(Postgraduate Diploma) Postgraduate Diploma
Mathematics
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science (School of)
Colchester Campus
Postgraduate Diploma
Full-time
None
DIP G10109
28/09/2012
Details
Professional accreditation
None
Admission criteria
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code
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
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
To prepare students who do not have sufficient background for entry into an MSc degree scheme within the Department of Mathematical Sciences. (Normally, admission to an MSc degree scheme requires the average of the aggregate marks for all the courses to be at least 60%.)
OR
To give advanced mathematical training to graduates of cognate disciplines.
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: A range of ideas concerning Discrete Mathematics and its applications, including methods appropriate in specialized applications and some knowledge of relevant probabilistic/statistical/computing ideas.
A2: How to formulate algorithms to solve problems.
A3: The power of efficient computer programs
A4: Some of the ways in which apparently disparate parts of the subject may interconnect.
Learning methods
A1-A4 are principally acquired through the coherent programmes of lectures, exercises and problem classes.
These are supplemented, where appropriate, by the use of computers, computer packages, textbooks, handouts and on-line material.
In most modules there is regular set work.
This work is marked and this process informs the course teacher of common difficulties that require extra attention during the subsequent problem classes
Assessment methods
Knowledge and understanding are assessed through coursework, examinations and essays.
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: Analyse a mass of information and carry out an appropriate analysis of the problem material.
B2: Express a problem in mathematical terms and carry out an appropriate analysis.
B3: Reason critically and interpret information in a manner that can be communicated effectively.
Learning methods
B1-3 These skills are developed through the regular coursework exercises.
In seeking to answer these exercises students become accustomed to identifying key facts in a body of information.
The problems classes provide back-up as required.
Assessment methods
The level of attainment of these skills is assessed through coursework, the essay and the summer examinations.
C: Practical skills
C1: Model problems using discrete mathematics (and related areas of mathematics)
C2: Construct and use algorithms.
C3: Use computer programmes and/or packages
Learning methods
C1-C2 are developed through the programme of lectures, regular exercises and computer work.
C3 is developed in several courses.
Assessment methods
C1-C3 are assessed by the regular coursework and examinations.
D: Key skills
D1: Write clearly and effectively
D2: Use computer packages and/or programming languages for data analysis and computation.
D3: Enhance existing numerical ability
D4: Choose the appropriate method of inquiry in order to address a range of practical and theoretical problems.
D5: Learn from feedback and respond appropriately and effectively to supervision and guidance
D6: Work pragmatically to meet deadlines.
Learning methods
D1 is practised throughout the course in the writing of solutions to mathematical problems, both for assessment and as exercises, and (in some modules) writing reports or projects, and in group and individual project work.
D3 to D5 are developed in exercises and assignments throughout the course.
Assessment methods
Key skills are assessed throughout the degree via coursework, examinations and the essay.