshops, help-desk encounters, project consultations, student-initiated informal meetings with lecturers. Skills B1-B4 are developed in all these learning situations.

 Assessment – unseen written examinations, open-book practical examinations, coursework, presentations, project report. Skills B1-B4 are assessed by all these assessment methods.

10.2.2.      Professional practical skills

The Ability to

C1. Present arguments and conclusions effectively and accurately.
C2. Use computer software to analyse and interpret the data.
C3. Use computer software to support presentations and produce reports.

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated

Formal lectures, tutorials, examples classes, practical classes, revision workshops, help-desk encounters, student-initiated informal meetings with lecturers. Project consultationse. Skill C1 is developed in all these learning situations, skills C2-C3 in practical classes and skill C3 in project presentations.

Assessment – unseen written examinations (C1), open-book practical examinations (C2), presentations (C1-C3), coursework (C1-C2), project report (C1-C3), if appropriate.

The ability to

D1. Apply general mathematical skills to the interpretation of numerical data.
D2. Work as a member of a team.
D3. Use information technology effectively to manage information.
D4. Manage time and resources effectively.
D5. Develop effective learning skills.
D6. Be aware of the need to plan for employment and of need to develop various skills for such employment.
D7. Work independently

Teaching, learning and assessment methods used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated

Skill D1 is developed in all learning environments in the Department of Mathematics and assessed by all assessment methods. Skill D2 is developed during practical classes. Skill D3 is developed primarily in practical classes and assessed by open-book examinations and coursework. Skill D3 is also developed through the use of e-mail, which is a normal means of communication between staff and students. Skills D4 and D5 are developed in an induction course on study skills and in preparing set coursework and submitting it by given deadlines. Skill D6 is developed at meetings with Personal Tutors, at occasional recruitment meetings arranged for final-year students in the Department of Mathematics and in interactions with the Careers Advisory Service. Skills D4, D5 and D7 are developed by independent study for two projects.  Skills D4, D5 and D7 are not explicitly assessed.