Programme Specifications

Education Studies

September 2023

This programme caters for 3-year honours degree schemes which allow the student to take a course in which two-thirds of the content is in Mathematics and the remainder in another subject in the Faculties of Science or Social Science.

The educational aims of the programme are:

· To provide students with knowledge and understanding in a range of topics in Mathematics, which may include some topics in 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 allow students to develop subject-specific knowledge and skills in another discipline in the Faculty of Science or the Faculty of Social Science in parallel with their studies in Mathematics.

· To prepare students for careers in which a combination of the skills developed in Mathematics and another subject is particularly appropriate.

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

• To provide students with an opportunity to develop an understanding of the complex body of knowledge associated with Education

• To enable students to critically engage with the key issues and current research in Education.

• To enable students to critically reflect on and manage their own learning and performance;

• To provide students with an opportunity to acquire the employability skills and personal attributes and values that are necessary for employment, training, or further education.

Knowledge and understanding

A1. Of fundamental concepts and techniques of calculus, algebra, analysis and selected topics in geometry, mathematical modelling, probability and statistics.
A2. Of more advanced concepts in abstract algebra, real and complex analysis and selected topics in 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-A5), tutorials (A1-A4), examples classes (A1-A4), practical classes (A4-A5), help-desk encounters (A1), student-initiated informal meetings with lecturers (A1-A4), coursework (A1-A4). Project consultations (A1-A4) for students who have chosen the appropriate module.

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

• A1 To understand the structure and development of the Education system within the UK and internationally and to be aware of assessment systems in place at each phase of the Education system.

• A2 To understand how learners’ physical, intellectual, linguistic, social, cultural and emotional development can affect their learning

• A3 To be aware of methods of safeguarding children and to understand a range of professional frameworks.

• A4 Understand a range of strategies to establish a purposeful learning environment and promote good learning, achievement and behaviour.

• A5 To be aware if the interdisciplinary nature of ICT and digital competency

• A6 To be aware of the SEN code of practice for Wales and to be aware of strategies to support learners

• A7 To understand the practical and ethical issues when working with and researching children

• A8 To understand and evaluate issues relating to learner well-being and health.
  

Learning and Teaching

The above learning outcomes are developed through the following:

• Lectures 

• Seminars 

• Individual tutorials 

• Group work 

• Personal research 

• Workshops 

Assessment Strategies and Methods

The learning objectives will be assessed via the following:

• Written assignments 

• Examinations 

• Placement Portfolio 

• Undergraduate Dissertation 

• Posters 

• Oral Presentations 

• Teaching/ Lesson Plans 

• Interactive artefacts 

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, student-initiated informal meetings with lecturers. Project consultations for students who have chosen the appropriate modules. Skills B1-B4 are developed in all these learning situations.

Assessment – unseen written examinations, open-book practical examinations, coursework, presentations. Project 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 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 consultations for students who have chosen the appropriate modules. Skill C1 is developed in all these learning situations, skills C2-C3 in practical classes. Some, but not all, of the skills C2-C3 are acquired by all students on this programme, since the modules in which they are developed are optional.

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

10.2.1 Intellectual skills

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to:

• B1 Analyse and interpret a range of academic texts and government documents

• B2 Critically evaluate a range of source materials

• B3 Apply theory to practice

• B4 Understand a range of learning and teaching styles

• B5 Communicate knowledge to others in written and spoken forms

Learning and Teaching

The above learning outcomes are developed through the following:

• Lectures

• Seminars

• Group work

• Personal research

• Workshops

Assessment Strategies and Methods

The learning objectives will be assessed via the following:

• Written assignments

• Examinations

• Placement Portfolio

• Undergraduate Dissertation

• Posters

• Oral Presentations

• Teaching/ Lesson Plans

• Interactive artefacts.

10.2.2 Professional practical skills / Discipline Specific Skills

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to:

• C1 Demonstrate the ability to understand the diverse learning needs of learners and evaluate how to provide the best possible education for them to maximize their potential, whatever their individual aspirations, personal circumstances or cultural, linguistic, religious and ethnic background;

• C2 Understand the role of multi-agency approaches to supporting learners.

• C3 Be aware of, and work within, the statutory framework relating to their responsibilities

• C4 Understand and apply psychological theories of learning and teaching

Learning and Teaching

The above learning outcomes are developed through the following:

• Lectures

• Seminars

• Group work

• Personal research

• Workshops

Assessment Strategies and Methods

The learning objectives will be assessed via the following:

• Written assignments

• Examinations

• Placement Portfolio

• Undergraduate Dissertation

• Posters

• Oral Presentations

• Teaching/ Lesson Plans

• Interactive artefacts.

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. Project consultations for students who have chosen the appropriate modules. 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.  Skills 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.

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to:

• D1 Demonstrate independent working and thinking

• D2 Research, assimilate, select and organise relevant academic material

• D3 Evaluate key theories

• D4 Work as part of a group

• D5 Communicate to a range of audiences

• D6 Demonstrate effective time management

• D7 Demonstrate critical self-reflection

• D8 Argue coherently by analysing evidence and applying logical thinking

Learning and Teaching

The above learning outcomes are developed through the following:

• Lectures

• Seminars

• Group work

• Personal research

• Workshops

Assessment Strategies and Methods

The learning objectives will be assessed via the following:

• Written assignments

• Examinations

• Placement Portfolio

• Undergraduate Dissertation

• Posters

• Oral Presentations

• Teaching/ Lesson Plans

• Interactive artefacts.