Course Description Document
Course Title Mathematical Sciences (2022-23)
Course Code 8311
Award Title Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc (Hons))
Awarding Body University of Southampton
Teaching Institution University of Southampton
Regulated by Office for Students
Accreditation None
Regulations The Regulations of the University are in the University Calendar.
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/calendar/index.page?
Location of study Southampton
Length of the course 36 Months
Tuition Fees Fees for students can be located by the student fees page.
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentservices/money-matters/student-fees/
index.page
Course Overview
The flexibility of this degree means that students are able to transfer onto the programme from other degrees. For example if you
start on the Mathematics with Finance degree but decide after a year or so that you don't want to specialise in Finance quite so much
then you will be able to transfer to Mathematical Studies and diversify your options. This degree may lead to possible exemption
from some Core Technical professional actuarial examinations depending on option choices made.
Transfer to this programme is possible from a number of other programmes in the Mathematical Sciences academic unit.
Aims of the Course
The aims of the programme are to:
•Introduce you to the main basic areas of mathematics;
•Develop your understanding of abstract mathematical concepts;
•Offer you the opportunity to study advanced mathematical concepts and techniques;
•Develop your modelling and problem solving skills;
•Offer you the opportunity to construct an individual programme of study within a coherent framework;
•Offer you the opportunity to study applications of mathematics in a variety of contexts which utilize mathematical and physical
models;
•Develop your subject specific and transferable skills including an analytical approach to problem solving, logical argument and
deductive reasoning, abstraction and generalisation, and written communication skills in mathematics;
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•Provide some of the basic IT skills necessary for further study and employment, including word processing and use of the internet;
•Help you to develop key skills: personal organisation, teamwork, problem solving and analysis, finding and using information, and
written and oral presentation.
Course Structure
The tables below provide a list of the modules that make up your course.
Each module is worth a specified number of credits: you can take a combination of core and compulsory modules enabling you to
cover key subject knowledge. Some courses have option modules which enable you to develop your own interests.
Each level of your programme requires a certain number of credits. The number of option modules you can take depends on the
number of core modules at a given level and this is also influenced by the requirements of the regulatory requirements for
professionally accredited courses. Some courses also have pre and co-requisites, and these are included in individual module
information.
Your learning will be led by the latest research, and modules can change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. You
can always find the most up-to-date information about your modules and who is teaching them via the information on our webpages
and, post enrolment, via the Faculty hub.
If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an option module, it may not be offered. If an option module will not be
run, we will advise you as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
The core and compulsory modules available on your course are as follows:
Part I
Typical programme content
This is the most flexible degree programme we offer. In each of the three years you have the chance to broaden your interests by
studying subjects from outside mathematics, from fields as diverse as Physics, Computing, Philosophy, Spanish, Music, English
and many others. You therefore have a chance to develop a range of mathematical and other skills which will serve you well in a
very wide variety of careers.
In addition to this, our Curriculum Innovation Programme offers our students the chance to take optional modules outside their core
disciplines. This allows you to personalise your education, to develop new skills and knowledge for your future.
Programme details
The structure of the programme and the modules currently offered are set out below. Of the modules shown against each year of
your programme, some are compulsory (ie enrolment is automatic) and others are option modules. Against each year, you are
directed to which modules are compulsory and which are options. The option modules listed constitute an indicative list. There will
always be choice but the options might vary between years. A complete list of option modules currently available on your
programme can be found via the Student Record Self-Service system.
The programme comprises three parts, each corresponding to one year of full-time study. You will normally have to take 4
modules (30 ECTS/60 CATS) each semester (i.e. 8 modules (60 ECTS/120 CATS)) in each year of the programme. Each CATS
point can be considered as the equivalent of approximately ten hours of study. All the modules offered in this programme (except
the dissertation) are 7.5 ECTS/15 CATS modules. This means that each module comprises around 150 hours of study divided into
contact time (e.g. lectures, seminars, workshops) and non-contact time when you will be engaged in directed study (preparation for
classes) and independent study when you will be involved in producing assignments and preparing and taking examinations.
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Students must do at least 16 MATHxxxx modules in three parts, and at least 4 MATH3xxx modules in part 3.
