University of Strathclyde

Course Details

Mathematics, Statistics and Management Science BSc

Course Description

This joint degree, offered in collaboration with Strathclyde Business School, bridges the gap between Management Science, Mathematics and Statistics. You will have the opportunity to develop thorough mathematical and statistical expertise at the same time as broadening your skills base in the largest Business School in Scotland (and one of the largest in Europe). There is a strong emphasis on statistical techniques in data analysis and on the use of mathematical models. Management Science, also known as Operational Research (OR), is concerned with applying quantitative techniques and the modelling of business problems to management decision-making and planning. Management scientists must have a good awareness of how businesses operate and understand the development and application of tools used to help operate businesses successfully. Mathematics is everywhere: weather forecasting, automatic teller machines, secure websites, electronic games, liquid crystal displays, statistical data analysis, opinion polls. Our course emphasises the great applicability of mathematics to solving practical problems meaning that you will learn the skills that employers need. Our flexible degree structure enables transfer between courses and there are opportunities to study abroad. Statistics is the area of mathematics we use to explore and try to explain the uncertain world in which we live. You may be familiar with the use of statistics in opinion polls and market research, but it is also central to the manufacture and testing of many products, and, in particular, showing that modern drugs used in the treatment of disease in humans and animals are effective and safe. Course Structure The BSc (Honours) degree is a four-year programme. Each year contains compulsory classes and some years contain either optional classes which relate to different areas of mathematics and/or elective classes from other subject areas in the University. Mathematics and Statistics account for at least half of each course, with the remainder devoted to Management Science. Flexibility is a key feature. You will have considerable opportunity to choose the particular areas of Mathematics, Statistics, or Management Science in which you wish to specialise. In addition to the study of core mathematical methods, Years 1 and 2 introduce applied analysis, mechanics, numerical analysis and statistics. In later years, you can choose from a range of Mathematics and Statistics classes from one or more of the specialist application areas which best suit your career interests. Part-time study is also possible. The Honours-year project may be inManagement Science or Mathematics, or Statistics.Topics offered in Maths Honours-year classes include Dynamical Systems and Chaos Theory, the Mathematics of Finance and Mathematical Modelling in Biology and Medicine. Management Science options include Resource Planning, Simulation, Operations Management Decision-making. 2015 Entry Minimum Grades Highers Year 1 entry: AABB or ABBBC Advanced Highers Year 2 entry: AAB A Levels Year 1 entry: BBB Year 2 entry: AAB International Baccalaureate: Year 1 entry: 32 Year 2 entry: 36 HNC: First-year entry possible with relevant HNC, B in Graded Unit; second-year entry is not normally offered. Irish Leaving Certificate: subjects and grades as for Highers Required Subjects Year 1 entry: Maths Higher (A) or A Level (B) or IB (HL6) Year 2 entry: two Maths subjects (AB); relevant Business subject (A) Advanced Higher Maths recommended Additional Information An Advanced Higher is given a greater credit than the Higher. Where you have both qualifications in one subject, the Advanced Higher replaces the Higher. Where you have an Advanced Higher at grade B, this would be counted as a grade A in that subject towards the overall required grade Deferred Entry Deferred entry accepted (For 2014 Entry Requirements please refer to the Undergraduate Prospectus 2014 Entry) In Mathematics and Statistics the course incorporates a range of assessment types. Continuous assessment during some classes and summative assessment at the conclusion of classes both contribute to the overall assessment and are used to formally measure achievement in specified learning outcomes. Understanding, knowledge and subject-specific skills are assessed by coursework assignments, reports, presentations and written examinations. Formative assessment is used to provide feedback and inform student learning. Management Science allows for considerable diversity in assessment methods relative to the specific learning outcomes. The majority of classes involve a final unseen examination, supplemented by one or more forms of individual and/or group coursework. In some cases, students can obtain exemption from the final examination on achieving a specified mark for their coursework (often in conjunction with satisfying requirements for attendance). Where examination is part of the assessment for a class, the examination is normally scheduled at the end of the semester in which the class is taught. The methods of assessment for classes are consonant with the learning objectives of the class; and a range of traditional and innovative techniques are used, for example: unseen examinations, business reports, case studies, essays, presentations, individual and group projects, learning journals and peer assessments. Students normally have one opportunity to be re-assessed for a failed class. Where this is by unseen examination, this normally takes place during the summer. The following teaching methods are used in