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Course profile

Project or Thesis (MATH7012)

Study period
Sem 2 2024
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
Study level
Postgraduate Coursework
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
8
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Mathematics & Physics School

Research project/thesis report on topic in research field as recommended by supervisor and approved by Head of School.

This courseᅠinvolves work and study on a topic inᅠMathematicsᅠunder the guidance of a member of the School ofᅠMathematics and Physics. The most important part of the project involves reading and understanding recently developed mathematics and statistics from the research literature (i.e. reading papers in journals), and writing a report or thesis.ᅠDepending on the area of specialisation, the project could involve applying these ideas in a new area or to a new problem.ᅠIt may also involve comparing different approaches and techniques, or giving a coherent exposition of results scattered around the research literature.

Although it is particularly exciting if a student produces new publishable results; it is not required at this level.ᅠHowever a good project should be of interest to otherᅠmathematicians and statisticiansᅠfor giving a good explanation and description of current research.

Over the semester students will:

  • submit a progress report midway through the project; 
  • give a 25 minute talk to students and staff of the mathematics department in the latter part of their enrolment;
  • submit a final report (or thesis) at the end of the semester;
  • attend an interview (defense of the thesis) to enable two examiners to ask questions about the project.

To find a topic, students usually ask members of the Mathematics Department working in areas of interest for suggestions.ᅠThey are then free to select the most interesting topic.ᅠMore information about research in the mathematics department can be found from the postgraduate coursework coordinator.ᅠ

Master of Science students enrolled in MATH7012 must complete their project in one semester.ᅠ If the project is to extend over two semesters then the students must enrol in either MATH7030 or MATH7031.

Course requirements

Assumed background

A background in mathematics and/or statistics which the project advisorᅠdeems sufficient to work on the project.

Restrictions

Permission of Head of School

Course contact

Timetable

Additional timetable information

Students will usually meet weekly with their advisor.

Aims and outcomes

To read and understand recently developed mathematics and statistics from the research literature and ᅠto explain this material in a seminar and a written report or thesis.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

Understand and apply mathematical and statistical results and techniques from their description in the current research literature.

LO2.

Find related information and necessary background material using appropriate bibliographic resources.

LO3.

Present new mathematics and statistics research in a seminar that informs and excites a general mathematical audience.

LO4.

Write a thesis describing recent mathematical and statistical results, techniques, and applications to a readership of mathematics graduates. The exposition will show the student can (4.1) Use rigorous mathematical argument, draw conclusions from empirical evidence, and efficiently implement mathematical and statistical techniques as appropriate. (4.2) Explain ideas clearly making appropriate use of examples, counter-examples, special cases, graphs, tables, and visualisation techniques. (4.3) Place results in the context of the development of the area, and compared alternative approaches. (4.4) Use appropriate referencing to original results and a consistent bibliographic style. (4.5) Write clearly in a consistent style and with good organisation.

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Presentation Project Seminar
  • Identity Verified
10%

22/07/2024 - 25/10/2024

The precise date will be advised in due course.

Notebook/ Logbook, Project Progress Report
15%

13/09/2024 4:00 pm

Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Project, Thesis Project Thesis
70%

4/11/2024 4:00 pm

Presentation, Project Thesis Defense
  • Identity Verified
5%

11/11/2024 - 15/11/2024

The due date will be determined with your supervisor.

Assessment details

Project Seminar

  • Identity Verified
Mode
Activity/ Performance, Oral
Category
Presentation
Weight
10%
Due date

22/07/2024 - 25/10/2024

The precise date will be advised in due course.

Other conditions
Student specific.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03

Task description

The aim of the seminar is to explain the project to a general mathematical audience that includes all your fellow graduate students and members of staff. At least the first half of the talk should be understandable by everyone. The last few minutes may be a little more technical and explain the project’s contributions to experts.

The seminar should last for about 20 minutes leaving about 5 minutes for questions. 

Submission guidelines

The seminar should be video recorded. The video record could be submitted to the Blackboard system, or saved by the supervisor for one year.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for extension and deferred examination information relating to this assessment item.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item then the listed penalty will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point any submission will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24-hour block is recorded from the time the submission is due.

Progress Report

Mode
Written
Category
Notebook/ Logbook, Project
Weight
15%
Due date

13/09/2024 4:00 pm

Other conditions
Student specific.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02

Task description

The progress report should contain

(*) a substantially complete literature review,

(*) a draft outline of the thesis.  (e.g. chapters and titles), and

(*) a realistic schedule of tasks to be completed in the remainder of the time.

Submission guidelines

An electronic version is required, preferably in PDF format. The file is to be submitted to the Blackboard system.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for extension and deferred examination information relating to this assessment item.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item then the listed penalty will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point any submission will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24-hour block is recorded from the time the submission is due.

Project Thesis

Mode
Written
Category
Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Project, Thesis
Weight
70%
Due date

4/11/2024 4:00 pm

Other conditions
Student specific.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L04

Task description

There is no formal page limit,  typically the thesis is up to 100 pages long.  No formatting  or referencing style is formally prescribed, but  formatting and referencing should be clear,  be used consistently, and be in accordance with the standard practices of the discipline.

Submission guidelines

An electronic version is required, preferably in PDF format. The file is to be submitted to the Blackboard system.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for extension and deferred examination information relating to this assessment item.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item then the listed penalty will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point any submission will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24-hour block is recorded from the time the submission is due.

