MA3PRONU-Part 3 Project

Module Provider: Mathematics and Statistics
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: Completion of two years of a single or joint honours mathematics degree
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Patrick Ilg
Email: p.ilg@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module focuses on independent learning of a mathematical or statistical topic

Aims:

The ability to research a new topic independently is a key skill for any mathematician or statistician. This module aims to provide students with the experience of independent research, and to further develop a range of skills required of a modern mathematics and statistics graduate, including written and verbal communication, independent project work and time management. A list of available mathematics and statistics topics will be distributed to students, from which one will be chosen. Students are expected to then research independently their chosen topic with the goal of learning and synthesising the material, and communicating it to others through a variety of media including a written report.

Assessable learning outcomes:

On completion of this module the student will have acquired the ability:

• to research independently a mathematical or statistical topic to a depth not previously encountered in their degree programme;


• to report the results of their studies thoroughly, neatly and succinctly, and to discuss and present them to other parties in a variety of media.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

Research Methods - project planning and documenting of work, time management, library & information systems, reading techniques, avoiding plagiarism and copyright infringement, referencing, writing a report, presentation skills, communicating material to a technical or non- technical audience, critically appraising the work of others. Mathematical content defined by individual projects.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Primarily self-study. Lectures are given on general Research Methods.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	4	4
Seminars		1
Project Supervision	4	3
Guided independent study:	92	92
Total hours by term	100	100	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Dissertation	70
Project output other than dissertation	10
Oral assessment and presentation	20

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Dissertation, presentation, and early deliverable.

Formative assessment methods:

Feedback is provided on a draft report and formative presentations.

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:

Resubmission of the dissertation.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 8 April 2021