MA2PSM-Professional Skills for Mathematicians

Module Provider: Mathematics and Statistics
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites: MA1CA Calculus MA1LA Linear Algebra
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: MA2DE Differential Equations
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Mrs Claire Newbold
Email: c.newbold@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This module focuses on the development of professional/transferable skills.

Aims:

To improve the students' professional skills (team-working, presentation skills, career management skills, technical skills, verbal and written communication, especially communication of mathematics).

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the course, students are expected to be able:

• Create and deliver oral presentations and written reports involving mathematical content; 

• Engage with and assimilate appropriate technical sources; 


• Give constructive feedback; 


• Work effectively in teams; 


• Assess their own career capabilities; 


• Write (and be ab le to evaluate) an effective CV and Linked In Profile; 


• Recognise, write and talk about their transferable skills.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

The module will focus on the following areas and  topics:

• Presentation skills;


• Communication of mathematical topics to others, both written and  orally;


• Team-working;


• Giving constructive feedback;


• Excel skills;


• Networking with employers.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Lectures, enhanced by self-study and peer-group learning.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	9
Guided independent study:	91
Total hours by term		0	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	50
Oral assessment and presentation	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Career related assessment includes written and video assignments. Presentations are based on mathematical content suited for a more general audience.  Written report is based on more technical mathematical content.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Submission of two pieces of coursework in August / September: One careers assignment and one presentation.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 8 April 2021