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Programme code | 2MATH017U |
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Programme type | Joint Honours (UG) |
Programme director(s) |
Kentaro Fujimoto (Philosophy and Mathematics)
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Faculty | Faculty of Science |
School/department | School of Mathematics |
Second School/department | Department of Philosophy |
Teaching institution | University of Bristol |
Awarding institution | University of Bristol |
Relevant QAA subject benchmark groups |
Mathematics, statistics and operational research (2023) (benchmark statement)
Philosophy (2019) (benchmark statement) |
Mode of study | Full Time |
Programme length | 3 years (full time) |
The programme provides an education in mathematics and philosophy which stresses their interconnection.
Mathematics:
In mathematics it pays particular attention (but is not restricted to) those fields of mathematics which are related to the philosophy of mathematics, and in philosophy. Apart from a basic grounding in core mathematics through compulsory Level C mathematics courses, the other mandatory units on the mathematics side are an H Level Unit in Mathematical Logic which will acquaint students with a modern view of logic.
The mathematics part of the programme develops skill in mathematical reasoning and problem-solving, facility in handling abstract concepts, and an ability to think logically and critically and to express ideas clearly.
Graduates should combine the facility in logical thinking, mathematical analysis and attention to detail developed through the study of mathematics, with the breadth of
intellectual vision and skill in verbal communication developed through the study of philosophy. This should make them particularly valuable to a wide range of employers.
Philosophy:
This programme is designed to offer students a thorough understanding of Philosophy as it is practised in the analytic tradition, and of the strong intellectual links between Philosophy and Mathematics. It provides a firm basis for research in either subject. The wide ranging and flexible curriculum provides a programme of study incorporating progressive intellectual challenges and consolidates previous experience at each new level.
The mandatory units at level C provide all students with (a) a basic knowledge of some fundamental problems of metaphysics, epistemology, ethics and political philosophy (b) a basic competence in logic and the analysis of arguments and (c) the skills of reading and writing required in analytic philosophy. At levels I and H students choose from a wide range of options, taught by specialists in the areas of their own research, some text-based and others topic-based, ranging from ethics and political philosophy to philosophy of physics. Students in this programme take mandatory level I units in Philosophy of Mathematics. Students are also expected to write finals essays, giving them the opportunity both to explore areas in more depth and detail and to develop their own research skills.
The programme is designed to provide the advanced level units needed to prepare students for future research in either subject, but also provides training in a wide range of transferable skills which serve as the foundation for many types of career.
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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Acquisition of knowledge and understanding through lectures, seminars and tutorials (1,2,3,4,5). Directed reading with a strong emphasis on primary materials (1,3,4,5). Regular problem classes (2). Tutorials and seminars to encourage student participation and advance understanding of difficult materials (1,3,4,5). Formative feedback on assessment is given through individual tutorials (for most units) and written comments. (1,2,3,4,5). |
Methods of Assessment | |
Coursework essays, testing understanding of a single topic in detail (1,3,4,5). Exams, testing breadth of knowledge of different subjects (1,2,4,5). Class tests and exercises in logic (2). An extended essay, testing the ability of students to research a subject of their own choice in detail (3,4,5). Coursework essays, logic exercises, and level C exams are formative; Level I and H exams and Extended essays are summative. |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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Lectures provide knowledge, enhance understanding, and serve to exemplify the characteristic virtues of analytic philosophy. Seminars and group tutorials aid understanding, and provide forums in which students can discuss philosophical issues with each other and with tutors. Problem classes in logic help students develop their analytical and argumentative skills. Coursework essays give students the opportunity to read widely and reflect carefully on the material covered in lectures and seminars. The extended essay gives level H students the opportunity for more intensive and independent research into chosen topics in Philosophy. |
Methods of Assessment | |
Essay writing tests the students' ability to read widely, analyse information and present reasoned arguments (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,13). Examinations test the students' ability to assimilate information, assess and present arguments, and criticise difficult material in a concise and lucid manner (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,12,13). Essay tutorials assist the students' ability to respond appropriately to criticism, to articulate and modify positions and arguments, and to develop a number of intellectual virtues (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13). The presentation and group discussion of seminar papers develop the students' skills in communication and virtues in intellectual debate (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13). Problem classes test the students' ability in logic (3,5,6,7). The extended Essay tests the students' ability to pursue an independent line of research, and to present the fruits of that research in a professional manner (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,13). |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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Seminars and tutorials are used to develop oral communication by requiring students to engage in class discussions and to give short presentations to initiate discussion, including defending their interpretations and arguments in debate with other students and staff (1,2, 4, 5, 8, 10) Research and written communication skills are developed through feedback on essays (2,3, 6, 8, 10). Students are given guidance in the use of electronic resources, and are informed of opportunities for C&IT training (6,7). Writing essays (especially Extended essays) for set deadlines encourages self-motivation and self-reliance, as well as independence of thought (1,6, 8, 10). |
Methods of Assessment | |
Examinations test the ability of the students to provide crisp and lucid presentations of difficult ideas and arguments. (3.9.10) Essays (especially Extended essays) test the ability of students to research their materials and to present ideas and arguments in a lucid and professional manner (1,2,3,6,7,8,10). |
Embedded within the curriculum |
To follow |
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Co-curricular opportunities |
To follow |
Statement of expectations from the students at each level of the programme as it/they develop year on year.
