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 MAIN DISSERTATION
Code MATH554
Coordinator Dr DC Constantinescu
Mathematical Sciences
C.Constantinescu@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2016-17 Level 7 FHEQ Summer (June-September) 60

Aims

The aim of the main dissertation is for the student, under guidance from his or her supervisor, to research a substantial mathematical topic thoroughly and write his or her own clear and coherent account of it. (There is no formal limit but a rough guide is that successful dissertations are usually 50-60 pages long). The account 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. 

There is no requirement to produce publishable original work, but the level of detail and depth of the material should be greater than in the preliminary dissertation. Indeed, it is common (although not necessary) for students to continue their preliminary dissertation work in the main dissertation, and to work with the same supervisor. 

It is acceptable to summarise material from the preliminary dissertation in the main one, where this makes it more complete or coherent, provided that this material is clearly labelled as such. Of course, the mark for the main dissertation will be based only on the new material.


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 perform original calculations and/or describe new examples of a known theory and/or obtain new mathematical results and/or fill in gaps and details in proofs of known results; 

Ability to explain mathematical ideas clearly in written form, and place them within the context of their history and applications; 

Ability to write a well-formatted mathematical text using appropriate software, including the ability to include graphics, tables of contents, cross-references, citations and a bibliography;

Ability to work independently on a project, and to manage own time.

Syllabus

Individually tailored for each student in discussion with their supervisor.

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):

 

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:FMMF Year:1 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    Summer  100  Standard University Policy    Assessment 1 Notes (applying to all assessments) Written dissertation