MA4900: MMath Project
| School | Cardiff School of Mathematics |
| Department Code | MATHS |
| Module Code | MA4900 |
| External Subject Code | 100403 |
| Number of Credits | 40 |
| Level | L7 |
| Language of Delivery | English |
| Module Leader | Professor Nicolas Dirr |
| Semester | Double Semester |
| Academic Year | 2025/6 |
Outline Description of Module
The project will be a dissertation on a mathematical topic in an area that particularly interests the student. It could be a survey of an existing area of mathematical theory not covered in taught modules, an introductory research project or the development of a piece of mathematical software.
At the beginning of the Session students will receive instruction on the appropriate use of library resources and other sources of research documents, presentational skills, both written and verbal, computing skills including word processing and mathematical packages, and the planning of a research project. Specific software skills that will be made available to MMath students include MAPLE, MATLAB, MATHCAD and LATEX. Students will subsequently pursue a course of self study under the supervision of a nominated member of staff. At the end of the module the student will submit a written thesis and deliver a seminar to an audience of fellow students and staff. Guidance in the preparation of the thesis and the oral and visual presentation will be provided by the project supervisor.
On completion of the module a student should be able to
Demonstrate their knowledge and understanding by:
1. Evaluating a body of mathematical work and producing a scholarly exposition of this work in a short thesis.
2. Presenting a seminar to an audience of academics and peers on a topic in mathematics or an application of mathematics at a research level.
How the module will be delivered
Students will have regular meetings with their supervisor e.g. a 30 minute meeting each week.
Skills that will be practised and developed
Demonstrate their intellectual skills by:
1. synthesising information from a variety of sources.
2. Making a critical evaluation of existing work.
3. Presenting work in a scholarly manner.
Acquire transferable skills in:
1. Critical thinking.
2. Problem solving.
3. Oral and presentation skills
How the module will be assessed
Students will keep a project diary over the course of their investigation. A final seminar presentation and a written project report will be submitted by the student on completion of the project.
The assessment of the thesis will be made by the supervisor and one co-marker, and of the presentations by a panel of staff attending the seminar presentations.
Assessment Breakdown
| Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Report | 85 | Report | N/A |
| Presentation | 15 | Presentation | N/A |
Syllabus content
A wide range of projects will be offered to students. Each student will be assigned a particular project. Students will be asked to express a ranked preference of projects, which will then be allocated by staff, taking due account of their individual preferences and proposed programme of studies.
Students are required to present a project outline in a presentation in week 5 of the Autumn semester. In this presentation any change from the original project outline, or any causes for concern will be reported.
The dissertation is expected to be no more than 20,000 words and represents 400 hours of work.