Mathematical Sciences (Ecology and Evolution) (2023)
1. Programme Title:Mathematical Sciences (Ecology and Evolution) |
NQF Level: |
7 |
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2. Description of the Programme (as in the Business Approval Form) |
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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. BSc 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 |
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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 ecology, conservation biology, epidemiology and animal behaviour. The 4th year research project and the field trip will give you ample opportunity to put mathematical knowledge in to action.
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4. Programme Structure |
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The MSci Mathematical Sciences (Ecology and Evolution) 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. 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 (Ecology & Evolution). 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.
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5. Programme Modules |
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Stage 1
Code | Title | Credits | Compulsory | NonCondonable |
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ECM1901 | Calculus and Geometry | 15 | Yes | Yes |
ECM1902 | Vectors and Matrices | 15 | Yes | Yes |
ECM1905 | Advanced Calculus | 15 | Yes | Yes |
ECM1906 | Dynamics | 15 | Yes | No |
ECM1909 | Probability and Statistics | 15 | Yes | Yes |
ECM1913 | Fundamentals of Interdisciplinary Mathematics with Professional Skills | 15 | Yes | No |
ECM1914 | Scientific Computing 1 | 15 | Yes | Yes |
ECM1916 | Puzzles, Paradoxes and Paradigms | 15 | Yes | No |
Stage 2
Code | Title | Credits | Compulsory | NonCondonable |
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ECM2912 | Advanced Interdisciplinary Mathematics | 15 | Yes | No |
Select 15 to 45 credits (Elective modules from mathematics) | ||||
ECM2902 | Linear Algebra | 15 | No | No |
ECM2903 | Differential Equations | 15 | No | No |
ECM2907 | Statistical Modelling | 15 | No | No |
ECM2908 | Vector Calculus and Applications | 15 | No | No |
ECM2906 | Data, Signals and Systems | 15 | No | No |
ECM2913 | Scientific Computing 2 | 15 | No | No |
MTH2008 | Real Analysis | 15 | No | No |
MTH2009 | Complex Analysis | 15 | No | No |
Select 15 to 45 credits to immerse quantitative skills in applied contexts (Elective Modules from biology and ecology, environmental sciences, engineering and business): | ||||
BIO2407 | Population and Community Ecology | 15 | No | No |
BIO2414 | Evolutionary Ecology | 15 | No | No |
BIO2423 | Wildlife Disease | 15 | No | No |
BIO2446 | Molecular Ecology | 15 | No | No |
XXXXXXX | Elective Option(s) within Ecology, Environmental Science, Geography, Energy Engineering, and/or Business | 45 | No | No |
The compulsory module Advanced Interdisciplinary Mathematics is central to the programme’s ethos of learning and using mathematics in tandem.
Alongside you will select 45 or 60 credits from the core mathematics modules (Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Statistical Modelling, Vector Calculus and Applications) reflecting different branches of the mathematical sciences.
You will select between 15 and 45 credits of elective mathematics modules.
PLEASE NOTE: MTH2008 and MTH2009 modules are offered as remotely taught modules with small group support on-campus.
PLEASE NOTE: You must select at least 15 and may select up to 45 credits from the Elective List of options from biology and ecology, or other science, engineering and business degree programmes. You would typically choose at least one option from the elective modules BIO2XXX within Animal Behaviour, Conservation Biology and Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Human Sciences, Marine Biology or Zoology. For more detail about possible elective options, explore the websites of the respective undergraduate programmes:
- For Biosciences explore Degrees in Penryn at http://www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/biosciences/;
- For Geography and Environmental Science explore the Degrees in Penryn at http://www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/geography/;
- For Engineering explore the degrees at http://www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/energy/;
- For Business explore http://www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/business/businessbsc/.
All mathematics and non-mathematics electives are subject to approval, timetabling and satisfaction of prerequisites.
Standard progression to Stage 3 of the MSci Mathematics Sciences (Ecology and Evolution): You will have passed all 120 credits of Stage 2 modules each with an overall mark of 40% or higher, and will normally have gained a stage average of 55% or higher. If you have not met this threshold you may be required to progress to stage 3 of the BSc Mathematical Sciences programme.
