Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title PRELIMINARY DISSERTATION
Code MATH552
Coordinator Dr I Thompson
Mathematical Sciences
Ian.Thompson@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2016-17 Level 7 FHEQ Second Semester 30

Aims

- To introduce students to mathematical research, through guided reading.

- To begin to prepare students for independent mathematical research.

- To give students experience in scientific report writing.

- To give students experience of presenting their work to a small group.

Learning Outcomes

Familiarity with an area of current research interest within mathematics, including knowledge of some technical details.

Ability to research a topic using a variety of resources including libraries and the internet; 
Ability to orally present a piece of mathematics in a clear and coherent fashion; 
Ability to explain mathematical ideas clearly in written form, and place them within the context of their history and applications; 
Ability to write a mathematical text in the typesetting language Latex, including the ability to include graphics, tables of contents, cross-references, citations and a bibliography; 
Ability to make worthwhile contributions to a seminar or group discussion; 

Syllabus
1 

Each student will research a mathematical topic under guidance from his or her supervisor, and write his or her own clear and coherent account. This may contain original material in the form of new examples or computations, full details of proofs only available in sketch form in the literature, or even new results or new proofs of known results. However, there is no requirement to produce publishable original work.

Each student will give a 45 minute talk in the MSc seminar. In this he or she will describe the work undertaken for the preliminary dissertation. In addition to giving a talk, students attend talks by the other MSc students in order to learn about their work, and to provide them with feedback about their research and their presentation.

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
Explanation of Reading List:

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):
MATH549  

Co-requisite modules:
 

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:
 

Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on a required basis:
Programme:MMAS Year:1

Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on an optional basis:
 

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Coursework  25-30 pages typeset   Second semester, submission de  90  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Written dissertation 
Coursework  40-45 minute present  Second semester, in week 11 or  10  Yes    Oral presentation Notes (applying to all assessments) - none