Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2010-2011 (archived)

Module MATH2131: CODES AND ACTUARIAL MATHEMATICS II

Department: Mathematical Sciences

MATH2131: CODES AND ACTUARIAL MATHEMATICS II

Type Open Level 2 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2010/11 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • Core A Mathematics (MATH1012).

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • Codes and Geometric Topology II (MATH2141), Probability and Actuarial Mathematics II (MATH2161), Contours and Actuarial Mathematics II (MATH2171) and Codes and Probability II (MATH2571).

Aims

  • To study two separate topics in mathematics at least one of which will demonstrate how mathematics can be applied to real world situations.

Content

  • Topic 1: Codes: linear, block, Hamming, Reed-Solomon, Application to writing of CDs
  • Topic 2: Actuarial mathematics: Compound interest, life insurance, future lifetime, life annuities, net premiums.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of the module students will: be able to solve a range of predictable and unpredictable problems in the given topics.
  • Have an awareness of the abstract concepts of theoretical mathematics in the field of the given topics.
  • Have a knowledge and understanding of the major theories of these subjects demonstrated through one or more of the following topic areas: Codes: linear, block, Hamming, Reed-Solomon, Application to writing of CDs; Actuarial mathematics: Compound interest, life insurance, future lifetime, life annuities, net premiums.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • In addition students will have the ability to undertake and defend the use of alternative mathematical skills in the following areas with minimal guidance: Modelling.
Key Skills:

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Lecturing demonstrates what is required to be learned and the application of the theory to practical examples.
  • Weekly homework problems provide formative assessment to guide students in the correct development of their knowledge and skills.
  • Tutorials provide active engagement and feedback to the learning process.
  • The end-of-year examination assesses the knowledge acquired and the ability to solve predictable and unpredictable problems.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 38 2 per week 1 Hour 38
Tutorials 10 Fortnightly for 20 weeks 1 Hour 10 ■
Problems Classes 10 Frtnightly for 20 weeks 1 Hour 10
Preparation and Reading 142
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
end of year examination 1 hour 45 minutes 100% yes
Component: Examination Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
end of year written examination 1 hour 45 minutes 100% yes

Formative Assessment:

Weekly written assignments.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University