Admission and Unit Information - Bachelor of Science (Honours) Mathematics

The Advanced Topics in Mathematics is an integral part of the Bachelor of Science (Honours) course work program. It is structured in such a way that there are extensive links with the other components in the program (Honours Thesis). In undertaking and completing tasks associated with this component the student will be working toward the ultimate goal of completion of the Thesis document. Successful completion of the Advanced Topics in Mathematics Program will allow development of skills, knowledge and a way of thinking to assist in the learning of mathematics/statistics, which will help in the production of the thesis. In this program students will be given the opportunity to present work in assignments and examinations.

The aim of this unit is to identify a suitable honours thesis topic, conduct a preliminary review of the relevant literature, identify research methods applicable to the study, consider any relevant ethical issues applicable to the study, devise a resource management plan and schedule of study and to seek feedback and input from academics with appropriate skills and experience in the research area. This unit gives honours students access and exposure to research communities via attendance and participation at school research seminars. Students will publicly present and defend their thesis proposal to peers and the academic community.

The aim of this unit is to further develop the student's research and problem solving skills. The student is required to implement the research plan, complete a substantive piece of research in the field of Mathematics/Statistics, and to communicate the results of that work to an interested and technically literate audience. All projects will therefore contain at least two broad areas of assessment: the substantive work itself, and the oral and written communication of the work to others. All assessment components submitted in both of these areas are expected to be of a high professional standard. Students will present their research in the thesis. The thesis topic and structure will vary according to the area of interest of the student and the expertise of the supervisor. Throughout this unit regular planned consultations between the student and supervisor will occur. Students are expected to work to a schedule devised in consultation with their supervisor. The schedule will include set dates for the presentation of draft chapters for review by the supervisor.