MAT 4100 Mathematics Honours Project A

STAFFING:

RATIONALE:

An in-depth project and dissertation are necessary to prepare graduates for further research and responsible jobs in mathematics, statistics, or their applications. This course in conjunction with MAT4101 Mathematics Honours Project B, enables students to develop research capability and an advanced level of mathematical or statistical skills for that purpose.

SYNOPSIS:

This course forms the first half of the research training component of the Mathematics Honours programme. It develops the foundation for ultimately completing a selected project in applied mathematics or statistics with supervision by appropriate staff from the Department of Mathematics and Computing. The project will consist of review and research into a well defined area of mathematics, statistics or their application. Information and ideas will be gathered, organised and analysed in a critical and evaluative manner. The topic of the project and report will be selected in consultation with the staff of the Department.

OBJECTIVES:

On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

• demonstrate the ability to conduct a research literature survey in mathematics or statistics;
• demonstrate the ability to plan a suitable and approved research investigation topic;
• demonstrate the ability to develop higher level mathematical or statistical skills which include the analysis, synthesis and evaluation of factors involved in the project.

TOPICS:

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

To be advised depending on the research project.

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

Appropriate material from: - books, monographs, journals and conference proceedings, computer software and material from electronic sources.

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

NOTES:

1.

Further details about the due dates will be provided by the Examiner after discussions with the students.

2.

(See Note 1 above)

3.

(See Note 1 above)

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   There are no attendance requirements for this course but students must maintain contact with their supervisors. It is also the students' responsibility to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   To receive the marks for the items of assessment, the student must: provide a written literature survey deemed to be satisfactory by the examiner; conduct a preliminary seminar describing the plan for the project deemed to be satisfactory by the examiner; provide a written preliminary project proposal deemed to be satisfactory by the examiner. The examiner may consult with other members of staff (including the student's supervisor) to ascertain if the items of assessment are of the required standard.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   Submission of assessment items after the due date specified by the student's supervisor, may result in a Fail grade for this course.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   Students will be graded IIP if they gain the three marks for the assessment items. Students who do not get a grade of IIP, will be interviewed by the Honours Coordinator and the Examiner to determine whether or not they should be allowed to continue in the Honours program.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   An IIP grade will only be awarded if the student gains all 3 marks available for the assessment items.
6. Examination information:
   There is no examination in this course.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   There will be no Deferred or Supplementary examinations in this course.
8. University Regulations:
   Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.