Research in the Mathematical Sciences, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The course serves an introduction to studies in mathematics at the graduate level and research mathematics. One goal of the course is for students to learn how to read and integrate advanced and research-level mathematics, including strategic planning from a research perspective, and how to present this material in both written and oral form and in different modes or settings. The course also includes a treatment of the conventions and practices of mathematical research and applied mathematics, the ethical issues these entail, and tools to reflect critically about them.

Expected learning outcomes

For a passing grade, the student must be able to

Knowledge and understanding

• discuss the conventions and practices of advanced level mathematics and mathematical research

Skills and abilities

• read research-level mathematical papers, identify the structure of the arguments in a proof and understand them at a global level
• present research and advanced-level mathematics in written and oral form, and in different modes or settings
• identify the resources relevant to a research problem or paper, their relative importance, and the order in which and with which focus they should be used or read

Judgement and approach

• reflect critically about the conventions and practices of mathematical research and applied mathematics, and the ethical issues these entail
• identify the background knowledge or techniques necessary to attack texts in advanced level mathematics, research papers or research problems, and the means to acquire them

Required Knowledge

A Bachelor's degree or equivalent first-cycle qualification comprising of at least 180 ECTS or a corresponding qualification from an internationally recognised university. Specific entry requirements are at least 30 ECTS in Mathematics, at least 7,5 ECTS in Mathematical Statistics, and at least 7,5 ECTS in Programming Methodology, or equivalent. Proficiency in English equivalent to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.

Form of instruction

The teaching consists of lectures and seminars

Examination modes

The course is assessed through written assignments and oral presentations as well as active seminar participation.
The course as a whole is graded on a Fail (U), Pass (G), Pass with distinction (VG) scale. For a grade of Pass (G), a student must obtain a grade G or VG on all parts of the assessment. For a grade of Pass with distinction (VG), a student must obtain the grade VG on all examination tasks where assessments U/G/VG are applied. 

A student who has been awarded a passing grade for the course cannot be reassessed for a higher grade. Students who do not pass a test or examination on the original date are given another date to retake the examination. A student who has sat two examinations for a course or a part of a course, without passing either examination, has the right to have another examiner appointed, provided there are no specific reasons for not doing so (Chapter 6, Section 22, HEO). The request for a new examiner is made to the Head of the Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics. Examinations based on this course syllabus are guaranteed to be offered for two years after the date of the student's first registration for the course.

Examiners may decide to deviate from the modes of assessment in the course syllabus. Individual adaption of modes of assessment must give due consideration to the student's needs. The adaption of modes of assessment must remain within the framework of the intended learning outcomes in the course syllabus. Students who require an adapted examination must submit a request to the department holding the course no later than 10 days before the examination. The examiner decides on the adaption of the examination, after which the student will be notified.

Credit transfer
All students have the right to have their previous education or equivalent, and  their working life experience evaluated for possible consideration in the corresponding education at Umeå university. Application forms should be adressed to Student services/Degree evaluation office. More information regarding credit transfer can be found on the student web pages of Umeå university, http://www.student.umu.se, and in the Higher Education Ordinance (chapter 6). If denied, the application can be appealed (as per the Higher Education Ordinance, chapter 12) to Överklagandenämnden för högskolan. This includes partially denied applications

Other regulations

In a degree, this course may not be included together with another course with a similar content. If unsure, students should ask the Director of Studies in Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics.

In the event that the syllabus ceases to apply or undergoes major changes, students are guaranteed at least three examinations (including the regular examination opportunity) according to the regulations in the syllabus that the student was originally registered on for a period of a maximum of two years from the time that the previous syllabus ceased to apply or that the course ended.