Unit information: Project in 2015/16

Unit name	Project
Unit code	MATH32201
Credit points	10
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24)
Unit director	Professor. Beaumont
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	MATH 11007 Calculus 1 and MATH 11005 Linear Algebra &Geometry and either MATH 11009 Mechanics 1 or Core Physics A
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Mathematics
Faculty	Faculty of Science

Description including Unit Aims

Aims:

To give students an opportunity to study a topic of their choice, working more or less independently, and to develop experience of report-writing and oral presentation.

There is a very wide range of topics available. Details can be found at http://www.maths.bris.ac.uk/study/undergrad/

Further details are available at: http://www.maths.bris.ac.uk/study/undergrad/

Intended Learning Outcomes

• How to independently research a mathematical topic
• How to use the mathematical literature
• How to manage time over the length of the project
• How to write a report on the work that has been carried out
• How to give a technical presentation

Transferable Skills:

Self-directed study; library research and use of the mathematical literature; time management; report writing; oral presentation.

Teaching Information

Guidance from supervisor, leading to independent study with further discussion with supervisor as necessary. Skills training is provided early in Teaching Block 1.

Assessment Information

Written report (contributing 90% of the final assessment mark) and short talk (contributing 10% of the final assessment mark).

Reading and References

Here are some books on how to write, and particularly how to write scientific and mathematical reports.

1. S. Krantz, A Primer of Mathematical Writing, Being a Disquisition on Having Your Ideas

Recorded, Typeset, Published, Read and Appreciated (American Mathematical Society, 1997), contains a lot of sensible advice, though some of it is aimed more at research workers than undergraduates.

1. N. J. Higham Handbook of Writing for the Mathematical Sciences (S.I.A.M. 1993/1998), particularly

good on writing advanced mathematics, but also discusses basics.

1. Joan Van Emden, Effective Communication for Science and Technology Palgrave Macmillan, 2001
2. Phyllis Creme and Mary R. Lea, Writing at University 2nd ed., (Open University Press, 2003).

Includes report writing, electronic writing, using the Internet.

1. R. Barrass, Students must write (Routledge Falmer, 1995): wide-ranging and useful.
2. C. Turk & J. Kirkman, Effective Writing, E. & F. N. Spon, 1989: aimed particularly at technical writing.