| CODE | MAT3900 |
| TITLE | Project in Mathematics |
| UM LEVEL | 03 - Years 2, 3, 4 in Modular Undergraduate Course |
| EQF/MQF LEVEL | 6 |
| ECTS CREDITS | 20 |
| DEPARTMENT | Mathematics |
| DESCRIPTION | Students are required to complete a dissertation on a topic selected from a range of research project themes proposed annually by members of the Department of Mathematics. The available themes vary from year to year in line with staff research interests. In addition, students must prepare and deliver an oral presentation of their work to an audience composed of academic staff and students. This is followed by a viva voce examination by the Board of Examiners. Study-Unit Aims: The primary aim of the study-unit 'Project in Mathematics' is to provide students with first-hand experience of mathematics as it is practiced at, or close to, the frontiers of current research. Rather than taking the role of spectators engaging with mathematics solely as a body of established knowledge, students are encouraged to experience it as an active and evolving discipline in which they play a direct and meaningful role. The study-unit offers students the opportunity to explore in some depth a mathematical topic of particular interest to them, while developing essential academic skills such as independent study, critical thinking, and formal mathematical writing. Students are also supported in building confidence in communicating their work through the preparation and delivery of an oral presentation to an audience made up of lecturers and fellow students. Under the guidance of an assigned tutor, students are introduced to the practice of independent mathematical investigation and research. The project typically extends material encountered during the first three years of the B.Sc. degree in mathematics, although it may also serve as an introduction to new areas of mathematics not previously covered in the degree. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Demonstrate capacity for mathematical reasoning through analysing, proving and explaining concepts arising from the chosen research area; - Systematically identify relevant mathematical theory and concepts, relate these to appropriate methodologies and evidence, and draw well-supported conclusions; - Understand and present sophisticated mathematical arguments and rigorous proofs; - Critically engage with mathematical literature relevant to the chosen topic; - Show awareness of how the project topic relates to broader areas of mathematics or to current research directions. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Collect relevant material, organise it effectively, and expound it clearly and persuasively in written and oral form; - Work independently on a mathematical research topic, making appropriate use of mathematical or computational software where necessary; - Write a structured and coherent dissertation and communicate the results confidently to an audience; - Use mathematical typesetting, editing, and presentation software to present written and oral work of a high standard; - Manage a research project demonstrating effective time management, problem-solving, and semi-guided learning skills. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: - Texts vary according to chosen topic. |
| ADDITIONAL NOTES | Pre-requisite Study-units: First three years of Mathematics Degree |
| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Project |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2026/7. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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