Study information

Mathematical Sciences (Environmental Sciences) (2023)

1. Programme Title:

Mathematical Sciences (Environmental Sciences)

NQF Level:

7

2. Description of the Programme (as in the Business Approval Form)

The modern application of mathematics operates at the interface of multiple disciplines, and integrates data analysis, computer science, and statistics. The explosion of ‘big data’, in sectors including on-line consumer behaviour, genome sequencing, eHealth, and smart energy systems, necessitates an urgent need for mathematicians who can handle complex datasets, communicate effectively, and fully understand the techniques, pitfalls, and potential of advanced mathematical methods. MSci Mathematical Sciences combines traditional mathematics subjects with advanced courses in statistics, programming, and data science. This will prepare you for the array of numerate and analytical professions that are found at the core of both modern research and the digital economy. There is an outward facing approach to mathematics with options available in business, ecology, engineering, environmental science, politics and social science. On completion of the programme, you will have a deep understanding of the techniques and methods of modern mathematical sciences, and a clear insight into the industrial and scientific areas in which they are applied. Delivered at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus and drawing on the close links between disciplines, this programme will foster communication with a number of key scientific and societal challenges. Building on rigorous mathematical and statistical training, innovative teaching and learning is organised around a theme of data science modules. Interdisciplinary Mathematics modules in years 1 and 2 use class-room based “mathematical investigations” to address questions and issues in environmental science, ecology and clean energy. Interdisciplinary Mathematics in Year 1 includes professional skills and a short work placement. A work placement module in year 3 allows you to continue development of key employability skills. The programme is not meant to compete with high-intake mathematics programmes. Instead a modest intake of 40-50 per year across the suite of Mathematical Sciences programmes will foster a strong, positive, and personalised identity for your cohort, and allow you to flourish..

3. Educational Aims of the Programme
The programme has three key intentions: (1) to provide you with rigorous training in the mathematical sciences; (2) to immerse you in key past and current scientific discoveries and technological developments within a context of ecology, environmental science, health and clean technology; (3) to provide you with a wide range of learning opportunities relevant to commerce, industry and society, facilitated through a comprehensive tutorial support system, that will give you a distinctive advantage in employability. Rigorous training in mathematics is provided by a core of mathematics and statistics modules in years 1 and 2 and advanced options in year 3. This rigorous training will build up your analytical skills in calculus, matrix algebra and statistics, together with advanced computer programming skills, leading on to modern mathematical and computational modelling. The development of your mathematical skills is dovetailed with modules in Data Science – Scientific Computing 1 & 2, Data Signals and Systems, and Data Analytics & Machine Learning - which together form a spine for the programme across the three years of study, as well as two Interdisciplinary Mathematics modules that embrace the programme’s ethos of learning and using mathematics. The data science modules showcase the modern application of mathematics and statistics in an emerging and increasingly important discipline. The expert-led Interdisciplinary Mathematics modules develop mathematical and interdisciplinary approaches to, and understanding of, key applications areas in ecology, engineering and environmental science. Employability skills are developed within the Interdisciplinary Mathematics and Work Placement modules. Project work, with possible dual supervision between mathematics and applications, links the development of rigorous mathematics with the needs of end-users from across many scientific disciplines, business and the public sector. Optional modules from ecology, renewable energy, policy, business and social science will give you the opportunity to apply mathematical skills to a diverse range of key scientific and technological challenges. The mix of rigorous training in mathematics, an understanding of the “big data revolution”, extensive engagement with a diverse range of end-users and stakeholders, study of options across various areas of applications and development of a personal portfolio through interaction with tutors will ensure that you have maximal opportunity to develop and enhance your employability.
 
The final year of the programme focuses on the application of mathematics to areas in environment and sustainability. The 4th year research project and the field trip will give you ample opportunity to put mathematical knowledge in to action.

4. Programme Structure
The MSci Mathematical Sciences (Environmental Science) programme is a 4 year programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme is divided into 4 ‘Stages’.  Each Stage is normally equivalent to an academic year. The programme is also divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.
 
You will be located at the Penryn (Cornwall) Campus of the University of Exeter for the duration of your study.
 
After stage 2 assessments are completed and before stage 3 starts, you will undertake a work placement. The aim of the work placement is for you to gain exposure of, and experience in, applying mathematical sciences skills to real world problems. To comply with the assessment requirements of the 15 credit work placement module, the placement should be of a duration of 4-6 weeks.  You are primarily responsible for securing and organising the placement, with assistance from the College. Whilst a work placement may involve working with a local or national company, an equally valid work placement could be to work in a research group on the Penryn Campus outside of mathematical sciences. A report on the work placement is prepared, submitted and assessed as part of the Stage 3 curriculum.
 
In Stage 3 there is an optional “Mathematical Sciences Semester Abroad”. This module allows you to study for a term at one of our partner institutes. This Semester Abroad module is worth 45 credits and, subject to satisfying overall programme requirements of studying 75 credits of mathematics in stage 3, can be made up of modules both inside or outside of mathematics.
 
Field trips are a key component of the 4th stage of MSci Mathematical Sciences (Environmental Science). The field course is an essential component of the programme to provide an opportunity to apply mathematics in a real setting. The field trip typically runs in January.
 
If you have mobility or health disabilities that prevent you from undertaking intensive fieldwork, reasonable adjustments and/or alternative assessment will be considered in agreement with the Director of Education.
 

5. Programme Modules

6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning & Assessment Methods
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be accommodated & facilitated by the following learning & teaching and evidenced by the following assessment methods:

A Specialised Subject Skills & Knowledge

1. Use the terminology and conventions of mathematics;
 
2. Use a range of fundamental concepts and techniques from calculus, matrix algebra, dynamics, statistics, computation, mathematical modelling and optimization;
 
3. Be able to work with large data sets that become increasingly important in numerous and diverse applications;
 
4.Use mathematical and statistical techniques to understand a broad range of contemporary issues in science, engineering and technology;
 
5. Demonstrate an inter-disciplinary approach to tackling key scientific and technological challenges facing modern society. 

Learning & Teaching Activities

 
ILOs 1. and 2. are mostly covered through formal contact in lectures supported by regular problem sheets which provide formative technical exercises for students to tackle on their own;
 
ILO 3. is covered in the modules ECM1913, ECM1914, ECM2906, ECM2907, ECM2912, ECM2913, ECM3901, ECMM901, MTHM607 and also in project work;
 
ILO 4. is covered by the Interdisciplinary Mathematics modules ECM1913 and ECM2912, the year-4 module MTHM607, the Work Placement module ECM3902 and the field course module BIOM4019 or the interdisciplinary problem-led module MTHM604, project work (in particular the stage 3 and 4 projects ECM3903 and ECMM901), and applied options in years 2 and 3;
 
ILO 5. is a focus of many parts of modules throughout the programme but especially of the Interdisciplinary Mathematics modules (ECM1913 and ECM2912) and the year-4 module ECMM901.

Assessment Methods

1. Written exams and assessed coursework;
 
2. Written exams and assessed coursework;
 
3. Assessed coursework and project work;
 
4. Project work and work placement;
 
5. Assessed coursework and project work.
 

B Academic Discipline Core Skills & Knowledge

6. Explain your reasoning systematically and logically;
 
7. Construct detailed mathematical arguments;
 
8. Formulate, analyse and solve problems;
 
9. Organise tasks into a structured form;
 
10. Present mathematical material clearly, logically and accurately, both in writing and orally;
 
11. Summarise and analyse data from a variety of sources;
 
12. Integrate theory and concepts with applications;
 
13. Take an inter-disciplinary approach to using mathematical knowledge and methods to solve applied problems;
 
14. Demonstrate a capacity for critical understanding of science and engineering issues;
 
15. Plan, execute and report on a substantial project and defend the results.

Learning & Teaching Activities

All these ILOs are an essential part of the understanding of mathematics, are embedded throughout core elements of the programme, and are intrinsic to good performance in the programme. They are developed through formal lectures, tutorials, coursework, computer practicals, use of IT and private study.
 
ILOs 6-10 are dealt with through formative problem sheets.
 
ILOs 11, 12 and 13 are developed in the modules ECM1913 and ECM1914 and are reinforced in ECM2907, ECM2912, ECM2913, ECM3901, ECM3902 and BIOM4019/MTHM604.
 
ILO 14 is developed in ECM1913, ECM2912 and ECM3902 and in optional applied modules from Ecology, Environmental Science and Engineering.
 
The stage 3 and 4 projects ECM3903 and ECMM901 develop all ILOs (6-15).
 

Assessment Methods

ILOs 6-10. Coursework and exams;
 
ILOs 11-12. Coursework and project work;
 
ILO 13. Coursework and work placement;
 
ILO 14. Coursework in applied modules
 
ILO 15. Project work.

C Personal / Transferable / Employment Skills & Knowledge

16. Use a range of IT software including standard and mathematical word-processing applications and computational packages such as R and MATLAB and relevant specialist packages (e.g. OpenFOAM for CFD work);
 
17. Communicate your ideas effectively and clearly, both to mathematicians and to scientists and engineers, by appropriate means including oral presentation, web pages and consultation documents;
 
18. Manage time effectively;
 
19. Search and retrieve information from a variety of sources including libraries, databases and the internet;
 
20. Work in teams, both with mathematicians and with a mix of mathematicians and scientists and engineers;
 
21. Demonstrate independent learning ability required for continuing professional development;
 
22. Plan your career and personal development.

Learning & Teaching Activities

ILO 16 is developed through use of the mathematical computing packages in core Stage 1 modules and across a wide variety of options in Years 2, 3 and 4. 
 
ILO 17 is developed in various core components of the programme, especially in the Interdisciplinary Mathematics modules (ECM1913 and ECM2912), in Project work (ECM3903 and ECMM901) and the Work Placement module (ECM3902) and the Field Course module (BIOM4019). Presentation to non-mathematicians is further developed in the applied modules.
 
ILOs 18 and 19 are intrinsic to successful completion of the programme.
 
ILO 20 is developed in modules ECM1913, ECM1916, ECM2906, ECM2912, ECM3902, ECM3903, ECMM901 and BIOM4019/MTHM604.
 
ILOs 17, 19 and 21 are integral to the compulsory project. Development of ILO 22 is integral to the programme as a whole, and is developed especially in modules ECM1913, ECM3902 and BIOM4019/MTHM604

Assessment Methods

ILO 16. In assessed computer work;
 
ILO 17. Group and individual presentations, design of poster and web pages within a variety of coursework based assessments;
 
ILO 18. Examinations, assessed presentations, tutorial groups, mentoring in peer-to-peer activity;
 
ILO 19. Project work and other assessed work;
 
ILO 20. Group assignments;
 
ILO 21. In assessed project work and examinations;
 
ILO 22. Via twice yearly personal development tutorials and maintaining an up to date personal profile.

7. Programme Regulations

Credit

The programme consists of 480 credits with 120 credits taken at each stage. Normally not more than 75 credits would be allowed in any one term. In total, students normally take no more than 150 credits at level 4, and must take at least 210 credits at level 6 or higher of which at least 120 must be at level 7.  The pass mark for award of credit in an individual module is 40% for modules taken at NQF Levels 4, 5 and 6 and 50% for modules taken at Level 7.

