Programme Specifications

The educational aims of the programme are:

·         To provide students with knowledge and understanding in a range of topics in Mathematics, Statistics, Accounting and Finance.
·         To develop skills in the application of such knowledge and understanding to the solutions of problems in Mathematics, Statistics, Accounting and Finance.
·         To develop the ability to transfer subject-specific skills to a range of topics in Mathematics, Statistics, Accounting and Finance.
·         To provide students aiming for careers in finance with knowledge and skills in Mathematics and Finance particularly appropriate to such a career. 
·         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, analysis and mathematical modelling, probability, statistics, financial and management accounting.
A2.           Of more advanced concepts in abstract algebra, real analysis, numerical mathematics, probability, statistics, accounting, economics and business law.
A3.           Of a selection of specialist topics in Mathematics, Statistics, Accounting and Finance.
A4.           Of software for the analysis of numerical data.
A5. Of sofeware 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), survey group meetings (A1 - A5), help-desk encounters (A1), student-initiated informal meetings with lecturers (A1-A4), coursework (A1-A4). Project consultations (A1-A5) for students who have chosen the appropriate module.

Assessment – unseen written examinations (A1-A3), open-book practical examinations (A1 - A4), coursework (A1-A4). Project/survey report/presentations (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, statistical, accounting and financial 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 an appropriate 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, student-initiated informal meetings with lecturers. Project consultations for students who have chosen the appropriate module. Skills B1-B4 are developed in all these learning situations.

Assessment – unseen written examinations, open-book practical examinations, coursework, project/survey report, if appropriate. 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 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, survey group meetings, student-initiated informal meetings with lecturers. Project consultations where students who have chosen the appropriate modules. Skill C1 is developed in all these learning situations, skills C2 - C3 in practical classes and the project module.

Assessment – unseen written examinations (C1), open-book practical examinations (C2), coursework (C1, C2). Project report/survey 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, coursework and survey report. Project consultations for students who have chosen the appropriate module. 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, in preparing set coursework and submitting it by given deadlines and in planning and executing a survey.  Skills D2, D4 and D5 are not explicitly assessed. Skill D6 is developed at meetings with Personal Tutors, at occasional recruitment meetings arranged for final-year student in the Department of Mathematics and in interactions with the Careers Advisory Service. Skills D4, D5 and D7 are developed by independent study for an optional project.