Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Research in the Mathematical and Statistical Sciences can be intellectually challenging and rewarding and generally requires a knowledge base and a range of generic capabilities to be developed to a level that is not normally achieved in a bachelor degree of three years duration. This unit offers you the opportunity to acquire this knowledge and these capabilities. By undertaking a minor research project in a field which is of interest to you, undertaking advanced level coursework in a discipline related to your area of Mathematical interest, or both.

Aims

This unit, which is available to students majoring in Mathematics in the SC60 Bachelor of Applied Science Honours course and the postgraduate MA65, MA75 and MA85 courses, aims to provide a framework for you to supplement the high-level mathematical theory, analytical and numerical methods and quantitative techniques learned in other units in the course to an area of research significance that is of interest to you. You will gain expertise in problem formulation, problem solving and critical thinking and written and oral communication, involving the Mathematical and Statistical Sciences.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit you will:

1. Be aware of and understand the advanced theories, concepts and techniques that are relevant to an area of research significance that is of interest to you.
2. Have contributed a significant critical commentary toward these theories, concepts and techniques using an approach based on your knowledge in the Mathematical and/or Statistical Sciences.
3. Have developed an appropriate plan for critically analysing and/or resolving problems within your area of interest.
4. Have improved your skills in using a planned approach to mathematical, analytic and creative problem solving.
5. Have further developed your oral and/or written communication skills so as to be able to articulate and communicate ideas using high-level mathematical notation and language.
6. Be able to formulate problems in mathematical terms, and perform the subsequent analysis, starting from verbal, written, experimental and/or observational information.

Content

You will undertake either a minor research project, or advanced level coursework in a discipline related to your area of mathematical interest, or both.

You will need to consult with your Course Coordinator and potential supervisor to decide on a suitable research topic and/or advanced level coursework that will supplement your knowledge in your chosen area of interest. Minor projects in Applicable Mathematics, Numerical Analysis, Statistical Science, Operations Research and Decision Science, Financial Mathematics and High Performance Computing and Visualisation are among those generally available.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

There may or may not be formal classes in this unit depending on the mix of project and coursework being undertaken. You will normally meet regularly with your project supervisor(s) to promote learning through discussion on planning issues, feedback on reports/assignments, advice on work in progress and guidance on future developments.

Assessment

The timing, weighting and type of assessment is individually negotiated between you and your principal supervisor. The assessment instruments applied in this unit will depend on the mixture of coursework and project work undertaken, however, they should, in general, fall into the categories listed below. The assessment will generally include progressive assessment items within each module in order to provide you with a clear idea of your progress and areas where you may be having problems. The principal supervisor of the project will liaise with the Course Coordinator to ensure that content and assessment are appropriate and equitable in standard. It is expected that the assessment will be both formative and summative in nature.
Assessment items will be provided in Week 1 notes.

1. Interview
2/3. Weekly presentation
4. Report
5. Examination (theory)
6. Problem Solving TaskFormative and summative feedback will be provided via regular meetings with your principal supervisor.

Assessment name: Student negotiated assessment
Description: The assessment will generally include progressive assessment items within each module in order to provide you with a clear idea of your progress and areas where you may be having problems.
Relates to objectives: 1,2,3,4,5,6
Weight: 100%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Texts:
There is no prescribed text set down for the unit.

References:
1. Anderson PV (1995) Technical Writing, 3rd edition, Hartcourt
2. Riordan DG & Pauley SE (2002) Technical Report Writing Today, 8th edition, Houghton Mifflin
3. Silyn-Roberts H (2000) Writing for Science and Engineering: Papers, Presentations and Reports, Butterworth-Heinemann

Risk assessment statement

While you are working on this project you should be mindful of the Health and Safety requirements of the university, your workplace and other relevant locations as appropriate. Further information on health and safety at QUT can be found at site http://www.hrd.qut.edu.au/healthsafety/healthsafe/index.jsp

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 20-Sep-2012