Mathematics Project module (MA40001)

The Mathematics Project is your opportunity to carry out a substantial independent investigation. As the capstone project of your degree, it allows you to explore a topic in depth, work closely with an academic supervisor, and produce a piece of mathematical work that is your own.

Your project may focus on pure mathematics, applied mathematics, modelling, computation, data, or mathematical biology. Previous project areas have included topics such as:

• how Google search works
• how sat nav systems find efficient routes
• mathematical modelling of rogue ocean waves
• scheduling football league fixtures
• cryptographic schemes
• Galois theory
• measure, integration, and probability theory
• mathematical modelling of brain tumour treatment
• analysis of drug absorption in the human body
• numerical methods for solving Schrödinger’s equation
• modelling of the solar wind and its interaction with Earth’s magnetosphere.

Your project will help you develop the skills needed to investigate a mathematical question independently. You will search and review relevant literature, work through advanced material, plan your approach, and evaluate your results.

You will communicate your work in written and oral form, learning how to structure a technical dissertation, explain complex ideas clearly, and defend your conclusions to both specialists and a wider mathematical audience.

Your project will allow you to bring together the knowledge, independence, creativity, and problem-solving skills developed across your degree, while building experience for postgraduate study and mathematically focused careers.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• investigate a substantial mathematical topic in depth
• work independently with guidance from an academic supervisor
• search for, review, and evaluate relevant mathematical literature
• develop a clear project plan and manage your work over an extended period
• write a dissertation that presents your methods, results, and conclusions
• present your project work orally.

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• carry out an independent investigation in mathematics
• understand and explain advanced material related to your project topic
• evaluate mathematical arguments, methods, and results critically
• communicate complex mathematical ideas clearly in written and oral form
• structure and typeset a substantial technical dissertation
• defend your conclusions and respond to questions about your work

Assignments / assessments

• Coursework (100%)
  
  • Presentation
  • Poster
  • Dissertation
  • Viva with two academics

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

• independent project work, giving you the time and space to investigate a substantial mathematical topic in depth
• regular meetings with your project supervisor, helping you shape your project, discuss progress, and respond to challenges as they arise
• skills seminars, supporting areas such as coding, technical writing, and presentation
• peer presentations, giving you opportunities to explain your project, practise communicating mathematical ideas, and receive feedback