In this module you will gain hands-on experience of participating in scientific research under the supervision of an expert mathematician/scientist in your chosen area. You will learn how to design, implement and communicate the results of a self-contained research project and this will give you the opportunity to apply the mathematical and computational skills you have developed over the first two years of your study. There will be a range of potential projects to choose from, spanning the spectrum from theoretical problems to others more focused on the development of specialist computer programs and packages.

The project consists of a piece of work in an area of your choice within the mathematical sciences. The project will extend your knowledge acquired in formal modules, develop your skills in research and report writing, and engage you with modern scientific developments.

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge

You should begin background reading and planning during the Summer Term of the second year. At the beginning of term 1 of the third year you will produce a Research Plan in collaboration with your supervisor (around 2 pages). Project work will take place in terms 1 and 2 and should normally occupy around 8 hours of work per week. You will meet with your project supervisor(s) on a regular basis to discuss your progress. You will give a presentation on your progress in the first week of term 2. Supervisors will give feedback on one draft of the dissertation, which should be submitted to your supervisor by week 7 of term 2; the final dissertation is due in week 10 of term 2. In week 11 of term 2 we will hold a mini-conference where you will present your work to staff and peers.

If a module is normally assessed entirely by coursework, all referred/deferred assessments will normally be by assignment. If a module is normally assessed by examination or examination plus coursework, referred and deferred assessment will normally be by examination. For referrals, only the examination will count, a mark of 40% being awarded if the examination is passed. For deferrals, candidates will be awarded the higher of the deferred examination mark or the deferred examination mark combined with the original coursework mark.

Basic reading:

ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk

Reading list for this module:

To be arranged by project supervisor.

Reading list for this module: