Intended Learning Outcomes
The programme
specifications and outcomes for the BSc Mathematics and BSc Philosophy degree
apply equally to this joint degree. The two benchmarking statements and
programme specifications define the distinctive outcomes from this degree. It
encourages students to develop the mathematical skills helpful in appreciating
certain areas of philosophy such as Logic, and the philosophical underpinning
of the foundations of mathematics.
The students
on this degree should develop all the general knowledge, understanding and
skills of the Mathematics and Philosophy degree schemes, and many of the
subject-specific ones too, though in both subjects over a narrower range of
material given that fewer modules are taken in each department.
Mathematics
Subject-specific Knowledge,
Understanding and Skills
On completing
the programme students should have acquired:
- An
understanding of and competence in the key ideas and techniques, and
knowledge of the statement and proof of key results, both within the core
areas of real and complex analysis, linear and abstract algebra, and
probability and statistics, and in the more advanced topics chosen in the
third level of study;
- An
appreciation of the hierarchical structure of mathematical knowledge;
- An
understanding of mathematical notation, and an ability to use it correctly
and coherently;
- An
appreciation of the importance of proof, generalization and abstraction in
the logical development of formal theories;
- An ability
both to follow and correctly to construct mathematical proofs of
appropriate degrees of complexity;
- An
understanding of the mathematical and contextual basis of statistics as a
science, and an appreciation of the statistical paradigm, linking design
and conduct of experiments and observations with data analysis, modelling
and inference;
- Experience
of implementing the statistical paradigm in a range of general
applications;
- An ability
to read and comprehend mathematical literature at an appropriate level;
- An ability
to use computers and specialist software to investigate and solve
practical mathematical problems.
General Knowledge,
Understanding and Skills
On completing
the programme students should have acquired:
- An ability
to learn from various styles of presentation of material;
- An ability
to apply previously acquired knowledge to new situations, both to gain
understanding and to solve problems;
- An ability
to use information skills to gain access to library and IT resources
effectively in researching topics;
- An ability
to produce documents which accurately and effectively communicate
scientific material to the reader;
- An ability
to make presentations based on prepared material;
- An ability
to work effectively both independently and as part of a small group;
- An ability
to work to deadlines, and experience in time management when working to a
range of deadlines.
Philosophy
Knowledge and Understanding
- A broad knowledge of philosophy in the
analytical tradition together with deeper knowledge in some particular
fields
- The ability to question ideas concerning
the nature of reality, value and experience that play a pervasive role in
understanding the world and ourselves
- The ability to use philosophical
techniques of analysis and argumentation
Skills
Intellectual Skills
Avoid confusion in the presentation of more
difficult ideas and more complex argumentation.
Synthesise a wide range of ideas and arguments
into a single coherently structured written presentation. At Level 3, students
should be able to structure longer pieces of work in the form of dissertations.
Grasp at least some of the main dimensions of a
philosophical problem at issue in such a way as to support the beginnings of
critical independent thought about it. At Level 3, independent critical thought
should be developed further in dissertations.
Maintain throughout a limited study that claims
are open to test and evaluation. At Level 3, students should be able to
maintain critical awareness throughout dissertations.
Work with a sharp sense of validity and
invalidity in relations to complex lines of argumentation.
Draw intelligently on ones own reading, writing
and thinking on a range of challenging contributions made by others. At Level
3, students should demonstrate detailed study of selected areas of philosophy
in dissertations.
Read and have a good understanding of at least
some aspects of some challenging contributions to the problem at issue.
Work with a sense of relevance in relation to a
limited project as a whole both in choice of reading and presenting argument.
At Level 3, this should be sustained over the length of a dissertation.
Transferable Skills
- To be able to articulate underlying
issues in all kinds of debate;
- To construct, develop and defend a valid
argument, and to recognise an invalid argument;
- To recognise and critically analyse
problems, methodological errors, rhetorical devices, unexamined
conventional wisdom and unnoticed assumptions;
- To interpret texts from a variety of ages
and traditions sensitively and to critically assess arguments in such
texts;
- To review unfamiliar ideas and ways of
thinking with an open mind, and show willingness to change their minds
where appropriate
- To communicate complicated issues clearly
and concisely.