Stage 3
Code | Title | Credits | Compulsory | NonCondonable |
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ECM3902 | Work Placement | 15 | Yes | No |
ECM3903 | Mathematical Sciences Project | 15 | Yes | Yes |
Select between 45 and 90 credits (Elective Modules from Mathematics): | ||||
ECM3901 | Data Analytics and Machine Learning | 15 | No | No |
ECM3904 | Advanced Statistical Modelling | 15 | No | No |
ECM3905 | Mathematics Biology and Ecology | 15 | No | No |
ECM3906 | Graphs, Networks and Algorithms | 15 | No | No |
ECM3907 | Dynamical Systems and Control | 15 | No | No |
ECM3908 | Partial Differential Equations | 15 | No | No |
ECM3909 | Mathematics of Climate Change | 15 | No | No |
MTH3019 | Mathematics: History and Culture | 15 | No | No |
ECM3912 | Semester of Mathematical Sciences Abroad | 45 | No | No |
Select up to 45 credits to immerse quantitative skills in an applied context (Elective Modules from science, engineering and business): | ||||
BIO3131 | Trends in Ecology and Evolution | 15 | No | No |
BIO3401 | Coevolutionary Interactions | 15 | No | No |
BIO3416 | Marine Spatial Ecology | 15 | No | No |
BIO3420 | Evolutionary Biology of Health and Disease | 15 | No | No |
XXXXXXX | Elective Option(s) within Ecology, Environmental Science, Geography, Energy Engineering, and/or Business - up to 45 credits | 45 | No | No |
The compulsory modules Work Placement and Mathematical Sciences Project are key to employability and independent learning and research.
You will select between 45 to 90 credits from the elective mathematics modules.
PLEASE NOTE: ECM3904, ECM3905, ECM3906, ECM3909 and MTH3019 modules are offered as remotely taught modules with small group support on-campus.
You may select up to 45 credits from the Elective List of options from science, engineering and business degree programmes. You would typically choose at least one option from the elective modules BIO3XXX within Animal Behaviour, Conservation Biology and Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Human Sciences, Marine Biology or Zoology. For more detail about possible elective options, please explore the websites of the respective undergraduate programmes for more detail on specific modules:
- For Biosciences explore Degrees in Penryn at http://www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/biosciences/;
- For Geography and Environmental Science explore the Degrees in Penryn at http://www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/geography/;
- For Engineering explore the degrees at http://www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/energy/;
- For Business explore http://www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/business/businessbsc/.
Note the ECM3912 Semester Abroad option may include up to 45 credits of electives – but you must choose at least 75 credits of mathematical sciences modules to satisfy the requirements of the MSci degree.
All mathematics and non-mathematics electives are subject to approval, timetabling and satisfaction of prerequisites.
Stage 4
Code | Title | Credits | Compulsory | NonCondonable |
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ECMM901 | Research Project | 45 | Yes | Yes |
MTHM607 | Computational Modelling and Simulation | 30 | Yes | No |
Select 30 credits from the following | ||||
BIOM4019 | African Behavioural Ecology Field Course | 30 | No | No |
MTHM604 | Tackling Sustainability Challenges using Data and Models | 30 | No | No |
Select 15 credits of Elective Modules: | ||||
BIOM4017 | Evolutionary and Behavioural Ecology | 15 | No | No |
BIOM4018 | Approaches in Behaviour and Conservation | 15 | No | No |
XXXXXXX | Elective Option(s) within Ecology, Environmental Science, Geography, Energy Engineering, and/or Business - up to 15 credits | 15 | No | No |
You may choose 15 credits from the list of elective modules subject to approval, timetabling and satisfaction of prerequisites.
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning & Assessment Methods |
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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; | 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.
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Assessment Methods
1. Written exams and assessed coursework; | ||||
B Academic Discipline Core Skills & Knowledge
6. Explain your reasoning systematically and logically; | 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).
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Assessment Methods
6-10. Coursework and exams; | ||||
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); | 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.
ILO's 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.
ILO's 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.
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Assessment Methods16. Assessed computer work; 17. Group and individual presentations, design of poster and web pages within a variety of coursework based assessments; 18. Examinations, assessed presentations, tutorial groups, mentoring in peer-to-peer activity; 19. Project work and other assessed work; 20. Group assignments; 21. Assessed project work and examinations; 22. Via regular yearly personal development tutorials each term and maintaining an up to date personal profile.
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7. Programme Regulations |
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Credit |
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning |
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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.
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10. Admission Criteria |
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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.
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11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards |
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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.
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12. Indicators of Quality and Standards |
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Certain programmes are subject to accreditation and/or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).
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14 | Awarding Institution | University of Exeter | |
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15 | Lead College / Teaching Institution | College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences | |
16 | Partner College / Institution | ||
17 | Programme accredited/validated by | ||
18 | Final Award(s) | MSci (Hons) | |
19 | UCAS Code (UG programmes) | GF17 | |
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 |
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