Level C/4 - Certificate |
Year 1 of the programme has been designed to lay the foundations, both in terms of subject-specific knowledge and skills and in terms of more general abilities, which will allow students to fulfil the programme's aims and objectives. By the end of the year, students should have a basic knowledge of some central areas of the subject (metaphysics, epistemology, ethics and political philosophy) and some crucial philosophical skills, including competence in formal logic and familiarity with the aims and methods of analytic philosophy. They should also be developing their skills in essay-writing and in discussing philosophical issues in tutorials. |
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Level I/5 - Intermediate |
Students further develop their skills and knowledge by choosing from a menu of options. These options are more demanding than level C units both in terms of the difficulty of the materials studied and of the amount of independent critical thinking required of the students. By the end of the year they should be capable of reading difficult and technical material (eg modern journal articles), grasping their arguments, and debating them in seminars with their peers. The two mandatory units, 'Realism' and 'Normativity', provide all level I students with basic knowledge and skills for more advanced level H units. |
Level H/6 - Honours |
Students further develop their skills and knowledge by choosing from a range of advanced options, taught by specialists in the areas of their own research. By the end of the year they should be capable of thinking critically and working independently. Students' capacity for intensive and independent research is further tested by the system of Extended essays. |
Level M/7 - Masters |
For the MSci Mathematics and Philosophy programme - all students take the 'History and Philosophy of Mathematics' unit from the PHS M.A. programme. Two finals essays (or a 20-credit project) further test their capacity for independent study. |
The intended learning outcome mapping document shows which mandatory units contribute towards each programme intended learning outcome.
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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Strong support in the first year, more independence encouraged in later years. First year based on lectures supported by two small-group tutorials per week. Second year based on lectures and problem classes. Third and fourth years based on lectures and/or seminars, guided reading, projects, group work etc. depending on the choice of optional units. |
Methods of Assessment | |
written examination, and in the third and fourth years, assessed project work and seminars depending on the choice of optional unit. |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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lectures supported by weekly assignments of mathematical exercises which are marked and returned to students. See also under Knowledge and Understanding. |
Methods of Assessment | |
as in Knowledge and Understanding. |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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As above plus computational assignments and project work in mathematics. |
Methods of Assessment | |
As above plus assessed computational assignments and project work in mathematics. |
Statement of expectations from the students at each level of the programme as it/they develop year on year.
Level C/4 - Certificate |
Mastery of basic mathematical skills, and an understanding of rigorous mathematics. The capacity to take different approaches to solving problems, and to communicate accurately. |
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Level I/5 - Intermediate |
Understanding of abstract mathematical structures and/or (depending on the other subject studied in the Joint programme) more advanced techniques; broadening and/or deepening of mathematical understanding. The capacity to evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems. |
Level H/6 - Honours |
Confidence in handling deeper or more complex mathematical structures, and in critically analysing mathematical arguments; initiative in finding information and self-directed learning.Analytical techniques and problem-solving skills that can be applied in many types of employment. The capacity to evaluate evidence, arguments and assumptions, to reach sound judgements, and to communicate effectively. |
Level M/7 - Masters |
For MSci programmes - Mastery of some areas of mathematics at a level approaching the current research literature; capacity for original work in mathematics, either new research or a new synthesis of existing knowledge.The capacity to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, and to show originality in tackling and solving problems. |
The intended learning outcome mapping document shows which mandatory units contribute towards each programme intended learning outcome.
For information on the admissions requirements for this programme please see details in the undergraduate prospectus at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/prospectus/undergraduate/ or contact the relevant academic department.
Workload Statement
The Faculty of Science expects a minimum work input by its undergraduates of 40 hours per week for every week of the academic year. The 40 hours is made up of a portfolio of different components. The balance between these components varies slightly from programme to programme reflecting the varying academic demands of different subject areas.
Lectures, practical work, tutorials, seminars and required coursework and homework for may take up around 20 hours per week. While this volume of formal teaching is common in the early years of programmes, in later years there is more self directed learning and the opportunity to carry out supervised research work. In total the formal teaching and the students learning should amount to the 40 hours a week mentioned.
The Faculty of Science requires students to do some academic work in the periods between the terms, both required work and that which reflects their interest in, and commitment to their programmes of study.
Assessment Statement
https://www.bris.ac.uk/science/undergraduates/satementonassessment.pdf
School of Mathematics Administration Team – math-info@bristol.ac.uk
MATH11005, MATH10012 and MATH10011 are must pass units. The definition of must pass units can be found in the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes Glossary of Terms.
