MT2901 - Mathematical concepts through history

Academic year

2022 to 2023 (Semester 1)

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

20

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 8

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

Only available to those enrolling on the MA Combined Studies or already enrolled on the MA/BSc General degree taken in the evening

Planned timetable

6.00 - 9.00 pm Wed

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

Module coordinator

Dr I J Falconer

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

This module will trace the historical origins and development of some fundamental mathematical concepts - such as ideas relating to number and shape - and processes such as proof, iteration and generalisation. The module views mathematics as a human activity, shaped by people's experience, need, and curiosity. Students will gain an understanding of the concepts and processes studied together with the historical and societal contexts that supported them. The evolving concept of number will create a timeline through the module from prehistoric times to the twentieth century. The selection of other topics in any year will be dependent on staff availability.

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100% (33% class test 1, 33% class test 2, 34% essay).

Re-assessment

Coursework = 50%, 2-hour Written Examination = 50%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1 x 2.5-hour session: lectures, tutorials, seminars, presentations

Scheduled learning hours

27

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

Guided independent study hours

168

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

Intended learning outcomes

  • Discuss interactions between mathematics and wider culture in the past
  • Explain some fundamental mathematical concepts
  • Discuss how some mathematical concepts have changed through time
  • Explain some common mathematical processes
  • Construct and present a historical argument

Additional information from school

This module runs in alternate even years (2020/21, 2022/23, etc).