MT4501 Topics in the History of Mathematics

2025 to 2026 Semester 1

Curricular information may be subject to change

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 10

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Not automatically available to General Degree students

Planned timetable

12.00 noon Mon (weeks 1, 3, 5, 8, 10), Wed and Fri

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr D A Kent

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr Deborah Kent

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

The aim of this module is to give students an insight into the historical development of mathematics. Topics to be covered may include some of: the development of algebra, the origins of the calculus, the history of logarithms, the work of some individual mathematicians.

Relationship to other modules

Anti-requisites

YOU CANNOT TAKE THIS MODULE IF YOU TAKE MT5613

Assessment pattern

Written Examination = 50% (two class tests), Coursework: Project = 50%

Re-assessment

Coursework (new project) = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2.5 lectures (x 10 weeks) and 1 tutorial (x 10 weeks).

Scheduled learning hours

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

115

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

Describe some key episodes in the history of mathematics
Explain some mathematical methods from the past
Discuss interactions between mathematics and past cultures
Analyse extracts from historical mathematical texts
Critically evaluate historical sources
Construct and evidence an argument in written form