Part I Compulsory
Code Module Title ECTS Type
MATH1024 Introduction to Probability and Statistics 7.5 Compulsory
MATH1049 Linear Algebra II 7.5 Compulsory
MATH1060 Multivariable Calculus 7.5 Compulsory
MATH1058 Operational Research I and Mathematical Computing 7.5 Compulsory
Part I Core
Code Module Title ECTS Type
MATH1059 Calculus 7.5 Core
MATH1048 Linear Algebra I 7.5 Core
Part I Optional
The option modules shown below constitute an indicative list; there will always be choice but the options might vary between
years. A full list of option modules and rules will be available to you via the Student Record Self-Service system once you enrol at
the University.
Part I Optional Group 1 - ECON Modules
Select 15 credits:
If you do NOT have A level Economics at Grade C or higher you MUST choose ECON1020 Foundations of Microeconomics
If you DO have A level Economics at Grade C or higher you MUST choose ECON1022 Principles of Microeconomics
Code Module Title ECTS Type
ECON1020 Foundations of Microeconomics 7.5 Optional
ECON1022 Principles of Microeconomics 7.5 Optional
Part I Optional Group 2
Please select 15 credits from the following:
FREEXX15 Part 1 Elective
LANGXX15 Language Module
LANGxx30 Language module
Code Module Title ECTS Type
MATH1057 Dynamics and Relativity 7.5 Optional
MATH1001 Number Theory 7.5 Optional
ECON1021 Principles of Macroeconomics 7.5 Optional
Part II
Part II Compulsory
Code Module Title ECTS Type
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MATH2039 Analysis 7.5 Compulsory
MATH2038 Partial Differential Equations 7.5 Compulsory
Part II Optional Rule 1
Must select 2 modules (30 credits) comprising one of the following 3 groups:-
Please Note:- Each group contains a pair of modules that must be selected together, so you are choosing to take 1 of the 3 pairs.
You may also select the other modules in rule 1 as part of either Option Rule 2 or 3 of optional modules below
Part II Optional Rule 1 Group 1
Select up to 2 modules (30 credits). Select both modules if you wish to study the Pure Mathematics pair as your 2 Optional
Modules.
Code Module Title ECTS Type
MATH2049 Geometry and Topology 7.5 Optional
MATH2003 Group Theory 7.5 Optional
Part II Optional Rule 1 Group 2
Select up to 2 modules (30 credits). Select both modules if you wish to study the Applied Mathematics pair as your 2 Optional
Modules.
Code Module Title ECTS Type
MATH2044 Fields and Fluids 7.5 Optional
MATH2045 Vector Calculus and Complex Variable 7.5 Optional
Part II Optional Rule 1 Group 3
Select up to 2 modules (30 credits). Select both modules if you wish to study the Statistics pair as your Optional Modules.
Code Module Title ECTS Type
MATH2011 Statistical Distribution Theory 7.5 Optional
MATH2010 Statistical Modelling I 7.5 Optional
Part II Optional Rule 2
Select 2 modules (30 credits) from the following:-
You may also select the other modules not chosen in rule 1 as part of either Option Rule 2 or 3
Please ensure that you select an even split of credits overall by Semester including your compulsory modules. If you do not, you
will be contacted by your Student Office and asked to amend your choices.
Code Module Title ECTS Type
MATH2014 Algorithms 7.5 Optional
MATH2040 Financial Mathematics 7.5 Optional
MATH2013 Operational Research II 7.5 Optional
MATH2012 Stochastic Processes 7.5 Optional
Part II Optional Rule 3
Select 2 modules (30 credits) from the following:-
You may also select the other modules not chosen in rule 1 as part of either Option Rule 2 or 3
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You may also select the other modules not chosen in Option Rule 2 above.
Please ensure that you select an even split of credits overall by Semester including your compulsory modules. If you do not, you
will be contacted by your Student Office and asked to amend your choices.
Part II Optional Rule 3 Group 1
Select up to 2 modules (30 credits). Select 1 module (15 credits) up to 2 modules (30 credits) from the following:-
FREEXY15 Part 2 Elective
FREEXY15 Part 2 Elective
LANGXX15 Language Module
A maximum of 15 credits in any level NQF5 module in subject UOSM
Code Module Title ECTS Type
CRIM1004 Criminal Justice Studies 7.5 Optional
Part III
Part III Compulsory
Code Module Title ECTS Type
MATH3092 Mathematics Project 15 Compulsory
Part III Optional Rule 1
Select 2 (30 credits) from the following:
Please ensure that you select an even split of credits overall by Semester including all your modules. If you do not, you will be
contacted by your Student Office and asked to amend your choices.
