Module MATH3531: Group Project III

Department: Mathematical Sciences

MATH3531: Group Project III

Type	Level	Credits	Availability	Module Cap	Location
Tied	3	20	Available in 2026/2027		Durham

Tied To

Pre-requisites

At least 3 Maths modules taken in second year.

Corequisites

At least two other Level 3 maths modules.

Excluded Combinations

None

Aims

To foster the learning of new mathematical, or mathematically adjacent, content within a group environment.
To develop essential skills of working in a group.
To further develop the students’ skills of presentation and communication.

Content

Projects vary in topic and in approach and stand as a true embodiment of research led teaching.
The group project allows student to engage with learning new mathematical, or mathematically adjacent, material in a group environment, developing and honing group work skills as well as individual learning.
Groups will be supervised by a member of staff. While an explicit topic will be offered, students will be empowered to drive the group’s exploration of said topic.
Management of the project remains the responsibility of the group, with guidance and assistance from the supervisor. A diary of activities, to be maintained by the group, will aid in recording the operation of the group and will be monitored by the project’s supervisor.
A presentation will give the group the opportunity to showcase their understanding of the learnt material.
An oral component in the last week of the Michaelmas term will highlight the group ability to work collaboratively to illustrate the knowledge they gained.
Assessment components include both learnt material (subject knowledge) and developed skills (group work).

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge

Students will engage in an independent learning of a previously unseen and specialised mathematical, or mathematical related, topic.
Students will demonstrate mastery of knowledge in a specialised topic by means of logical reasoning, critical thinking, and conceptual understanding.

Subject-specific Skills

Students will contribute to the process of learning in a collaborative environment
Students will be able to reflect on working collaboratively in a scientific context.
Students will be able to communicate complex scientific ideas.

Key Skills

Students will engage in and develop group work skills.
Students will develop their presentation skills.
Students will be able to effectively communicate in various settings.

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

The group will meet with their supervisor six times throughout the term to discuss the material and foster productive group work.
The group will be expected to discuss the material outside of the meetings with their supervisor. This will enhance group work skills such as time management, division of labour, and respectful and inclusive discussion.
The group will be required to maintain a live document, so-called group diary, which will record their activities throughout the term. The diary will be accessible to the supervisor who will comment on it in their meetings with the group. The supervisor will use the diary and the meetings to assess the development of group skills and individual participation in the group environment.
The group will showcase the topic they have engaged with in a presentation. The presentation will be designed to match the students’ cohort’s level and will enhance and hone the students’ communication skills.
The group will participate in an oral exam which will assess both their comprehension of the material covered and the collaborative skills they have developed through working in a group setting.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity	Number	Frequency	Duration	Total Hours	Attendance Monitored
Tutorials	6	One in week 1, 2, 4, 6. 7 and 9 of Michaelmas term	1 hour	6	Yes
Preparation and Reading				194
Total				200

Summative Assessment

Component	Component Weighting	Element	Length/Duration	Element Weighting
Group work	30%	Teacher-Supervisor Review	Diary and Meetings' assessment	100%
Presentation	40%	Presentation		100%
Oral Examination	30%	Oral Examination	Group Oral Examination	100%

Formative Assessment

Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.