MA102 Half Unit
Mathematical Proof and Analysis
This information is for the 2020/21 session.
Teacher responsible
Prof Konrad Swanepoel and Prof Peter Allen
Availability
This course is available on the BSc in Actuarial Science and BSc in Mathematics, Statistics and Business. This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit. This course is available with permission to General Course students.
Pre-requisites
Students should have taken, or be taking concurrently, the course Mathematical Methods (MA100), or the course Quantitative Methods (Mathematics) (MA107).
Course content
The course is an introduction to the use of formal definitions and proofs in mathematics, and to basic results of elementary logic, set theory and analysis. Specific topics covered are as follows: Logic, sets and functions, relations, real numbers, infimum and supremum, sequences, limits and continuity.
This course is intended as preparation for a student interested in the application of mathematical concepts and proof to subjects such as computer science (in particular the analysis of algorithms) and economics.
Teaching
This course is delivered through a combination of classes and lectures totalling a minimum of 40 hours across Michaelmas Term. This year, some or all of this teaching will be delivered through a combination of virtual classes and lectures delivered as online videos.
Formative coursework
Students will be expected to produce 10 problem sets in the MT.
Written answers to set problems will be expected on a weekly basis.
Indicative reading
Students may wish to have one of the recommended textbooks:
- N L Biggs, Discrete Mathematics (2nd edn) or
- P J Eccles, An Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning, but these are not required.
Further background reading can be found in:
- R Allenby, Numbers and Proofs;
- M Liebeck, A Concise Introduction to Pure Mathematics;
- V Bryant, Yet Another Introduction to Analysis, and;
- R Bartle & D Sherbert, Introduction to Real Analysis.
Assessment
Exam (90%, duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes) in the summer exam period.
Continuous assessment (10%) in the MT.
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.
Key facts
Department: Mathematics
Total students 2019/20: Unavailable
Average class size 2019/20: Unavailable
Capped 2019/20: No
Value: Half Unit
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Team working
- Problem solving
- Application of information skills
- Communication
- Application of numeracy skills
- Specialist skills