You are permitted to 'backtrack' once per part of your programme
Code Module Title ECTS Type
MATH3063 Actuarial Mathematics I 7.5 Optional
MATH3072 Advanced Fluid Dynamics 7.5 Optional
MATH3083 Advanced Partial Differential Equations 7.5 Optional
MATH3080 Algebraic Topology 7.5 Optional
MATH3023 Communicating and Teaching Mathematics 7.5 Optional
MATH3088 Complex Analysis 7.5 Optional
MATH3014 Design and Analysis of Experiments 7.5 Optional
MATH3078 Further Number Theory 7.5 Optional
MATH3086 Galois Theory 7.5 Optional
MATH3033 Graph Theory 7.5 Optional
MATH3076 Hilbert Spaces 7.5 Optional
MATH3084 Integral Transform Methods 7.5 Optional
MATH3052 Mathematical Biology 7.5 Optional
MATH3022 Mathematical Finance 7.5 Optional
MATH3032 Mathematical Investigation and Communication 7.5 Optional
MATH3017 Mathematical Programming 7.5 Optional
MATH3031 Mathematics Project 7.5 Optional
MATH3087 Maths and your Future 7.5 Optional
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MATH3018 Numerical Methods 7.5 Optional
MATH3016 Optimization 7.5 Optional
MATH3006 Relativity, Black Holes and Cosmology 7.5 Optional
MATH3044 Statistical Inference 7.5 Optional
MATH3091 Statistical Modelling II 7.5 Optional
MATH3090 Structure and Dynamics of Networks 7.5 Optional
MATH3085 Survival Models 7.5 Optional
Part III Optional Rule 2
Select 4 modules (60 credits) from the following:-
Please ensure that you select an even split of credits overall by Semester including your compulsory modules. If you do not, you
will be contacted by your Student Office and asked to amend your choices.
Please note you cannot take MATH2049 Geometry and Topology if you have previously taken MATH2046.
Part III Optional Rule 2 Group 1
Select up to 1 module (15 credits). Select 0 to modules (0 credits) up to a maximum of 1 module (15 credits) from the following:-
Please do NOT select modules you have taken previously. If you do, you will be contacted by your Student Office and asked to
amend your choices.
You are permitted to 'backtrack' once per part of your programme
FREEXY15 Part 2 Elective
Code Module Title ECTS Type
MATH2014 Algorithms 7.5 Optional
MATH2044 Fields and Fluids 7.5 Optional
MATH2049 Geometry and Topology 7.5 Optional
MATH2003 Group Theory 7.5 Optional
MATH2010 Statistical Modelling I 7.5 Optional
MATH2012 Stochastic Processes 7.5 Optional
MATH2045 Vector Calculus and Complex Variable 7.5 Optional
Part III Optional Rule 2 Group 2
Select up to 4 modules (60 credits). Select 3 modules (45 credits) up to a maximum of 4 modules (60 credits) from the following:-
Please do NOT select modules you have taken previously. If you do, you will be contacted by your Student Office and asked to
amend your choices.
Must take 45 credits up to a maximum of 60 credits from the following:-
FREEXZ15 Part 3 Elective
FREEXZ15 Part 3 Elective
FREEXZ15 Part 3 Elective
FREEXZ15 Part 3 Elective
LANGXX15 Language Module
LANGXX15 Language Module
LANGXX15 Language Module
LANGXX15 Language Module
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LANGXX30 Language Module
A maximum of 15 credits in any level NQF6 module in subject MATH
A maximum of 15 credits in any level NQF6 module in subject MATH
A maximum of 15 credits in any level NQF6 module in subject MATH
A maximum of 15 credits in any level NQF6 module in subject MATH
Code Module Title ECTS Type
GGES3016 Desert Landscapes: Modelling and Measuring Aeolian Systems 7.5 Optional
STAT3010 Statistical Methods in Insurance 7.5 Optional
Learning and Teaching
Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning, and assessment activity, with each CATS credit taken
equivalent to 10 hours of student effort. While your actual contact hours may depend on the option modules you select, the
information available on our webpages give an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities.
