Programme specification
This programme specification is aimed at prospective students and represents the most current course structure.
SECTION A: DETAILS OF THE COURSE AND AWARD
| Programme: | Mathematics with a Modern Language (Including Year Abroad) |
|---|---|
| Awarding body: | University of Essex |
| Teaching institution: | University of Essex |
| Department: | Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science (School of) |
| Final award: | BSC |
| NQF Level of Qualification: | Honours |
| Full / Part Time | Full-time |
| QAA Benchmark Group: | Mathematics, Statistics and Operational Research |
| 2nd QAA Benchmark Group - Joint Schemes: | Languages, Cultures and Societies |
| JACS code: | GCR9 |
| Publication date: | 11/04/2013 |
| Admission criteria:
if the applicant does not meet the specified criteria, he or she may discuss the application with the Head of Undergraduate or Head of Postgraduate admissions. |
A-levels: ABB-BBB, including Mathematics (please note that we are unable to accept A-level Use of Mathematics in place of A-level Mathematics) GCSE English Language: C IB: 32-30 points, including a 5 in Higher Level Mathematics Prospective students should note that, if taking German, Italian or Spanish as the chosen language, you can study it with no prior background in your first year through intensive language study (occupying half the first year). If you have A-level grade B in one of these three languages, you can study it non-intensively in your first year and take more mathematics options. If you want to study French as your chosen language, you will have to have an A-level in the subject at grade B (or equivalent), as this language cannot be taken with no prior background. If you want to study Portuguese as your chosen language, you will have to either (a) have A-level grade B (or equivalent) in Portuguese, which means you do non-intensive language study in your first year, or (b) have A-level grade B Spanish and do intensive language study in your first year, including our Spanish-Portuguese conversion course. |
SECTION B: PROGRAMME AIMS, OUTCOMES, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT METHODS
This section provides a concise overview of the programme of study, identifying the aims, learning outcomes and the corresponding methods of learning, teaching and assessment.
Programme: BSC Mathematics with a Modern Language (Including Year Abroad)
Programme aims:
Mathematics with a Modern Language with a year abroad is a 4-year programme of study. Its teaching aims are to equip students with an equivalent level of mathematical knowledge to that of a graduate from a 3 year Mathematics degree, thereby giving them knowledge and skills that are currently in demand in mathematically oriented employment in business, commerce, industry, government service, the field of education and in the wider economy; to produce graduates with near-native speaker competence in a suitable modern language: to provide students with a foundation for further study, research and professional development; to produce graduates who are mathematically literate and capable of appreciating a logical argument; to enable students to acquire extra skills through living abroad and studying abroad in the foreign language; to provide teaching which is informed and enhanced by the research activities of the staff.
Programme Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and Understanding
|
A1 : Knowledge and understanding of the basic mathematical methods and techniques of linear mathematics, calculus and statistics that underpin the study of more advanced mathematical ideas. A2 : Knowledge and understanding of some of the ideas and methods used in mathematical proof of results in algebra, analysis, and discrete mathematics and familiarity with some specific examples. A3 : Knowledge and understanding of the power and potential pitfalls of computer use and mathematical computer packages, and experience in their use. A4 : Knowledge and understanding of the use of mathematics for modelling and as an investigative tool for the solution of practical problems. An appreciation of the importance of assumptions. A5 : Knowledge, eventually at expert level, of a modern language. A7 : Experience of education in mathematics in the foreign language during the year abroad. |
B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills
|
B1 : Identify an appropriate method to solve a specific mathematical problem. B2 : Analyse a given mathematical problem and select the most appropriate tools for its solution. B3 : Abstract and synthesise information from, and analyse, authenitc written and spoken language materials, and interact in the language coherently and articulately. |
C: Practical Skills
|
C1 : Use computational tools and packages. C2 : The ability to apply a rigorous, analytic, highly numerate approach to a problem. C3 : Organising and presenting (orally and in writing) ideas and materials in the specialist languages. C4 : Gathering and processing information from different sources. |
D: Key Skills
|
