module specification

This module serves as a core module for all maths students to do a one-semester project in the broader sense and as an alternative to the Faculty’s 30 credit Project module. The feature of the module is summarised as follows.
1. Students will follow their own interest to pursue an individualised study independently under staff supervision.
2. Students taking this module with the same supervisor may study the same subject but the assessments should be individualised.
3. The allocation of supervisors to students should be done at the end of year two. Students can take this module in either autumn or spring period.
The programme of study is very much individualised and there is a variety of format. The following are just two typical examples: (a) Pursue an investigative study on a particular topic, with an assessment of written report plus viva, and (b) A self-negotiated study in any subject area following a printed textbook or online material, assessed by a coursework consisting of a mixture of solutions to exercise questions, a written report, and a viva (oral presentation). In the later case, there must be an “investigative and independent factor” in the study. Any other innovative format is encouraged. 

The module aims to
1. Provide students with an opportunity to pursue an academic area of interest independently, subject to the availability of an appropriate supervisor, where a taught module is not available.
2. Develop students’ ability to search the internet and library for useful information.
3. Enrich students’ experience of self-negotiated study.
4. Improve students’ employability by enhancing their skills through report writing and reflection on independent learning.

Pass at least two MA50XX modules

Specification of study programme.
Within the first two weeks, an agreed programme of study must be produced jointly by the student and the supervisor. This includes (1) the proposed syllabus, (2) learning schedules (such as weekly topics), (3) resources needed (such as books, software and/or online material) without extra cost, (4) assessment, and (5) the way of achieving the module aims and learning objectives.

Very little scheduled teaching. Just as the module title indicated, students will do their study independently under supervisors’ guidance.

On successful completion of the module, students should be able to
LO1   Plan and execute a plan of work to achieve set targets.
LO2   Investigate/learn an unfamiliar topic using a variety of sources of information.
LO3   Demonstrate that they have acquired, understood and been able to apply  
          knowledge to solve appropriate problems.
LO4   Understand the concepts, theorems, methods and techniques by a clear and
          logical, presentation in the assignments, the short talk and/or the written report.
LO5    Produce a structured scientific report using appropriate software.

The assessment strategy is to reflect all the learning outcomes by one coursework (80%), which may consists of a mixture of various parts (see sections 8-10) and is individualised for each individual programme of study(LO1,LO2,LO5). An oral presentation or viva (20%) is required (LO3-4). Both components must be passed in order to pass this module.

In order to pass the module, students must pass both Written Report and Viva.

Feedback to students will be given informally at their weekly meeting with supervisors and formally after the assessment.

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