Mathematical Discovery is a foundational module focusing on personal and professional development and preparing students for academia – the community, environment and activities associated with success in higher education and beyond. It equips students to pursue knowledge, engage in intellectual enquiry and critical thinking, and develop and share ideas within specialist and across broader disciplines. The curriculum consists of two interrelated components; i) understanding and developing knowledge, skills and wider attributes through university study and co-curricular activity; and ii) extended project based on mathematics that engage students in independent investigation in their subject area. In combination the module emphasises the joy of learning whilst developing key academic and professional skills, attitudes and behaviours necessary for success in study, in work and in life.
The power and applicability of mathematics relies on transforming real world problems into problems stated in the language of mathematics. We can then attempt to solve these by applying the many powerful techniques mathematics affords us and frequently the use of computational methods. This module aims to develop an ability to approach and solve problems with mathematical maturity and confidence. By working with both real world and abstract problem, students will appreciate the importance of formulating and communicating mathematics clearly. Mathematical computing tools and programming will be introduced to provide means to solve some problems either precisely or using numerical approximations. The limitations and ability of generative AI will be investigated as a resource for problem solving and presentation of results. Results will be communicated in written reports and posters with mathematical typesetting, and in videos.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Approach unseen problems, making appropriate modelling approximations and formalising word problems, choosing appropriate notation,
Complete projects investigating real-world problems with mathematical methods both individually and in groups, including some projects involving sustainability challenges.
Use mathematical software packages to manipulate mathematical expressions and to solve appropriate problems.
Write computer programmes to solve mathematical problems.
Appreciate the limitations and the power of generative AI in helping to solve and present solutions to mathematical problems.
Write, develop and structure, mathematical arguments appropriately and consistently, and present these effectively using appropriate mathematical typesetting software.
Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and graduate attributes that contribute to success in mathematics and its associated career pathways.
Present professional skills and ethical behaviours required for success in mathematics
Understand academic integrity and have awareness of ethical research practices.
Critically reflect on personal experiences and aspirations in relation to academic and professional development.
Use the 'My Attributes' platform to self-assess strengths and areas for development in relation to graduate attributes.
Analyse their own personal strengths and areas for development in relation to the core knowledge, skills, and graduate attributes for mathematics and its associated career pathways.
Assessment
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
Assessment:
Coursework including computer tests, reflective portfolio individual project and group project (100%)
30% reflective portfolio 50% group projects and individual projects 20% computer tests