Communication: D1 : Communicate effectively mathematical arguments, and ideas and information in the chosen language. IT Skills: D2 : Use appropriate IT facilities as a tool in the analysis of mathematical problems, word processing, finding modern language materials etc. Numeracy: D3 : Use mathematical techniques correctly and apply them. Problem Solving: D4 : Analyse complex problems and find effective solutions. Working with Others: D5 : Collaborate with others to work creatively and flexibly as part of a team Self Learning: D6 : Working autonomously showing organisation, self-discipline and time management |
Learning, Teaching & Assessment Methods or Strategies for the following:
A: Knowledge and Understanding
|
Learning Methods Lectures are the principal method of delivery for the concepts and principles involved in A1 - A4. Students are also directed to reading from textbooks and material available on-line. In some modules, understanding is enhanced through the production of a written report. Language skills are acquired in appropriate classes, homeworks and use of computer-based materials. Understanding is reinforced by means of classes (A1-A5), laboratories (A3, A4) and assignments (A1-A5). A6 is attained during the year abroad. Assessment Methods Achievement of knowledge outcomes is assessed primarily through unseen closed-book examinations, and also, in some courses, through marked coursework, laboratory reports, statistical assignments, project reports and oral examinations (A1-A4). Regular problem sheets provide formative assessment in all mathematics courses. Methods employed to assess knowledge and understanding on Modern Languages courses typically include: role-play activities; class presentations; oral exams; written coursework, e.g. essays, book reports, translations, project work; unseen written exams; class tests; web-based assignments involving a web search or producing web materials (A5). A6 is demonstrated by successful completion of the year abroad. |
B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills
|
Learning Methods The basis for intellectual skills in mathematics modules is provided in lectures, and the skills are developed by means of recommended reading, guided and independent study, assignments and project work. B1 and B2 are developed through exercises supported by classes. B1 and B2 are all-important aspects of the projects that constitute a part of some modules, and the optional final year project. Language skills (B3) are acquired via group discussion of topical themes and analysis of authentic materials in class; laboratory work involving use of dedicated software and Web materials; and staff advice, feedback and interaction with students. Assessment Methods Achievement of intellectual skills in mathematics modules is assessed primarily through unseen closed-book examinations, and also through marked assignments and project work (B1 and B2). Methods employed to assess cognitive skills on Modern Languages modules typically include: role-play activities; class presentations; oral exams; written coursework; unseen written exams; class tests and web-based assignments (B3). |
C: Practical Skills
|
Learning Methods The practical skills of mathematics are developed in exercise classes, laboratory classes, assignments and project work. C1 is acquired through the learning of at least one programming language and the use of a number of computer packages, as a part of the teaching of modules for which they are relevant. C2 is acquired and enhanced throughout the programme. C3 is acquired through such methods as group discussion of topical themes and analysis of authentic materials in class; laboratory work involving use of dedicated software and Web materials; and staff advice, feedback and interaction with students. C4 is acquired and enhanced throughout the programme. Assessment Methods Achievement of practical skills C1 and C2 is assessed through marked coursework, project reports and oral examinations. Methods employed to assess practical skills C3 and C4 typically include: role-play activities; class presentations; oral exams; written coursework; unseen written exams; class tests; web-based assignments. |
D: Key Skills
|
Learning Methods D1 is practised throughout the scheme in the writing of solutions to mathematical problems, both for assessment and as exercises. D2 is developed through the use of computer packages in a number of mathematics and modern languages modules. D3 and D4 are developed and enhanced in all mathematics modules. D5 is developed in various mathematics and language modules, through exercises and assessments. D6 is developed and enhanced throughout the degree. Assessment Methods D1 is assessed through coursework and oral examinations. D2 is assessed primarily through coursework. Assessment of the key skills D3 and D4 is intrinsic to subject based assessment in mathematics. D5 is assessed through group work in various mathematics and language modules. Assessment of key skill D6 is mainly through successful submission of coursework etc. |
SECTION C: COURSE STRUCTURE
Please refer to your option list as issued by the department where necessary,
and view module details in the module directory.