Thesis Defense

  • Identity Verified
Mode
Oral
Category
Presentation, Project
Weight
5%
Due date

11/11/2024 - 15/11/2024

The due date will be determined with your supervisor.

Other conditions
Student specific.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01

Task description

Students will be interviewed by a committee and required to answer questions regarding their research project.

Submission guidelines

The thesis defense should be video recorded. The video record could be submitted to the Blackboard system, or saved by the supervisor for one year.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for extension and deferred examination information relating to this assessment item.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

You are required to submit assessable items on time. If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item then the listed penalty will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point any submission will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each 24-hour block is recorded from the time the submission is due.

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Grade Description
1 (Low Fail)

Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: A total mark 0%-19.99%.

2 (Fail)

Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: A total mark 20% - 44.99%.

3 (Marginal Fail)

Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes

Course grade description: A total mark 45% - 49.99%.

4 (Pass)

Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: A total mark 50% - 64.99%.

5 (Credit)

Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: A total mark 65% - 74.99%.

6 (Distinction)

Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: A total mark 75% - 84.99%

7 (High Distinction)

Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: A total mark 85% - 100%.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply.  

Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.   

If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met. 

Supplementary assessment can take any form, for example, an oral or a written exam. Students who are eligible and approved for a supplementary assessment and the form of assessment is an examination, are expected to be available to sit the supplementary exam during the University’s Deferred and Supplementary examination period. Once approved, supplementary assessment cannot be rescinded by the student.

To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment. 

Additional assessment information

Artificial Intelligence

The assessment tasks in this course evaluate students’ abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Applications for Extensions to Assessment Due Dates

Extension requests are submitted online via my.UQ – applying for an extension. Extension requests received in any other way will not be approved. Additional details associated with extension requests, including acceptable and unacceptable reasons, may be found at my.UQ.

Please note:

  • Requests for an extension to an assessment due date must be submitted through your my.UQ portal and you must provide documentation of your circumstances, as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed. Your application must be submitted on or before the assessment item's due date and time.
  • Applications for extension can take time to be processed so you should continue to work on your assessment item while awaiting a decision. We recommend that you submit any completed work by the due date, and this will be marked if your application is not approved. Should your application be approved, then you will be able to resubmit by the agreed revised due date.
  • If an extension is approved, you will be notified via your my.UQ portal and the new date and time for submission provided. It is important that you check the revised date as it may differ from the date that you requested.
  • If the basis of the application is a medical condition, applications should be accompanied by a medical certificate dated prior to the assignment due date. If you are unable to provide documentation to support your application by the due date and time you must still submit your application on time and attach a written statement (Word document) outlining why you cannot provide the documentation. You must then upload the documentation to the portal within 24 hours.
  • If an extension is being sought on the basis of exceptional circumstances, it must be accompanied by supporting documentation (eg. Statutory declaration).
  • For extensions based on a SAP you may be granted a maximum of 7 days (if no earlier maximum timeframe applies). See the Extension or Deferral availability section of each assessment for details. Your SAP is all that is required as documentation to support your application. However, additional extension requests for the assessment item will require the submission of additional supporting documentation e.g., a medical certificate. All extension requests must be received by the assessment due date and time.
  • An extension for an assessment item due within the teaching period in which the course is offered, must not exceed four weeks in total. If you are incapacitated for a period exceeding four weeks of the teaching period, you are advised to apply for Removal of Course.
  • If you have been ill or unable to attend class for more than 14 days, you are advised to carefully consider whether you are capable of successfully completing your courses this semester. You might be eligible to withdraw without academic penalty - seek advice from the Faculty that administers your program.
  • Students may be asked to submit evidence of work completed to date. Lack of adequate progress on your assessment item may result in an extension being denied.
  • There are no provisions for exemption from an assessment item within UQ rules. If you are unable to submit an assessment piece then, under special circumstances, you may be granted an exemption, but may be required to submit alternative assessment to ensure all learning outcomes are met.

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.

Additional learning resources information

The project advisor will give students advice about appropriate sources of information.

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

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Learning period Activity type Topic
Multiple weeks

From Week 1 To Week 8

Not Timetabled

Progress Report

Each student will submit a brief written progress report (usually about 20-30 pages long), including a literature review, to their advisor. The advisor and examiner will assess this report which will contribute 15% to the final mark for the project. In particular they should advise the student at this stage of any additional approaches of further literature that needs to be considered.

The project report should contain

(*) a substantially complete literature review,

(*) a draft outline of the thesis. (e.g. chapters and titles), and

(*) a realistic schedule of tasks to be completed in the remainder of the time.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Multiple weeks

From Week 1 To Exam week 1

Not Timetabled

Master Thesis

The student will write a thesis under the guidance of the advisor.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04

Multiple weeks

From Week 1 To Week 13

Seminar

Masters Seminar

Each student will give a seminar to the mathematics department. The seminar lasts 25 minutes, including 5 minutes for questions. The seminar counts 10% towards the overall mark. The aim of the seminar is to explain the project to a general mathematical audience; including all graduate students and members of staff. At least the first half of the talk should be understandable by everyone. The last few minutes may be a little more technical and explain the projects contributions to experts.

Masters students will give their seminars in a series of weekly seminars in the maths department. The exact date will be notified early in the semester.

Learning outcomes: L01, L03

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.