Study information

Research in Mathematical Sciences - 2023 entry

MODULE TITLEResearch in Mathematical Sciences CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEMTHM036 MODULE CONVENERProf Andrew Hillier (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 42
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

This is a unique module that runs in several research themes and provides you with a taste for and experience in research in mathematical sciences. The themes are broadly aligned with Fourth Year options and would cover subjects from pure maths, statistics, biology, climate, etc, although the number and range of topics may change from year to year. Each theme consists of lectures, student-led discussion, reading, and practical sessions, getting deeper experience in research approaches and skills. Students will learn to write short essay, make oral presentation and write longer scientific report.

This module is compulsory, usually taken in the Third Year of the MMath and the MSci Mathematics programmes.   

AIMS - intentions of the module

Set in at least four distinct research themes, this module will introduce you to scientific thinking and abstraction and give you knowledge/experience in core research skills: reading (and understanding), writing and presenting for the mathematical sciences.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

1 Identify and formulate scientific research questions and undertake independent study of chosen advanced themes in the mathematical sciences;

2 Appreciate the role of reading, writing and presenting in research;

3 Develop literature search and reading skills, allowing you to distil key concepts from the literature;

4 Summarise and explain scientific concepts and projects in written words;

5 Present scientific concepts and projects;

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

6 Study specified themes in abstract mathematics and/or mathematical modelling;

Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge:

7 Work in small groups to tackle advanced mathematical and scientific problems;

8 Present scientific ideas and findings in a coherent way.

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

The module will address three main research skills topics. These are:

- Introduction to research and scientific thinking;

- Scientific reading;

- Presentation skills.

These topics will be introduced to the entire group before they are studied and assessed in theme-specific groups. The themes will relate directly to the research interests of the lecturing staff and will range from advanced topics in pure mathematics to research questions in applied mathematical sciences.

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 19 Guided Independent Study 131 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities 7 Lectures
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities 10 Tutorials
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities 2 Student Presentations
Guided Independent Study 54 Individual assignments
Guided Independent Study and Group Work 77 Reading of research papers and advanced book chapters. Study of presentation and writing skills. Follow up on practical tutorials (e.g. computational modelling, problem-solving).

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Formative Writing Task 200 words 4-6, 8 Peer Feedback

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 85 Written Exams 0 Practical Exams 15
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Coursework – Written Short Report 25 Equivalent of 3 pages of text (max. 1000 words in case of an essay) for selected theme 1-2, 4, 6-7 Written Feedback
Practical – Group Oral Presentation 15 5 minutes per student 1, 4-6, 8 Written Feedback
Coursework – Written Final Report 60 Equivalent of 10-12 pages of text (max. 4000 words in case of an essay) 1-6, 8 Written Feedback

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-reassessment
All Above Coursework (100%) All Completed over summer, with a deadline in August

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES
Reassessment will be by resubmission of the written final report only. For referred candidates, the mark will be capped at 50%. For deferred candidates, the mark will be uncapped. 
 
RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk

Each theme will have its own Reading Lists, which may be texts, or research papers.

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Higham, N. J. Handbook of Writing for the Mathematical Sciences 2nd SIAM 1998 978-0898714203
Set Alley, M. The Craft of Scientific Presentations: Critical Steps to Succeed and Critical Errors to Avoid Springer Verlag 2006 978-0387955551
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 7 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Tuesday 10th July 2018 LAST REVISION DATE Thursday 21st September 2023
KEY WORDS SEARCH Research Techniques; Scientific Thinking; Presentation Skills

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.