Additional notes on module choices:
Students should note that if they want to take German, Italian or Spanish as the language, they can study it from scratch in the first year by taking intensive language study (occupying half the first year): if they have an A level at grade B in one of these three languages, they can study it non-intensively in the 1st year and take additional mathematics instead. If they want to do French as the language they will have to have an A level in the subject at grade B (or equivalent), as this language cannot be taken from scratch. If they want to do Portuguese they will have to either (a) have a A-level at grade B (or equivalent) in Portuguese, in which case they can do non-intensive language study in the 1st year, and additional Mathematics modules: or (b) have an A level in Spanish at grade B and be prepared to do intensive language study in the 1st year including the Spanish-Portuguese conversion course.
Students should select an appropriate number of optional modules so that including the credits for their compulsory modules they are taking a total of 60 credits in each of the Autumn and Spring terms. With the approval of the Head of the Department of Mathematical Sciences, a 15 credit module from outside the Department of Mathematical Sciences which is available to students on BA or BSc degrees, may be taken subject to availability and timetabling constraints.
Note that in the final year at most one of MA830-6-AU, MA830-6-SP and MA831-6-FY may be taken.
Year 1
| Component No. | Module Code | Module Title | Status in Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | MA104-4-AU | Calculus | Core |
| 02 | MA108-4-SP | Statistics | Core |
| 03 | MA114-4-AU | Linear Mathematics | Core |
| 04 | MA118-4-SP | Further Calculus | Core |
| 05 | LANGUAGE (ADVANCED) OR (PART 1 INTENSIVE) (1X30) CREDITS | Core with Options | |
| 06 | LANGUAGE (PART 2 INTENSIVE) OR MA122-4-FY AND MA181-4-FY | Compulsory with Options | |
| 07 | MA199-4-FY | Mathematics Careers and Employability | Compulsory |
Year 2
| Component No. | Module Code | Module Title | Status in Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | MA203-5-AU | Analysis | Compulsory |
| 02 | MA205-5-SP | Optimisation (Linear Programming) | Compulsory |
| 03 | MA206-5-AU | Mathematical Methods | Compulsory |
| 04 | MA207-5-AU | Statistics II | Compulsory |
| 05 | LANGUAGE MODULE (ADVANCED OR PROFICIENCY) (1X30) CREDITS | Core with Options | |
| 06 | MODULE FROM OPTION LIST | Optional | |
| 07 | MODULE FROM OPTION LIST | Optional | |
| 08 | MA199-5-FY | Mathematics Careers and Employability | Compulsory |
Year 4
| Component No. | Module Code | Module Title | Status in Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | MA302-6-SP | Complex Variables and Applications | Compulsory |
| 02 | MA303-6-AU | Ordinary Differential Equations | Compulsory |
| 03 | Language option(s) (Mastery or Proficiency level) from list | Compulsory with Options | |
| 04 | Mathematics option from list | Optional | |
| 05 | Mathematics option from list | Optional | |
| 06 | MA831-6-FY or Mathematics option(s) from list | Optional | |
| 07 | MA199-6-FY | Mathematics Careers and Employability | Compulsory |
SECTION D: RULES OF ASSESSMENT
Rules of assessment are here: http://www2.essex.ac.uk/academic/students/ug/rules.htm
Assessment information for individual modules can be found on the Module Directory at http://www.essex.ac.uk/courses/
See also: details of individual modules in the module directory and links to course materials and resources in the Online Resource Bank.
External Examiner Information
- Name: Dr Victoria Gould
- Institution: The University of York
- Academic Role: Professor
NOTE
The University of Essex Programme Specifications Catalogue is updated annually in April/May. The specifications represent the most current course structures and may be subject to review and change. Should you have any queries about the Catalogue's pages, please contact the Course Records Team, Systems Administration Office, Academic Section; email: crt (non Essex users should add @essex.ac.uk)