Unit Name | Unit Code | Credit Points | Status | |
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Analysis | MATH10011 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-4 |
Introduction to Proofs and Group Theory | MATH10010 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-4 |
Linear Algebra | MATH10015 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-4 |
ODEs, Curves and Dynamics | MATH10012 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-4 |
Introduction to Philosophy A | PHIL10005 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Introduction to Philosophy B | PHIL10006 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
Certificate of Higher Education | 120 |
Unit Name | Unit Code | Credit Points | Status | |
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Realism and Normativity | PHIL20046 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Philosophy of Mathematics | PHIL20039 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
60cp Mathematics units | ||||
Select at least one of: | ||||
Algebra 2 | MATH21800 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Linear Algebra 2 | MATH21100 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Metric Spaces | MATH20006 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Select up to 40cp additional Mathematics units from the following list: | ||||
Applied Partial Differential Equations 2 | MATH20402 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Combinatorics | MATH20002 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Introduction to Geometry | MATH20004 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Multivariable Calculus and Complex Functions | MATH20015 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Ordinary Differential Equations 2 | MATH20101 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
20cp Philosophy units | ||||
Death, dying and disease | PHIL20049 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Ethics | PHIL20011 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Philosophy of Language | PHIL20017 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Philosophy of Mind | PHIL20010 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Space, Time and Matter | PHIL20053 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Texts in Modern European Philosophy 1 | PHIL20050 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
What is democracy, and how should it work? | PHIL20057 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Diploma of Higher Education | 120 |
Unit Name | Unit Code | Credit Points | Status | |
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You must take 60cp of Mathematics and 60cp of Philosophy units, with no more than 70cp in either teaching block. | ||||
60cp Mathematics Units | ||||
Logic | MATH30100 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Set Theory | MATH32000 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Select 20cp Mathematics units | ||||
Group 1 | ||||
Metric Spaces | MATH20006 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Group 2 | ||||
Fields, Forms and Flows | MATH30018 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Ordinary Differential Equations 2 | MATH20101 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Group 3 | ||||
Group Theory | MATH33300 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Group 5 | ||||
Measure Theory and Integration | MATH30007 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Fluid Dynamics 3 | MATH33200 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Linear Algebra 2 | MATH21100 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Group 6 | ||||
Complex Function Theory | MATH33000 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Quantum Mechanics | MATH35500 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Multivariable Calculus and Complex Functions | MATH20015 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Group 7 | ||||
Topics in Modern Geometry 3 | MATH30001 | 10 | Optional | TB-1A |
Group 8 | ||||
Calculus of Variations | MATH30005 | 10 | Optional | TB-1B |
Group 10 | ||||
Galois Theory | MATHM2700 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Introduction to Geometry | MATH20004 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Numerical Analysis | MATH30029 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Group 11 | ||||
Number Theory | MATH30200 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Statistical Mechanics | MATH34300 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Group 12 | ||||
Mechanics 23 | MATH31910 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Functional Analysis 3 | MATH36202 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Group 14 | ||||
Optimisation | MATH30017 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Dynamical Systems and Ergodic Theory 3 | MATH36206 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Algebra 2 | MATH21800 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Group 15 | ||||
Topics in Discrete Mathematics 3 | MATH30002 | 10 | Optional | TB-2C |
Random Matrix Theory | MATH30016 | 10 | Optional | TB-2C |
Philosophy | ||||
60cp Philosophy units: | ||||
40cp Philosophy units | ||||
One of the following: | ||||
First Extended Essay | PHIL30107 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Second Extended Essay | PHIL30108 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Plus 20cp from the following list: | ||||
Philosophy of Science | PHIL30049 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Philosophical Issues of Physical Sciences | PHIL30052 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Philosophy of Biology | PHIL30063 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Philosophy of Psychology | PHIL30077 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
The Philosophy and History of Medicine | PHIL30082 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Philosophy and the Environment | PHIL30112 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Death, dying and disease | PHIL30115 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Virtue and Well-Being | PHIL30126 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Evil, Deviance, and Crime | PHIL30127 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
Second Extended Essay | PHIL30108 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
Mathematics and Philosophy (BSc) | 120 |
Unit Pass Mark for Undergraduate Programmes:
For details on the weightings for classifying undergraduate degrees, please see the Agreed Weightings, by Faculty, to be applied for the Purposes of Calculating the Final Programme Mark and Degree Classification in Undergraduate Programmes.
For detailed rules on progression please see the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes and the relevant faculty handbook.
Please refer to the specific progression/award requirements for programmes with a preliminary year of study, the Gateway programmes and International Foundation programmes.
All undergraduate degree programmes allow the opportunity for a student to exit from a programme with a Diploma or Certificate of Higher Education.
Integrated Master's degrees may also allow the opportunity for a student to exit from the programme with an equivalent Bachelor's degree where a student has achieved 360 credit points, of which 90 must be at level 6, and has successfully met any additional criteria as described in the programme specification.
The opportunities for a student to exit from one of the professional programmes in Veterinary Science, Medicine, and Dentistry with an Award is outlined in the relevant Programme Regulations (which are available as an annex in the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes).
An Ordinary degree can be awarded if a student has successfully completed at least 300 credits with a minimum of 60 credits at Level 6.
The pass mark for the professional programmes in Veterinary Science, Medicine and Dentistry is 50 out of 100. The classification of a degree in the professional programmes in Veterinary Science, Medicine, and Dentistry is provided in the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.
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