2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

MATH3015 History of Mathematics

15 creditsClass Size: 100

Module manager: Dr Pierre-Philippe Dechant; Dr C Tedd; Dr S Barber
Email: P.P.Dechant@leeds.ac.uk; C.F.Tedd@leeds.ac.uk;

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

(MATH1026 or MATH1050) and [(MATH1710 and MATH1712) or MATH2700]. Also experience in proof-reading.
Students must be enrolled on the module by the end of the second teaching week at the latest.

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Objectives

Critically analyse some aspects of the historical development of Mathematics as well as the mutual influence that Mathematics had on historical developments and vice versa. Investigate a variety of topics across Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and Statistics, and compare and contrast global developments of Mathematics. Write prose and technical mathematics in a coherent fashion.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
- critically evaluate developments of mathematics as a product of history and culture;
- analyse and write about historical developments in mathematics;
- research historical mathematical problems and utilise methods of solution.

Syllabus

A variety of topics from across Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and Statistics will be explored and historical developments critically evaluated. Students will study the relevant mathematics and solve mathematical problems, whilst critically analysing their historical, social and political context.


Three to four weeks will be devoted to each of the topics. The module will be team-taught by up to three lecturers as well as a variety of historians and skills tutors running workshops that support awareness of historical working practices as well as critical analysis and preparation for essay assessments.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Workshop	7	1.00	7.00
Lecture	18	1.00	18.00
Private study hours			125.00
Total Contact hours			25.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Private study

Study for, and preparation of, coursework assignments such as research, reading, critical analysis, and calculation of historical examples.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Formative written work with feedback on calculations, critical analysis and writing skills.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	Due at the end of the module	60.00
Written Work	Historical mathematics worksheet	40.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

If the module is failed, new versions of the coursework can be submitted.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 03/09/2024 16:18:48

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