Mathematics and Statistics: lectures (using a variety of media including electronic presentations and computer demonstrations), tutorials, problems classes, computer laboratories, coursework, projects. Teaching is student-focused, with students encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning and development. Students additionally learn through structured group work in problem solving and collaborative student presentations. Resource-based and problem-based learning are used to facilitate the motivational and assimilative phases of the learning process. Classes are supported by web-based materials. Management Science teaching is conducted over two semesters in blocks of 12 weeks each. A diverse range of delivery methods are used, including more traditional lectures, tutorials, and seminars alongside student-centred methods such as team-based action learning projects, online materials, and interactive sessions using personal response systems. Emphasis is placed on using those methods most suited to the specific learning outcomes, subject context, class level and size. External contributors from collaborating corporate organizations are often involved in the delivery of classes and/or assessment of student presentations. On completion of the programme, graduates will be able to: * demonstrate subject knowledge which covers many of the main areas of mathematics, statistics and management science; * demonstrate an understanding of the principle mathematical and management theories and a critical understanding of one or more specialised areas through applying a range of concepts and principles in loosely-defined contexts, showing effective judgement in the selection and application of tools and techniques; * demonstrate a good level of skill in calculation and manipulation of the material within this body of knowledge; * develop and evaluate logical arguments, presenting them and their conclusions clearly and accurately; * demonstrate a range of problem solving skills e.g. abstracting the essentials of problems, formulating them mathematically and obtaining solutions by appropriate methods; * undertake a critical analysis of data and draw conclusions from the data; and * demonstrate a range of appropriate general skills including IT competency. Graduates who have specialised in Management Science have excellent problem-solving, numeracy, business awareness and teamwork skills. Recent graduates have been recruited into management consultancy and in previous years have been employed across the private and public sectors as analysts. Graduates in Mathematics and Statistics enter a wide range of employment from the manufacturing and service industries, the actuarial, accountancy and banking professions, commerce and government, consultancy and education. Our graduates go on to become investment analysts, numerical analysts, statisticians, actuaries, managers and teachers. Funding available to students on undergraduate degree programmes depends on a number of factors including, where the student normally lives and whether or not any funding has been received previously. Eligible students from Scotland and EU member states may be entitled to have tuition fees paid on their behalf and to apply for student loans to contribute towards living expenses. Further information on funding and associated eligibility criteria for Scottish students and students who are EU nationals, including a range of allowances and bursaries, can be found at www.saas.gov.uk. Students whose usual place of residence is in England, Northern Ireland or Wales may be eligible to access a range of tuition fee loans, maintenance loans and grants, and they should contact their local/regional funding body for further details. Information on funding and application processes is available at the following links: * England * Northern Ireland * Wales The University of Strathclyde offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to eligible students and our specialist Student Financial Support Team provides guidance and support to current and prospective students. Read more on student financial support. Academic Selectors t: +44 (0)141 548 3804 e: contact-mathstat@strath.ac.uk Degree preparation course for international students who do not currently meet our entry requirements University of Strathclyde offers international students (non EU/UK) who do not meet the entry requirements for an undergraduate degree at University of Strathclyde the option of completing pre-undergraduate programmes at the university’s International Study Centre. To find out more about these courses and opportunities on offer visit isc.strath.ac.uk or call today on +44 (0) 1273 339333 and discuss your education future. You can also complete the online application form, or to ask a question please fill in the enquiry form and talk to one of our multi-lingual Student Enrolment Advisers today.

Course Duration

NumberDuration
4year

Career outcomes

Graduates who have specialised in Management Science have excellent problem-solving, numeracy, business awareness and teamwork skills. Recent graduates have been recruited into management consultancy and in previous years have been employed across the private and public sectors as analysts. Graduates in Mathematics and Statistics enter a wide range of employment from the manufacturing and service industries, the actuarial, accountancy and banking professions, commerce and government, consultancy and education. Our graduates go on to become investment analysts, numerical analysts, statisticians, actuaries, managers and teachers.

Mathematics, Statistics and Management Science BSc University of Strathclyde