BSc (Honours) Mathematics and its Learning: pathway

Stage 1

You’ll begin Stage 1 with the compulsory module Discovering mathematics (MU123)Discovering mathematics::This key introductory Level 1 course provides a gentle start to the study of mathematics. It will help you to integrate mathematical ideas into your everyday thinking and build your confidence in using and learning mathematics. You’ll cover statistical, graphical, algebraic, trigonometric and numerical concepts and techniques, and be introduced to mathematical modelling. Formal calculus is not included and you are not expected to have any previous knowledge of algebra. The skills introduced will be ideal if you plan to study more mathematics courses, such as Using mathematics (MST121). It is also suitable for users of mathematics in other areas, such as computing, science, technology, social science, humanities, business and education.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q46-2,module,MU123,,1 (30 credits), which introduces and helps integrate key ideas from statistics, algebra, geometry and trigonometry into your everyday thinking to build your confidence in learning and using mathematics.

You’ll follow this with three compulsory 30-credit modules: Using mathematics (MST121)Using mathematics::This broad, enjoyable introduction to university-level mathematics assumes some prior knowledge, as described on our MathsChoices website. The course shows how mathematics can be applied to answer some key questions from science, technology, and everyday life. You will study a range of fundamental techniques, including calculus, recurrence relations, matrices and vectors and statistics, and use integrated specialist mathematical software to solve problems. The skills of communicating results and defining problems are also developed. This is not a course for beginners – at the MathsChoices website (mathschoices.open.ac.uk) there are quizzes, sample material and advice to help you determine if this course is right for you.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q46-2,module,MST121,,1, Introducing statistics (M140)Introducing statistics::Today, more than ever, statistics is part of our lives. From this key introductory course you will learn how to use basic statistical tools and quantitative methods that are useful in business, government, industry, medicine, the economy, and most academic subjects. Topics covered include: summarising data; examining relationships; randomness and sampling distributions; probability; testing hypotheses; and estimation. Using data from a range of applications, you’ll learn practical statistical techniques and fundamental principles, as well as using software and a calculator to analyse data. The skills introduced will be ideal if you plan to study more mathematics courses. This course is also suitable for students of other subjects who need a basic knowledge of statistics.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q46-2,module,M140,,1 and Exploring mathematics (MS221)Exploring mathematics::Exploring mathematics builds on the concepts and techniques in Using mathematics (MST121) and uses the same software. It looks at questions underlying some of those techniques, such as why particular patterns occur in mathematical solutions and how you can be confident that a result is true. It introduces the role of reasoning and offers opportunities to investigate mathematical problems. Together with Using mathematics this course will give you a good foundation for higher-level mathematics, science and engineering courses. Even if you don't intend to study further, you will gain a good, university-level understanding of the nature and scope of mathematics.You are advised to be confident with the content of Using mathematics (MST121), or equivalent from elsewhere, before commencing study of this course.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q46-2,module,MS221,,1. Together, they provide a broad introduction to various topics in pure and applied mathematics and statistics. You’ll develop a variety of skills including problem solving, how to develop and present a mathematical argument and how to represent and interpret statistical data. These are the key skills required for higher level study in mathematics.

Stage 2

At Stage 2 you’ll develop your skills and knowledge in the following areas:

• Formal proof, abstract structures, linear algebra, analysis, group theory in Pure mathematics (M208)Pure mathematics::Pure mathematics is one of the oldest creative human activities and this course introduces its main topics. Group Theory explores sets of mathematical objects that can be combined – such as numbers, which can be added or multiplied, or rotations and reflections of a shape, which can be performed in succession. Linear Algebra explores 2- and 3-dimensional space and systems of linear equations, and develops themes arising from the links between these topics. Analysis, the foundation of calculus, covers operations such as differentiation and integration, arising from infinite limiting processes. To study this course you should have a sound knowledge of relevant mathematics as provided by the appropriate Level 1 study.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q46-2,module,M208,,1 (60 credits)
• Differential equations, linear algebra, vector calculus, methods of Newtonian mechanics, and practical elements of mathematical modelling in Mathematical methods and models (MST209)Mathematical methods and models::Solve real problems by finding out how they are transformed into mathematical models and learning the methods of solution. This course covers classical mechanical models as well as some non-mechanical models such as population dynamics; and methods including vector algebra, differential equations, calculus (including several variables and vector calculus), matrices, methods for three-dimensional problems, and numerical methods. Teaching is supported and enhanced by use of a computer algebra package. To study this course you should have a sound knowledge of relevant mathematics as provided by the appropriate Level 1 study.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q46-2,module,MST209,,1 or from October 2014 Mathematical methods, models and modelling (MST210) (60 credits).

You’ll also continue to broaden your experience in the use of appropriate mathematical software and in explaining and communicating mathematical ideas to others.

Stage 3

You’ll begin the final stage of this degree with Mathematical thinking in schools (ME620)Mathematical thinking in schools::This course is designed to help you develop your knowledge and understanding of the teaching of mathematics. It is suitable for any Key Stage, and will broaden your ideas about how people learn and use mathematics. There is no formal examination: assessment is based on two tutor-marked assignments and an end-of-module assessment. In order to complete the assessments, you will need access to learners of mathematics. Students on this course have worked with a variety of learners from Key Stage 2 pupils to adults. Places are allocated on a ‘first come, first served’ basis, so you should register as early as you can.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q46-2,module,ME620,,1. This 30-credit module will enhance your skills in communicating mathematical ideas clearly and succinctly and explaining mathematical ideas to others.

You’ll also focus on how learners’ thinking is developed in two of the following 30-credit modules:

• Developing algebraic thinking (ME625)Developing algebraic thinking::This course is for you if you are interested in developing your knowledge and understanding of the learning of algebra particularly at Key Stages 2–4. It integrates development of the core ideas of algebra with relevant pedagogical constructs and principles, and will extend your awareness of how people learn and use algebra. There is no formal examination: assessment is based on three tutor-marked assignments and an end-of-module assessment. In order to complete the course assessments, you will need access to learners of algebra at Key Stages 2–4, which could include adult learners.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q46-2,module,ME625,,1
• Developing geometric thinking (ME627)Developing geometric thinking::Develop your knowledge and understanding of the learning of geometry particularly at Key Stages 2–4. This course integrates development of the core ideas of geometry with relevant pedagogical constructs and principles, and will extend your awareness of how people learn and use geometry. There is no formal examination: assessment is based on three tutor-marked assignments and an end-of-module assessment. To complete these assessments, you’ll need access to learners of geometry at Key Stages 2–4, which could include adult learners.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q46-2,module,ME627,,1
• Developing statistical thinking (ME626)Developing statistical thinking::This course will help you develop your knowledge, appreciation and understanding of the learning of statistics particularly at Key Stages 2 to 4. As well as improving your statistical thinking, you’ll learn about different teaching approaches, including use of ICT tools such as graphics calculators and computers. There is no formal examination: assessment is based on three tutor-marked assignments and an end-of-module assessment. To complete these assessments, you’ll need access to learners of statistics at Key Stages 2–4, which could include adult learners.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q46-2,module,ME626,,1

In addition you’ll study one more 30-credit module from a range of more advanced mathematical topics currently including: complex analysis, graphs and networks, optimization, groups, metric space theory, number theory, waves, diffusion and variational principles, computer algebra, chaos and simulations, and mathematical methods and fluid mechanics.