Learning and teaching
Mathematics at Exeter combines a breadth of academic expertise with a caring and supportive learning environment. All our degrees involve a combination of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials. Most modules in mathematics involve three one-hour lectures per week, so you would typically have 12 lectures per week.
In the first year there are tutorial classes every week and example classes every fortnight, except for modules involving computing or project work. Thus in the first year you would typically have around 15 contact hours per week. In addition to this, you are expected to spend about 20 hours per week in private study.
The tutorials and exercise classes enable you to discuss the lecture material and coursework problems. Further support is available at lunchtime mathematics and computing surgeries. The Mathematical Investigations module includes group work to tackle open-ended problems in mathematics under the supervision of a member of staff. You are also encouraged to discuss any problems or questions that may arise with the lecturer. All lecturers have advertised office hours or an ‘open door’ policy, so are available to provide help. Working through examples and solving problems is a vital part of learning mathematics so coursework is set in each module.
We’re actively engaged in introducing new methods of learning and teaching, including increasing use of interactive computer-based approaches to learning through our virtual learning environment where the details of all modules are stored in an easily navigable website. Students can access detailed information about modules and learning outcomes and interact through activities such as the discussion forums.
Computer software
Computers are an essential tool in all areas of mathematics and using them to investigate particular examples can often help you in understanding mathematical concepts. Many of our modules involve some element of computing, using software such as the programming language Matlab, the computer algebra system MAPLE, or the statistical package R.
Projects
Project work provides a way of developing and demonstrating your skills in communication and presentation while investigating a particular area of mathematics. For MMath and MSci students, an individual project in the final year is compulsory. This involves individual study and weekly meetings with a project supervisor throughout the year. Projects are assessed via the project dissertation and a short viva. Usually students select a project from a list of topics offered but it is also possible for you to suggest a topic of your own.
Personal and professional skills
We provide skills development sessions in your first two years which include an induction week in the first year and a number of career related training sessions in your second year. You will also undertake personal development planning and annual self-appraisal with your personal tutor.
Optional work placements
All our undergraduate students can choose to take an optional Commercial and Industrial Experience module during the vacation before the third year (subject to availability). This is a very rewarding opportunity that allows you to gain paid work experience while earning credits towards your degree. Following the placement you write a report on your experience which, alongside a report from the employer, enables you to count your placement as a third-year optional module.
Electives
All our degree programmes give you the opportunity to take modules from other Colleges within the University and to count these towards your degree. These electives allow you to study areas outside the subject, for example to improve your foreign language skills. Electives are available subject to timetabling constraints and to students fulfilling the relevant prerequisites.
Research-inspired teaching
We believe every student benefits from being part of a culture that is inspired by research and being taught by experts. You will learn mathematics from people who are participating in the discovery of new mathematical knowledge and the development of novel applications.
All our academic staff are active in internationally-recognised research across a wide range of topics in mathematics. Our mathematics research groups are engaged in international quality research in various areas of pure and applied mathematics, in particular climate and environmental modelling, geophysical and astrophysical fluid dynamics, dynamical systems and control, number theory and statistical modelling. We have increasingly close collaborations with the UK Met Office. In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) the fluids, dynamical systems and climate groups were singled out as being very strong, with our partnership with the Met Office considered a particular strength.
You can find out much more about our research on our Research webpages.
