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MSc Project in Mathematical Sciences - MAT00075M

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  • Department: Mathematics
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Mitya Pushkin
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2021-22

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2021-22 to Summer Term 2021-22

Module aims

  • To carry out an extensive independent study of a mathematical topic of choice under an expert supervisor, and to present a clear account of their work.

  • To learn and develop the skills in writing mathematics in a clear and concise way, using established conventions.

  • To write a mathematical project report, using the scientific typesetting program LaTeX.

  • To prepare a formal mathematical talk, and present it to an audience of peers and academics.

Module learning outcomes

  • Be able to acquire mathematical expertise in a largely autonomous fashion, making use of recommended reference texts.

  • Be able to create a synopsis of mathematics learned over an extended period (6 months).

  • Be able to communicate mathematics clearly and concisely, as a written narrative.

  • Be able to prepare a mathematical talk using PowerPoint, Beamer or other software.

  • Be able to fluently use LaTeX.

  • Be able to deliver a talk to an audience of peers and academics.

Module content

At the start of this module (by Week 3 of Autumn) each student agrees on the mathematical topic to be investigated and the main references to be used with his/her project supervisor. The work in this module is normally intended to serve, directly or indirectly, as a preparation for the dissertation.

In Autumn Term, students take part in the existing lectures and computer practical classes in Autumn, which are part of the BSc/MMath Final-Year Project module, for training in mathematical research and presentation skills, including mathematical writing and the use of LaTeX. They submit two LaTeX assignments, receiving formative feedback. These assignments are handed in around Weeks 4 and 7 of Autumn term, and returned in Autumn. Students who already have these skills (e.g. having produced substantial documents in LaTeX) can be exempted from these tasks by the programme coordinator.

Their work towards the project report takes place in Autumn and Spring. An initial meeting with the supervisor at the beginning of AuT is supplemented typically by three half-hour meetings during each of AuT and SpT, to ensure that steady progress is made. A first draft of the project dissertation is presented to the project supervisor at the beginning of SuT, and the supervisor will present constructive feedback shortly afterwards.

The deadline for submission of the final version of the project report is Monday of Week 4. Students present a talk with a topic taken from their project report, in Week 8. The supervisor and another staff member act as the markers of the project report. Two markers, none of whom are the supervisor, mark the presentation. After the marks have been finalised, the student and will have a short formal feedback session with the supervisor and one of the presentation markers.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Coursework		 N/A 5
Oral presentation/seminar/exam
Presentation		 N/A 10
University - project
Project report		 N/A 85

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Coursework		 N/A 5
Oral presentation/seminar/exam
Presentation		 N/A 10
University - project
Project report		 N/A 85

Module feedback

  • Formative feedback on LaTeX assignments during AuT.

  • Regular meetings with supervisor to monitor the progress during AuT and SpT.

  • Feedback on the first draft of the project is given by supervisor early in SuT.

  • Final mark for the project report and presentation available during Week 10, SuT.

  • Short formal feedback session after the mark has been finalised, Week 10 SuT.

Indicative reading

Dependent on project title.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.