MODULE SPECIFICATION COVER SHEET

Note: This sheet does not form part of the specification and will not be published. The information on this sheet provides contextual and supporting information for the approval process and should provide answers to questions that commonly arise in the consideration of new and revised modules. Please type directly into the form, boxes will expand as needed.

NB – specifications with errors in formatting, typos and/or on incorrect or incomplete templates will not be considered for approval until corrected.

YES NO1. New Module (if yes, complete numbers 3-8, 10-14)

Title: Communicating Mathematics (MAST6703 and MAST7703) X

2. Revised Module (if yes, complete numbers 3-14)Title and code:

X

3. State which stage(s) this module will be applicable to (information required by SITS): 3 and 4, PG

4. Is this module (or any consequently withdrawn modules) compulsory in any programmes: (i) in the School which owns the module? X

(ii) in programmes owned by other Schools? X5. Does the introduction/revision of this module, or the withdrawal of other modules, potentially

require changes to those programmes? X

6. If so, are those potential changes the result of: (i) Changes to the Learning Outcomes of this module? (ii) Changes to the term(s) in which this module is delivered? (iii) Changes to pre- and co-requisite modules? (iv) Other (please specify) New module in revised programmes7. If the answer to any of questions 4 to 6 is Yes - confirm that all the owners of the programmes

listed in section 7 of the specification have been informed. 8. Will any modules be withdrawn as a result of the introduction of this module/changes to the

module? If yes, please provide the module code and title and information required (see the Annex B of the Code of Practice http://www.kent.ac.uk/teaching/qa/codes/taught/annexb.html)MA599 (Mini-Projects), MA600 (Dissertation)

X

9. Please indicate which sections of the specification have been revised. NB the approval panel will look at the whole specification and may comment on sections that have not been revised in this submission.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 10. Are there any implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space? If yes,

please confirm the School has considered and planned for the allocation of the resources required. The following are needed and will be provided: (i) module convenor and moderator; (ii) suitable lecture room with data projector facilities and good quality board space; (iii) copies of the main texts in the library.

11. Term and year the revised version/new module will start: Autumn term 2017/18

12. Date this version of the module specification was approved by the School LTC or GSC (and Board of Studies if appropriate): 23/9/16

13. Rationale: please provide any contextual information that will assist members of the approval panel who may not be familiar with the discipline and custom and practice in your School: This is one of the new level 6/level 7 modules of our new programmes in BSc Mathematics, BSc Mathematics and Statistics, BSc Financial Mathematics, BSc Mathematics & Accounting and Finance (all with or without a Year in Industry), BSc Mathematics with a Foundation Year, MMath Mathematics, MMathStat Mathematics and Statistics, Graduate Diploma in Mathematics, (International) MSc in Mathematics and its Applications. (For MMath, either the level 6 or the level 7 module may be taken, but not both.)

14. Please provide any additional information that may assist the approval panel, for example the rationale for

MODULE SPECIFICATION

assessment or an explanation of the learning and teaching methods if these vary from a commonly seen pattern:1. Title of the module

Communicating Mathematics (MAST6703 and MAST7703)

2. School or partner institution which will be responsible for management of the moduleSchool of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science

3. The level of the module (e.g. Level 4, Level 5, Level 6 or Level 7)MAST6703: Level 6; MAST7703: Level 7

4. The number of credits and the ECTS value which the module represents 15 credits (7.5 ECTS)

5. Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern)Autumn

6. Prerequisite and co-requisite modules Level 6:For delivery to students completing Stage 1 before September 2016:

Pre-requisite: MA552 (Analysis); MA553 (Linear Algebra); MA629 (Probability and Inference)

Specific topics may have additional pre-requisites.

Co-requisite: None

For delivery to students completing Stage 1 after September 2016:

Pre-requisite: MAST4010 (Real Analysis 1); either MAST4004 (Linear Algebra) or MAST4005 (Linear Mathematics); MAST4009 (Probability); MAST4011 (Statistics)

Specific topics may have additional pre-requisites.

Co-requisite: None

Level 7:Pre-requisite: Students are expected to have studied material equivalent to that covered in the modules above.

Specific projects may have additional pre-requisites.

Co-requisite: None

7. The programmes of study to which the module contributesFor the level 6 module, BSc Mathematics, BSc Mathematics and Statistics, BSc Financial Mathematics, BA Mathematics and Accounting and Finance (including programmes with a Year in

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MODULE SPECIFICATION

Industry), BSc Mathematics with a Foundation Year, MMath Mathematics, MMathStat Mathematics and Statistics, Graduate Diploma in Mathematics, International MSc in Mathematics and its Applications.

For the level 7 module, MMath Mathematics, International MSc in Mathematics and its Applications, MSc in Mathematics and its Applications.

8. The intended subject specific learning outcomes.On successfully completing the level 6 module students will be able to:8.1 convey a systematic understanding of key aspects of a topic in mathematics, statistics or

financial mathematics through scientific writing and oral presentation;

8.2 demonstrate a reasonable level of skill in written and oral presentation of a topic in mathematics, statistics or financial mathematics;

8.3 show judgement in the selection and presentation of material to communicate with both specialist and non-specialist audiences.

On successfully completing the level 7 module students will be able to:8.4 convey a systematic understanding of a topic in mathematics, statistics or financial mathematics

through scientific writing and oral presentation;

8.5 demonstrate a very good level of skill in written and oral presentation of a topic in mathematics, statistics or financial mathematics;

8.6 show good judgement in the selection and presentation of material to communicate with both specialist and non-specialist audiences.