When not attending lectures, seminars and other timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently through
self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking
research in the library, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and for other types assessments and examinations.
Full information about contact hours is provided in individual module information.
Should you wish to revisit this following enrolment, these indications have been located in a permanent resource. This can be
accessed at any time via the link below:
https://sotonac.sharepoint.com/teams/CourseSupplementaryInformation/SitePages/Study-Time.aspx
How we'll assess you
Summative assessment(s) usually take place at the end of each module, although some may have interim assessments throughout.
Assessment methods might include written examinations and a range of coursework assessments such as essays, reports, portfolios,
performance, presentations and projects for example. The marks from summative assessments count towards your module mark.
Each module normally contains at least one piece of practice or formative assessment for which you receive feedback. Formative
assessments are developmental and any results do not count towards your module mark, but they are an important part of your
learning.
The information available on our website gives an indication of the assessment methods used on your course, at each level of your
course.
Should you wish to revisit this following enrolment, these indications have been located in a permanent resource. This can be
accessed at any time via the link below: https://sotonac.sharepoint.com/teams/CourseSupplementaryInformation/SitePages/
Assessment.aspx
Staff involved in delivering the different elements of the course
You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the
modules on your course. The team includes senior academics, professional practitioners, specialists with industry experience,
demonstrators and technical officers.
Postgraduate research students who have undertaken appropriate training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars if their
research specialism is directly related to the topic of the module and may also be involved in practical classes, project work and field
trips. All contributions will be carried out under the supervision of the module leader.
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Fees
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Extra costs you may experience
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees.
Depending on the nature of your course, you may be able to choose modules which may have additional costs, such as field studies,
travel overseas or industrial placements which will change the overall cost of your course. Details of these costs can be found in
module information.
Please also ensure you read the section on additional costs in the Fees, Charges and Expenses Regulations in Section IV of the
University Calendar.
The following course-related costs are not included in your fees:
Type Details
Calculators Where a calculator is required, all Casio Calculators are allowed but they must be Non-
Programmable, Scientific models. More information is available in the Examination
Regulations https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/assessment/assess-overview/exam-
regulations.page
Stationery You will be expected to provide your own day-to-day stationery items, e.g. pens, pencils,
notebooks, etc. Any specialist stationery items that you may need will be specified in the
relevant module profile.
Textbooks Where a module specifies essential texts, the Library will identify the optimal option(s) to
support the module via the course Reading List. This may include e-books (ideally with
unlimited concurrent usage) or a digitised chapter extract, supported by a limited number of
print books (where available). You may request that the Library purchases additional print
copies via 'suggest a book', borrow an additional copy via our inter-library-loans service or you
may prefer to buy your own copies for high demand titles.
Printing In most cases, written coursework such as essays and projects are submitted online. However it
may be necessary to submit a hard copy of some projects, business projects and dissertations.
The costs of printing a hard copy for submission of such work will be your responsibility. You
will also have to cover the cost of photocopying.
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/isolutions/students/printing.
Software Licenses The software required for the programme is available on all public workstations on campus,
and accessible from your own computer via VPN.
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
You may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs.
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If you are a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.
Financial Support
The Student Services Centre offers support and advice regarding student finances. You may be able to access our Student Support
fund and other sources of financial support during your course. You can find more information about financial support via our
webpages: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentservices/money-matters/student-support-fund/index.page
Academic support
The Student Support Hub is your first point of contact when it comes to seeking support. The team will answer your questions or
concerns about your wellbeing, fees and funding, accommodation and visas. The team will help make sure you receive the support
you need, guiding you to further support services where required. You can find more information about student support via our
webpages:
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentservices/index.page
One of the most important people you will meet while you are a student at Southampton is your Personal Academic Tutor, who will
be allocated to you for your arrival at the University and who is normally a member of academic staff in your own or a closely
related subject area. Your Personal Academic Tutor will offer one-to-one support and advice throughout your time at Southampton
and will support you in your studies or with other issues you may have. You can find out more via our webpages:
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/academic-support-guidance/personal-tutor.page
Disclaimer
As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our courses to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our
resources. As a result, this course may be revised during a student's period of registration; however, any revision will be balanced
against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Please read our Disclaimer to see why,
when and how changes may be made to a student's course.
