This module enables you to carry out a sustained, guided, independent study of a topic in mathematics. Currently there are six topics to choose from: algebraic graph theory; aperiodic tilings and symbolic dynamics; dynamical functional equations and applications; history of modern geometry; interfacial flows and microfluidics; and Riemann surfaces. This list is subject to change. You will be guided by study notes, books, research articles and original sources (or English translations where necessary), which are provided. You’ll need to master the appropriate mathematics and ultimately present your work in the form of a final dissertation.
Register
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| Start |
End |
Fee
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Register |
| 01 Oct 2022 |
Jun 2023 |
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| Registration closes 08/09/22 (places subject to availability) Click to register
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This module is expected to start for the last time in October 2025.
What you will study
The list of topics available varies each year. We’ll let MSc in Mathematics students know the available topics that October in the spring, before the module starts.
Recently available topics have included:
- Advances in approximation theory
- Algebraic graph theory
- Aperiodic tilings and symbolic dynamics
- Dynamical functional equations and applications
- History of modern geometry
- Interfacial flows and microfluidics
- Riemann surfaces
- Variational methods.
Please note:
- Since the available topics vary from year to year, check that we are offering the topic you wish to study before registering.
- For staffing reasons, you might not be able to study your preferred topic. Therefore, we’ll ask you for your first and second choice. We can usually offer you one of your choices, although this cannot be guaranteed.
You will learn
Successful study of this module should enhance your skills in understanding complex mathematical texts, working on open-ended problems and communicating mathematical ideas clearly.
Entry
This module is a dissertation and assumes a high level of mathematical maturity.
To study this module you must:
- declare the MSc in Mathematics (or another qualification towards which the module can count) as your qualification intention
- normally have successfully completed at least four other modules in the MSc in Mathematics (F04).
Provided you have successfully completed at least three other modules in the MSc in Mathematics (F04) programme you may be given permission to take M840 alongside other modules.
The number of students on each topic may be limited so you are advised to register early, noting that you may not be offered your first choice of topic.
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.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.
Qualifications
M840 is a compulsory 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. Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) versions of printed material are available. Some Adobe PDF components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader and mathematical materials may be particularly difficult to read in this way. Alternative formats of the study materials may be available in the future.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
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
- assessment details and submission section
- online tutorial access.
You will need
You will need to buy the set book relevant for your topic (see ‘Materials to buy’ section).
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 (10.15 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
- Godsil, C. & Royle, G. Algebraic Graph Theory Springer £36.99 - ISBN 9780387952208 Algebraic graph theory option set book.
- de Boor, C. A Practical Guide to Splines (Revised edn) Springer £69.99 - ISBN 9780387953663 Advances in approximation theory option set book.
- Gray, J. Worlds Out of Nothing: A Course in the History of Geometry in the 19th Century Springer £29.99 - ISBN 9780857290595 History of modern geometry option set book. Please ensure you purchase the December 2010 edition.
Note: All of these books are 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
Dissertation in mathematics (M840) starts once a year – in October.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2022.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2025.
How to register
To register a place on this module return to the top of the page and use the Click to register button.
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.