BSc Mathematics and Philosophy

Year 3

(Award available for year: Bachelor of Science)

Learning outcomes

On completion of the year/programme students should have provided evidence of being able to:
- demonstrate a reasonable understanding of the basic body of knowledge for the programme of study;
- demonstrate a reasonable level of skills in calculation and manipulation within this basic body of knowledge;
- apply core concepts and principles in well-defined contexts, showing judgement in the selection and application of tools and techniques;
- understand logical arguments, identifying the assumptions and conclusions made;
- demonstrate a reasonable level of skill in comprehending problems, formulating them mathematically and obtaining solutions by appropriate methods;
- present straightforward arguments and conclusions reasonably accurately and clearly;
- demonstrate appropriate transferable skills and the ability to work under guidance.

By the end of the programme students should:
1. be able to engage in reasoned discussion of often highly charged topics with people of opposing views;
2. be able to identify the underlying issues in a debate, to analyse complex problems and to detect relevance and irrelevance;
3. be able to construct a reasoned argument for a point of view, and to present it in clear, structured prose;
4. display openness and independence of mind: be receptive to new ideas and approaches, and be able to subject them to critical scrutiny;
5. be able to read and analyse complex texts, and be sensitive to issues of interpretation;
6. display knowledge and understanding of some central theories and arguments in general philosophy, applied philosophy and the history of philosophy;
7. have first-hand experience of the writings of some major philosophers;
8. be able to engage in informed reflection on their own lives and place in the world, and on the presuppositions of other people, other times and other disciplines.

Transferable (key) skills

Students will have had the opportunity to acquire, as defined in the modules specified for the programme:
- the transferable/key/generic skills necessary for employment related to the area(s) studied;
- the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility;
- the deployment of decision making skills in complex and unpredictable situations;
- the communication of information, ideas, problems and solutions in a variety of ways to a variety of audiences;
- the ability to undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature;
- the ability to carry out an extended piece of work or project.

Students will have had the opportunity to acquire, as defined in the modules specified for the programme:
- qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment related to the area(s) studied;
- skills necessary for the communication of information;
- skills necessary for the exercising of personal responsibility and decision making.

Assessment

Achievement will be assessed by a variety of methods in accordance with the learning outcomes of the modules specified for the year/programme and will include:
- demonstrating the ability to apply a broad range of aspects of the discipline;
- work that draws on a wide variety of material;
- the ability to evaluate and criticise received opinion;
- evidence of an ability to conduct independent, in depth enquiry within the discipline;
- work that is typically both evaluative and creative;
- in European, American and Industrial programmes, students have to pass year 3 but do not get a grade which contributes to the degree class.

Achievement will be assessed by a variety of methods in accordance with the learning outcomes of the modules specified for the year/programme and will include:
- demonstrating the ability to apply a broad range of aspects of the discipline;
- work that draws on a wide variety of material;
- the ability to evaluate and criticise received opinion;
- demonstrating a broad knowledge base;
- evidencing in-depth investigation.