This module teaches advanced mathematical methods with Maple, an algebraic computing language with graphics and numerical capabilities. Although the emphasis is on mathematical methods, you’ll use Maple to extend the use of these methods, help you visualise the mathematics, and enable you to combine conventional analytic techniques with numerical methods. You’ll explore various forms of approximations, perturbation expansions and accelerated convergence methods, including Padé approximants, asymptotic expansions of integrals and some eigenvalue problems.
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No current presentation
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This module is expected to start for the last time in October 2029. |
What you will study
The first part of this MSc in Mathematics module teaches the use of Maple: you are not expected to have any knowledge of it before you begin. The rest of the module deals with the various forms of approximation.
You will learn
Successful study of this module should enhance your skills in programming in Maple, understanding complex mathematical texts and communicating mathematical ideas clearly.
Note you must study this module if you wish to take the ‘Advances in approximation theory’ topic for your Dissertation in mathematics (M840).
Entry
You must have passed one of the following modules:
Or one of the discontinued modules M826, M828 and M832.
We recommend Calculus of variations and advanced calculus (M820) or Analytic number theory 1 (M823).
All teaching is in English and your proficiency in the English language should be adequate for the level of study you wish to take. We strongly recommend that students have achieved an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of at least 7. To assess your English language skills in relation to your proposed studies you can visit the IELTS website.
Qualifications
M833 is an optional module in our:
If you have a disability
The material contains small print and diagrams, which may cause problems if you find reading text difficult.
You will need to spend considerable amounts of time using a personal computer.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our disability support pages.
Study materials
What's included
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
- a week-by-week study planner
- course-specific module materials
- audio and video content
- guidance on relevant computer software
- assessment details and submission section
- online tutorial access
- access to student and tutor group forums.
You’ll also be provided with printed course notes covering the content of the module, including solutions to activities and explanations to aid your understanding of the concepts and associated skills and techniques that are contained in the set book. You will need to obtain your own copy of the set book, and only the set book as printed by the publisher will be permitted in the examination, and not a version you have printed yourself.
Computing requirements
You’ll need broadband internet access and a desktop or laptop computer with an up-to-date version of Windows (10 or 11) or macOS Ventura or higher.
Any additional software will be provided or is generally freely available.
To join in spoken conversations in tutorials, we recommend a wired headset (headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone).
Our module websites comply with web standards, and any modern browser is suitable for most activities.
Our OU Study mobile app will operate on all current, supported versions of Android and iOS. It’s not available on Kindle.
It’s also possible to access some module materials on a mobile phone, tablet device or Chromebook. However, as you may be asked to install additional software or use certain applications, you’ll also require a desktop or laptop, as described above.
Materials to buy
Set books
- Richards, D. Advanced Mathematical Methods with Maple (2 Part Set) Cambridge University Press £74.99 - ISBN 9780521135061 This book is Print on Demand, please allow at least 2 weeks for receipt following order.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
Throughout your module studies, you’ll get help and support from your assigned module tutor. They’ll help you by:
- Marking your assignments (TMAs) and providing detailed feedback for you to improve.
- Guiding you to additional learning resources.
- Providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content.
The module has a dedicated and moderated forum where you can join in online discussions with your fellow students. There are also online module-wide tutorials. While these tutorials won’t be compulsory for you to complete the module, you’re strongly encouraged to take part. If you want to participate, you’ll likely need a headset with a microphone.
Assessment
The assessment details can be found in the facts box.
Students also studied
Students who studied this module also studied at some time:
Future availability
Advanced mathematical methods (M833) starts every other year – in October.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2025.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2029.
How to register
We regret that we are currently unable to accept registrations for this module. Where the module is to be presented again in the future, relevant registration information will be displayed on this page as soon as it becomes available.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations which are available on our
Student Policies and Regulations website.