Introductory description

The IRS for Mathematics module aims to ensure that students develop the necessary competencies and skills to succeed in Mathematics, Computer Science and related courses in the United Kingdom. It will provide bespoke skills training and support for students aiming at progressing to an undergraduate degree in the United Kingdom. It will provide competency training in reflective and critical thinking, team-working, and raising the awareness of self to develop greater ability in learners to engage with academic debate and take responsibility to critically inquire and evaluate issues in Mathematics. The module aims to ensure that students become independent learners and researchers who are equipped to think for themselves and explicitly acknowledge, develop and apply a range of highly transferable skills to support both their progress to Undergraduate level study in the UK and beyond into employment.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

1. What is research? learning about what research is and the information literacy skills that support research including asking relevant questions, evaluating sources, using data/ statistics, formulating search strategies, effective searching, reflection and developing coherent lines of argument.
2. Introduction to Problem Based learning – taking part in group based tasks in which students utilise, develop and practise research skills.
3. Research Project – students will be taught about different research methods, including quantitative methods and statistical analysis, use of excel, research ethics. They will propose, design, plan and carry out their own research study which involves the use of statistics leading to a presentation in which they will answer questions about their research.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Identify and select relevant academic sources relating to a range of issues facing mathematical and other related fields today.
• Demonstrate a range of transferable skills including project planning, data analysis, relevant digital literacy skills and presentation skills as applicable to research in related fields.
• Plan, undertake and reflect on self-directed research using methodologies appropriate to Mathematics and other related fields.
• Present analysis, evaluate and draw conclusions based on a self-directed research project.

Indicative reading list

Cottrell S (2008) The Study Skills Handbook (3rd edition) Palgrave Macmillan
Cottrell S (2011) Critical Thinking Skills: Developing Effective Analysis and Argument (2nd edition) Palgrave Macmillan
Cottrell S (2014) Dissertations and project reports : a step by step guide Palgrave MacMillan
Dane, C (2018 ) Evaluating research : methodology for people who need to read research (2nd edition) SAGE
Hackley C. (2003). Doing Research Projects in Marketing, Management and Consumer Research. Routledge.
Financial Times
Houston, K (2009). How to think like a Mathematician. Cambridge University Press
ONS Data sets
Probst D et al (2016) Concepts of proof in mathematics, philosophy, and computer science De Gruyter

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Research element

Culmination of the module is a research project.

Interdisciplinary

Using mathematical skills to analyse issues in Computer Science where relevant

International

An assessment allows for students to look at research undertaken in Mathematics/ Computer science globally.

Subject specific skills

• Information literacy skills - library skills, effective internet searching, use of databases.
• Using Excel, SPSS and the python libraries including: pandas and seaborn
• Inquiry Skills - asking questions, seeking and analysing different answers, coming to your own conclusion
• Digital Skills development
• Group work skills
• Independent learning skills - planning, time management
• Research skills - e.g. analysing and writing about data, drawing a researched based conclusion.
• Reflective thinking/ writing

Transferable skills

• Information literacy skills - library skills, effective internet searching, use of databases.
• Inquiry Skills - asking questions, seeking and analysing different answers, coming to your own conclusion
• Group work skills
  Digital data analysis tools
• Independent learning skills - planning, time management
• Research skills - e.g. how to undertake questionnaires, interviews
• Reflective thinking/ writing
• Critical thinking