Condonement is the process that allows you to pass a ‘stage’ should you fail to achieve the required number of credits in any stage. You are required to achieve 120 credits in each stage of the programme. You must have achieved an average mark of at least 40% across the 120 credits of assessment (NQF Levels 4, 5 and 6) and 50% (NQF Level 7) including the marks for any failed and condoned modules. You will not be allowed reassessment in the condoned credit. Up to 30 credits of failure can be condoned in a stage. However, you must pass the modules marked with a 'Yes' in the 'non-condonable' column in the tables above. The pass mark for these modules is 40%.

Assessment and Awards

Assessment at stage one does not contribute to the summative classification of the award. The award will normally be based on the degree mark formed from the credit-weighted average marks for stages 2, 3 and 4 combined in the ratio 2:3:4 respectively.

Interim Awards:

If you do not complete the programme you may be able to exit with a lower qualification.  If you have achieved a maximum of 120 credits at level 4 and a minimum of 90 credits at level 4 you may be awarded a Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE). If you have achieved a maximum of 150 credits at level 4 and a minimum of 90 credits at level 5 you may be awarded a Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE).

Classification

The marking of modules and the classification of awards broadly corresponds to the following percentage marks:

Undergraduate Degrees                                        

Class I    70% +                                                     

Class II   Division I 60-69%                                     

Class II   Division II 50-59%                                     

Class III  40-49%

Full details of assessment regulations for UG programmes can be found in the Teaching Quality Assurance Manual (TQA) on the University of Exeter website.  Generic marking criteria are also published here.

Please see the Teaching and Quality Assurance Manual for further guidance.

8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning

Personal and Academic tutoring: It is University policy that all Colleges should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors. The role of academic tutors is to support you on individual modules; the role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.

You will have access to computing and library facilities at the Penryn Campus. Computer-based exercises and web-based learning materials are a feature of the programme, which can be accessed via the internet. IT Services provide a range of central services, including open and training clusters of PCs (available on a 24/7 basis) within the Centre. Network access is available from all rooms in the hall of residence on site. On the Penryn Campus, the Learning Resource Centre contains a library of 70,000 volumes and some specialist collections. In addition, you have full access to the central University of Exeter library, including the electronic library resources.

Online Module study resources provide materials for modules that you are registered for, in addition to some useful subject and IT resources. Generic study support resources, library and research skills, past exam papers, and the 'Academic Honesty and Plagiarism' module are also available through the student portal.

Personal Development Planning: The tutor assists their tutees by making use of the University's MyProgress planning. MyProgress is a facility supporting students through their studies to record their personal development with the aim of acting both as a record and as a tool to emphasise personal achievements. It is intended to provide added value to students alongside the tutorial system. All students are encouraged to participate in specially provided personal skills training provision (e.g. the group and team skills training offered during induction week to registering students and also linked to ECM1913 and ECM2912).

Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables you to participate jointly with staff in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.

10. Admission Criteria

All applications are considered individually on merit. The University is committed to an equal opportunities policy with respect to gender, age, race, sexual orientation and/or disability when dealing with applications. It is also committed to widening access to higher education to students from a diverse range of backgrounds and experience.

Candidates must satisfy the general admissions requirements of the University of Exeter.

Entry requirements for this programme can be found on the Undergraduate Study Page.

International students should check details of our English language requirements and may be interested in our Foundation programmes.

 

11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.

The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice.  See the University's TQA Manual for details.

 

12. Indicators of Quality and Standards

Certain programmes are subject to accreditation and/or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).

14 Awarding Institution University of Exeter
15 Lead College / Teaching Institution Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy
16 Partner College / Institution
17 Programme accredited/validated by
18 Final Award(s) MSci (Hons)
19 UCAS Code (UG programmes) GF15
20 NQF Level of Final Awards(s): 7
21 Credit (CATS and ECTS) 480 (240 ECTS)
22 QAA Subject Benchmarking Group (UG and PGT programmes) Mathematics
23 Origin Date February 8th 2023 Last Date of Revision: February 8th 2023