(BSc) Bachelor of Science
Mathematics (Including Year Abroad)
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science (School of)
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
Mathematics, Statistics and Operational Research
BSC G102
20/03/2014
Details
Professional accreditation
None
Admission criteria
A-levels: ABB-BBB, including Mathematics
Please note we are unable to accept A-level Use of Mathematics in place of A-level Mathematics
IB: 32-30 points, including Higher Level Mathematics grade 5
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall. (Different requirements apply for second year entry.)
If you are an international student requiring a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.
Other English language qualifications may be acceptable so please contact us for further details. If we accept the English component of an international qualification then it will be included in the information given about the academic levels required. Please note that date restrictions may apply to some English language qualifications.
Course qualifiers
A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The
specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of
Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is
optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).
None
Rules of assessment
Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.
Additional notes
None
External examiners
Dr Tania Clare Dunning
Reader in Applied Mathematics
The University of Kent
External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment.
External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course.
They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards.
External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.
Programme aims
BSc Mathematics with a year Abroad is a 4 year programme of study.
Its teaching aims are:
To equip students with the knowledge and skills that are currently in demand in mathematically oriented employment in business, commerce, industry, government service, the field of education and in the wider economy.
To provide students with a foundation for further study and research.
To produce graduates who are mathematically literate and capable of producing a logical argument.
To enable students to acquire a broad understanding of mathematics.
To provide teaching which is informed and enhanced by the research activities of the staff.
To develop the students' ability to make an effective contribution to team-based activity.
To encourage students to adopt an investigative approach and develop independent study skills in order to ensure their continuing professional development.
The third year is spent abroad, typically in the mathematics programme of a US University such as Utah State University (Salt Lake City, Utah) or California State University, Chico but students can choose from a wide variety countries provided that there is a suitable programme on offer and that any language requirements are met.
The purpose of this year is to broaden the students' University experience through undertaking a year of mathematics study at the associated campus.
The purpose of the formal study would be to add variety to the student's mathematical experience.
Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and understanding
A1: Knowledge and understanding of the basic mathematical methods and techniques of linear mathematics, calculus and statistics that underpin the study of more advanced mathematical ideas.
A2: Knowledge and understanding of some of the ideas and methods used in mathematical proof of results in algebra, analysis, and discrete mathematics and familiarity with some specific examples.
A3: Knowledge and understanding of the power and potential pitfalls of computer use and mathematical computer packages, and experience in their use.
A4: Knowledge and understanding of the use of mathematics for modelling and as an investigative tool for the solution of practical problems. An appreciation of the importance of assumptions.
A5: Experience of education in mathematics in the year abroad.
Learning methods
Lectures are the principal method of delivery for the concepts and principles involved in A1 - A4.
Students are also directed to reading from textbooks and material available on-line.
In some modules, understanding is enhanced through the production of a written report.
Understanding is reinforced by means of classes (A1 - A4), laboratories (A3, A4) and assignments (A1 - A4).
The 3rd year of this 4 year scheme is spent in the USA (A5).
Assessment methods
Achievement of knowledge outcomes is assessed primarily through unseen closed-book examinations, and also, in some modules through marked coursework, laboratory reports, statistical assignments, project reports and oral examinations.
Regular problem sheets provide formative assessment in most modules.
A5 is demonstrated by successful completion of the year spent in the USA
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: Identify an appropriate method to solve a specific mathematical problem.
B2: Analyse a given mathematical problem and select the most appropriate tools for its solution.
Learning methods
The basis for intellectual skills is provided in lectures, and the skills are developed by means of recommended reading, guided and independent study, assignments and project work.
B1 and B2 are developed through exercises supported by classes.
B1 and B2 are all-important aspects of the projects that constitute a part of some modules, and the optional final year project.
Assessment methods
Achievement of intellectual skills is assessed primarily through unseen closed-book examinations, and also through marked assignments and project work.
C: Practical skills
C1: Use computational tools and packages.
C2: The ability to apply a rigorous, analytic, highly numerate approach to a problem.
Learning methods
The practical skills of mathematics are developed in exercise classes, laboratory classes, assignments and project work.
C1 is acquired through the learning of at least one programming language and the use of a number of computer packages, as a part of the teaching of module for which they are relevant.
C2 is acquired and enhanced throughout the programme.
Assessment methods
Achievement of practical skills is assessed through marked coursework, project reports and oral examinations.
D: Key skills
D1: Communicate effectively, both mathematical arguments and textual accounts of ideas.
D2: Use appropriate IT facilities as a tool in the analysis of mathematical problems.
D3: Use mathematical techniques correctly.
D4: Analyse complex problems and find effective solutions.
D5: Organise activity and manage time in the course of study.
Learning methods
D1 is practised throughout the scheme in the writing of solutions to mathematical problems, both for assessment and as exercises.
Report writing is discussed in the second year.
D1 and D2 are developed in group and in individual project work.
D2 is developed through the use of computer packages in a number of modules.
D3 and D4 are developed in exercises and assignments throughout the scheme.
Students are encouraged to make use of the University’‘s Key Skills Online facility.
Assessment methods
D1 is assessed through examinations, coursework and oral examinations.
D2 is assessed primarily through coursework.
Assessment of the key skills D3 - D5 is intrinsic to subject based assessment.
The assessment of MA830 and MA831 includes specific allocations of credit for the quality of presentations (D1 and D2).