Programme Specifications

Mathematics, Statistics and Operational Research

September 2023

• To provide students with knowledge and understanding in a range of topics in Mathematics, including topics in Statistics.

• To develop skills in the application of such knowledge and understanding to the solutions of problems in Mathematics.

• To develop the ability to transfer subject-specific skills to a range of topics in Mathematics.

• To prepare students for careers in Mathematics and Statistics and in allied professions.

• To develop analytical reasoning skills, team-working skills, information technology skills and other skills appropriate to a wide range of careers.

• To apply mathematical approaches, concepts, skills, methods and/or theories in a work-based context.

• To develop highly-valued transferable and professional skills during a work placement, providing a competitive edge in the graduate job market.

• To enable students to learn about an organisation and its area of work, providing an excellent opportunity to evaluate further career paths.

• On completion of the degree, students will have gained a valuable insight into a field of employment relating to Mathematics and have developed associated skills.

The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas:

A1 Fundamental concepts and techniques of calculus, algebra, analysis and selected topics in geometry, mathematical modelling, probability and statistics.

A2 More advanced concepts in abstract algebra, real analysis and complex analysis

A3 A selection of specialist topics in Mathematics and Statistics.

A4 Software for the analysis of numerical data.

A5 Software supporting presentations and producing reports

A6 Demonstrate a range of transferable skills including initiative, independence and professional awareness.

Learning and Teaching

Formal lectures (A1-A5), tutorials (A1-A4), examples classes (A1-A4), practical classes (A4 - A5), help-desk encounters (A1), student-initiated informal meetings with lecturers (A1-A4), coursework (A1-A4). Project consultations (A1-A4) for students who have chosen the appropriate module.

During their year in industry students will embed themselves within a working environment, allowing for the development of a range of transferable and life skills commensurate with outcome A6. Furthermore, students on this scheme will have the potential to utilize the knowledge and skills associated with other outcomes developed at Levels 1 and 2. This will be in part dependent on the nature of the organisation at which they undertake the year in industry.

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Unseen written examinations (A1-A3), open-book practical examinations (A1 - A4), coursework (A1-A4). Project reports/presentations (A1 - A5), if appropriate

10.2.1 Intellectual Skills

B1. Calculate and manipulate data obtained from, or related to, the bodies of knowledge studied

B2 Apply a range of concepts and principles in well-defined mathematical or statistical contexts, showing judgement in the selection and application of tools and techniques.

B3 Develop and evaluate logical arguments

B4 Abstract the essential elements of problems, formulate them in a mathematical context and obtain solutions by appropriate methods

B5 Demonstrate experience of working in a professional environment

Learning and Teaching

Formal lectures, tutorials, examples classes, practical classes, revision workshops, help-desk encounters, student-initiated informal meetings with lecturers. Project consultations for students who have chosen the appropriate modules. Skills B1-B4 are developed in all these learning situations. Outcome B5 will be achieved by completing an extended period at a suitable workplace.

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Unseen written examinations, open-book practical examinations, coursework, presentations. Project report. Skills B1-B4 are assessed by all these assessment methods

10.2.2 Professional practical skills / Discipline Specific Skills

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to:

C1 Present arguments and conclusions effectively and accurately

C2 Use computer software to analyse and interpret data

C3 Use computer software to support presentations and produce reports

C4 Apply discipline-specific principles, methods, approaches, concepts, skills and/or theories in a professional context, as well as understanding the challenges of working in a professional environment

Learning and Teaching

Formal lectures, tutorials, examples classes, practical classes, revision workshops, help-desk encounters, student-initiated informal meetings with lecturers. Project consultations for students who have chosen the appropriate modules.

Skill C1 is developed in all these learning situations and skills C2-C3 in practical classes. The professional skills identified in C4 will be primarily developed through spending a year in industry.

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Unseen written examinations (C1), open-book practical examinations (C2), coursework (C1 - C2), project report/presentations (C1 - C3), if appropriate.

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to:

D1. Apply general mathematical skills to the interpretation of numerical data

D2 Work as a member of a team

D3 Use information technology effectively to manage information

D4 Manage time and resources effectively

D5 Develop effective learning skills

D6 Be aware of the need to plan for employment and of the need to develop various skills for such employment

D7 Work independently

D8 Demonstrate professionalism and an understanding of commercial/professional pressures

Learning and Teaching

Skill D1 is developed in all learning environments in the Department of Mathematics and assessed by all assessment methods. Skill D2 is developed during practical classes. Skill D3 is developed primarily in practical classes and assessed by open-book examinations and coursework. Skill D3 is also developed through the use of e-mail, which is a normal means of communication between staff and students. Skills D4 and D5 are developed in an induction session on study skills, and in preparing set coursework and submitting it by given deadlines. Skills D4 and D5 are not explicitly assessed. Skill D6 is developed at meetings with Personal Tutors, at occasional recruitment meetings arranged for final-year students in the Department of Mathematics and in interactions with the Careers Advisory Service. Skills D4, D5 and D7 are developed by independent study for an optional project. The professional skills identified in D8 will be primarily developed through spending a year in industry.

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Unseen written examinations (D1), open-book practical examinations (D1-D3), coursework (D1, D3, D4, D7), project report/presentations (D1 - D4), if appropriate.