Unit information: Perspectives in Mathematics in 2019/20

Unit name	Perspectives in Mathematics
Unit code	MATH20009
Credit points	20
Level of study	I/5
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24)
Unit director	Professor. Snaith
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Mathematics
Faculty	Faculty of Science

Description including Unit Aims

Unit Aims

The purpose of the unit is to use a students’ maths background to develop skills in communication, independent project work and supporting peers in group work.

Unit Description

This unit will be comprised of three periods of activity, in each of which there will be a choice between a task which uses the students’ maths background to develop communication or career skills, and one which gives scope for independent exploration of new mathematics. This unit fulfils the written/oral communication requirement of our degree.

The unit will also involve aspects of group work, peer review and support, peer assessment, as well as presenting work orally and in written form. As these skills are important in almost any career, whether professional or academic, it is suggested that all 2nd year students seriously consider taking this course.

Relation to Other Units

This unit fulfils the communication requirement of our degrees.

Intended Learning Outcomes

• Gain experience presenting to an audience
• Gain an understanding of the challenges in writing mathematics for an appropriate audience
• Gain experience in writing about and motivating a mathematical topic
• Learn to participate constructively in peer review
• Gain practice in effective peer assessment
• Gain experience in working effectively with a group of peers
• Experience creating a mathematical presentation through the medium of video
• Gain skills associated with presenting work in written form
• Learn to present findings orally

Teaching Information

Presentations from experts delivering skills training; peer review; peer assessment; small group work; office hours and drop-in sessions

Assessment Information

Careers Project or Mathematical Presentation (25%)

Writing Mathematics Project (25%)

Group Project (50%)

Reading and References

Recommended

• Various online resources related to topics chosen

Further

• Kevin Houston, How to Think Like a Mathematician: A Companion to Undergraduate Mathematics, Cambridge University Press, 2009