9. The intended generic learning outcomes.On successfully completing the level 6 module students will be able to:9.1 manage their own learning and make use of appropriate resources;

9.2 communicate straightforward arguments and conclusions reasonably accurately and clearly;

9.3 manage their time and use their organisational skills to plan and implement efficient and effective modes of working;

9.4 make competent use of information technology skills such as word-processing and online resources (Moodle);

9.5 communicate technical and non-technical material competently;

9.6 demonstrate the acquisition of the study skills needed for continuing professional development.

On successfully completing the level 7 module students will be able to:9.7 work competently and independently, be aware of their own strengths and understand when

help is needed;

9.8 communicate arguments confidently with the effective and accurate conveyance of conclusions;

9.9 manage their time and use their organisational skills to plan and implement efficient and effective modes of working;

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MODULE SPECIFICATION

9.10 make effective use of information technology skills such as word-processing and online resources (Moodle);

9.11 communicate technical and non-technical material competently;

9.12 demonstrate the acquisition of the study skills needed for continuing professional development.

10. A synopsis of the curriculumThere is no specific mathematical syllabus for this module; students will chose a topic in mathematics, statistics or financial mathematics from a published list on which to base their coursework assessments (different topics for levels 6 and 7). The coursework is supported by a series of workshops covering various forms of written and oral communication. These may include critically evaluating the following: a research article in mathematics, statistics or finance; a survey or magazine article aimed at a scientifically-literate but non-specialist audience; a mathematical biography; a poster presentation of a mathematical topic; a curriculum vitae; an oral presentation with slides or board; a video or podcast on a mathematical topic. Guidance will be given on typesetting mathematics using LaTeX.

11. Reading List (Indicative list, current at time of publication. Reading lists will be published annually)Mathematical texts will depend on the coursework set. The following texts are recommended in conjunction with the workshops:

Stephen G. Krantz,, A Primer of Mathematical Writing, A.M.S., 1997.Kevin Houston, How to think like a mathematician: a companion to undergraduate mathematics, C.U.P., 2009.Hilary Glasman-Deal, Science Research Writing for Non-Native Speakers of English, Imperial College Press, 2009.Anne E. Greene, Writing science in plain English, University of Chicago Press, 2013.Alan Beardon, Creative Mathematics: a gateway to research, C.U.P., 2009.Carmine Gallo, Talk Like TED : The 9 Public Speaking Secrets of the World’s Top Minds, Macmillan, 2014.Toby Oetiker, The not so short introduction to LaTeX, available online, 1995.

12. Learning and Teaching methodsThis module will be taught by a series of 12 workshops covering communication skills as well as regular (optional) drop-in surgery sessions supporting independent study of course materials on mathematical typesetting using LaTeX. In addition, students will be given the opportunity to receive feedback on a short practice presentation.

Total number of study hours: 150

13. Assessment methodsThe module will be assessed by 100% coursework.

Level 6:

Scientific writing (50%): a magazine or survey article of 2-3 pages on a topic from a published list with reading list provided.

Oral communication (40%): a presentation of around 10 minutes using slides (and board, if desired) on the same topic as above.

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MODULE SPECIFICATION

Other communication (10%): a piece of writing related to outreach or career-related writing.

Level 7:

Scientific writing (40%): an article of around 4 pages based on a single research article chosen from a published list.

Oral communication (40%): a presentation of around 10 minutes using slides (and board, if desired) on the research article chosen above.

Other communication (20%): a poster presentation or a presentation using contemporary media of the article chosen above.

14. Map of Module Learning Outcomes (sections 8 & 9) to Learning and Teaching Methods (section12) and methods of Assessment (section 13)

Module learning outcome

Level 6 8.1 8.2 8.3 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 9.6

Learning/ teaching method

Hours allocated

Private Study, Drop-in sessions (up to 8 hours) and Assessment

138 X X X X X X X X X

Workshops 12 X X X XAssessment methodCoursework (all) X X X X X X X X X

Module learning outcome

Level 7 8.4 8.5 8.6 9.7 9.8 9.9 9.10 9.11 9.12

Learning/ teaching method

Hours allocated

Private Study, Drop-in sessions (up to 8 hours) and Assessment

138 X X X X X X X X X

Workshops 12 X X X XAssessment methodCoursework (all) X X X X X X X X X

15. Inclusive module design The School recognises and has embedded the expectations of current equality legislation, by ensuring that the module is as accessible as possible by design. Additional alternative arrangements for students with Inclusive Learning Plans (ILPs)/declared disabilities will be made on an individual basis, in consultation with the relevant policies and support services.

The inclusive practices in the guidance (see Annex B Appendix A) have been considered in order to support all students in the following areas:

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MODULE SPECIFICATION

a) Accessible resources and curriculum

b) Learning, teaching and assessment methods

16. Campus(es) or centre(s) where module will be delivered: Canterbury

17. Internationalisation Mastery of the subject-specific learning outcomes, 8.1 to 8.6, will equip students to apply the techniques of this module in a wide range of international contexts. This module develops communication skills in mathematics, statistics and financial mathematics, which are directly transferable to English-speaking countries and, with appropriate language skills, to other countries around the world. The typesetting program, LaTeX, is universal.

The module team is drawn from the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science, which includes many members of staff with international experience of teaching and research collaboration.

The published list from which the student selects a topic on which to base their assessment will include a range of topics with an international focus, as well as topics with a UK focus and those that are applicable globally.

The support SMSAS provides to its students is also internationally attuned given our international student body.

FACULTIES SUPPORT OFFICE USE ONLY Revision record – all revisions must be recorded in the grid and full details of the change retained in the appropriate committee records.

Date approved Major/minor revision

Start date of the delivery of revised version

Section revised Impacts PLOs( Q6&7 cover sheet)

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