MAT-3001 Introduction to Mathematical Research 1 - 10 stp

The course will prepare students for advanced training and work in the mathematical sciences, both within and outside of academia.  It will provide students with foundational mathematical tools and techniques for acquiring, reviewing and presenting data. The knowledge acquired through the course will be demonstrated in a portfolio of reports, summarizing the calculations and theoretical techniques implemented and addressing the broader relevance of the mathematical problems investigated for society. 

The course is central to the Master’s program because it will provide a panoramic view of the ongoing research activities at the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, it will introduce the necessary common background for all Master’s students, and it will serve as training in preparation for the Master’s project and future professional career. 

The course will consist of three parts: 

• Fundamental aspects of the mathematical sciences - part 1
• Information resources and communication tools  
• Report writing

1. Fundamental aspects of the mathematical sciences 

Three mathematical modules will reflect topics that are most relevant for both theoretical and applied work in the mathematical sciences.  In this course, these three thematic modules will focus on: 

• Applied mathematics: Mathematical Modeling, Part 1
• Pure mathematics: Algebra
• Statistics: Statistical learning

Attendance in a set number of lectures and seminars is mandatory to be able to hand in the portfolio. The exact attendance requirement will be communicated to the students at the beginning of the semester. 

2. Information resources and communication tools

Via seminars and lectures, students will become familiar with scientific databases and presentation techniques.

Tools: Referencing tools, literature searches, presentation tools

Techniques:  Oral presentation techniques, scientific reports and articles (types, structuring, referencing)

3. Report writing and oral presentation 

Each student will create a portfolio of reports and present a short lecture based on one these.  The goal is to demonstrate mastery of the course material and the ability to present work orally and in a formal written format.  Reports are based on material introduced in the course in the thematic areas of Applied Mathematics, Pure Mathematics, and Statistics. The portfolio of reports will be used for the final assessment of the student’s performance. 

Same prerequisites as those for admission into the Master of Mathematical Sciences program.  In particular, a bachelor’s degree in one of the natural sciences, or equivalent, including core mathematics courses (calculus and linear algebra), with a grade C or better in the Norwegian grading system.

Application code 9371.

After the course, the student will have acquired a solid and broad theoretical / practical foundation for future work in the mathematical sciences. This means that the student:

Knowledge 

• Has broad knowledge of the core topics presented in applied mathematics, pure mathematics, and statistics modules.
• has in-depth knowledge of techniques used in oral and written scientific communication in the field of Mathematical Sciences 
• understands how to search scientific databases efficiently 
• understands how to structure various types of scientific reports in the field of Mathematical Sciences 

Skills 

• can conduct literature review of relevant scientific works in the field of Mathematical Sciences
• can write clear and concise professional scientific reports and oral presentations 

Competence

• can communicate scientific results both in writing and orally, with appropriate standards and structures 
• can critically evaluate scientific reports / articles in the field of Mathematical Sciences