REPORT ON PROGRAMME REVIEW Q 3. [Prepared by the Review Panel and forwarded by the Academic Registrar to the College Director]

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1 REPORT ON PROGRAMME REVIEW Q 3 [Prepared by the Review Panel and forwarded by the Academic Registrar to the College Director] Part 1 Programme details Proposed titles Nature and duration of programme MSc in Applied Mathematics Modular, Minimum duration is 3 semesters fulltime or 6 semesters part-time for MSc DIT awards sought Postgraduate Certificate / Postgraduate Diploma / Master of Science Applied Mathematics Classifications of award MSc: Honours: First Class Honours, Second Class Honours, 1 st Division, Second Class Honours, 2 nd Division and Pass PgDip / PgCert: Distinction, Merit: Upper Division, Merit: Lower Division, Pass Parallel award sought Professional accrediting body N/A N/A Background This programme is designed to offer applied mathematics to graduates who do not have a primary degree in mathematics or mathematical sciences but who, through a highly numerate first degree, have already demonstrated a strong degree of mathematical knowledge. It is designed to deepen knowledge and understanding of mathematics, its methods and theory, and develop students analytical and technical skills. Overall programme objectives and learning outcomes The programme aims and learning outcomes can be briefly summarized as follows: The programme is intended for graduates of primary degrees not in the mathematical sciences and ensures that graduates are proficient in a broad range of topics in applied mathematics Students will learn a rigorous mathematical approach and understand how applied mathematics and modelling can be applied to formulate and solve practical and realistic problems. The programme will equip graduates with the skills to be able to apply applied mathematics in their careers in business and industry.

2 Graduates of the programme will contribute to the provision of highlyqualified, technical professionals with advanced analytical and problem solving skills in the workplace. Graduates will be able to communicate an in-depth knowledge of topics in applied mathematics and appreciate the interaction between theory and application Graduates will develop analytical and problem solving skills in appropriate technical and scientific contexts and have a capacity for independent study. Programme structure The programme is in modular format. PgCert is 30 ECTS and consists of a mix of 5 ECTS and 10 ECTS modules, PgDip is 60 ECTS consists of a mix of 5 ECTS and 10 ECTS modules, MSc is 90 ECTS and consists of a mix of 5 ECTS and 10 modules and 25 ECTS Research Project & Dissertation. Entry requirements The minimum admission requirements for entry to the MSc programme are a B.Sc. (Honours 2.2. or better) in Mathematics, Science, Engineering or other numerate discipline where mathematics was studied for in excess of 2 years or equivalent And English as a first language or certified proficiency in English at the equivalent of a minimum score of IELTS 6.0 and at least 5.5 in writing. Applicants with an IELTS score of 5.5 may be invited to interview and may be admitted upon the discretion of the interviewing panel. Student assessment In accordance with the General Assessment Regulations of the Institute. The threshold for written examination on the programme is 35%. That is, candidates must achieve a mark of 35% or more in a written examination of a module to be eligible to pass that module even if their combined mark including CA for a module exceeds the pass mark. The threshold for continuous assessment of the module MATH9952 is 40%. Compensation in this programme is not permitted to or from MATH9975 Mathematical Laboratory, MATH9976 Research Skills, MATH9955 Project. However, compensation may be applied across the full stage of the programme, in accordance with the General Assessment Regulations, regardless of the order or sessions in which the modules were completed. Derogations, if any, sought from the General Assessment Regulations None Sought

3 Part 2 Validation/review dates Friday, 8 th May 2015 Venue: Boardroom, DIT Kevin Street 9.30 hrs Refreshments (tea/coffee) served. Introductory meeting between Panel and Head of School and staff from the School of Mathematical Sciences and brief presentation regarding proposed programmes hrs Private meeting of Panel to discuss agenda hrs Meeting of Panel with Head of School, Chairperson and appropriate members of the Programme Committees to discuss specific issues raised by the Panel hrs Tea / Coffee served: Private meeting of the panel hrs Meeting of Panel with staff teaching on the programme to discuss such matters as syllabi, teaching methods and assessment issues hrs Lunch hrs Panel visits facilities available to the programme at Kevin Street hrs Private meeting of Panel to consider draft report hrs Final meeting of Panel with Head of School and appropriate staff from the School of Mathematical Sciences. Members of Validation Panel Internal Members Roger Sherlock (Chair) Dr Deiric O Broin Andrea Curley External Members Dr Ted Cox Gerard McElvaney Quality Assurance Officer: Ms Nicole O Neill School of Marketing, College of Business, DIT, Aungier Street. School of Spatial Planning, College of Engineering and Built Environment, DIT, Bolton Street. School of Computing, College of Sciences and Health, DIT, Kevin Street. School of Mathematical Sciences, University College Dublin International Financial Data Services, Bishop s Square, Dublin 2 Quality Assurance Officer, Part 3 Documentation Provided Documentation provided The documentation provided for the Validation Panel included Part A, Background Information and Part B, the Programme Document. Briefing notes provided

4 Extracts from the Handbook for Academic Quality Enhancement setting out procedures and other matters associated with the validation of programmes. Part 4 Findings and Recommendations The panel would like to commend the staff on their well thought-out and comprehensive programme documentation and their enthusiasm for the programme. Graduates of this programme will be ideally suited to a wide range of careers in technology and industry. The Panel is pleased to recommend to Academic Council the approval of the Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma & Master Applied Mathematics at level 9 within the National Framework of Qualifications, with the following recommendations. Recommendations: Further clarify the entry criteria and the panel suggests it should be similar to the MSc in Mathematical Physics, that Mathematics should be a substantial component and studied for three years at degree level. Keep under consideration the range of modules available in the programme and how other topics such as financial mathematics and fluid mechanics can be included in the programme. Consider how modules on other programmes across the Institute may be made available as options. Set up an Industry advisory board for the School with a particular emphasis on this programme. Consider in modules such as Algorithms and Approximation Theory and Numerical Methods for Differential Equations the development of programming and coding skills. This should be reflected in significant continuous assessment. Reconsider the programme assessment strategy, with a view to providing a greater range of assessments and reducing sole terminal examinations. Further consider the potential career pathways evolving from the programme and how these can be accommodated in the programme. Consider how student expectations on career pathways can be included in the programme. Provide more details on the operation and requirements of the project. Clarify section to remove reference to repeating compensated modules and to ensure that it covers both the Masters and Postgraduate Diploma and Certificate qualifications. Make explicit the workload requirements of the modules and relate to quantifiable student activities, so that it is clear why different ECTS apply to modules. Reconsider the reading lists for the Case Studies module so that they reflect the breath of the material to be covered. Give visibility to the topic range within the module descriptor.

5 The Indicative Syllabus for Methods for Applied Mathematics could be specified to reflect the rigor of the material covered in the module.. Further consider how presentation and communication skills can be further developed within the programme. Submit award type descriptors for the programme. Remove Editorial inconsistencies from the student handbook. Observations: Submit a request for the appropriate modules within this programme to be recognised as CPD Certificates.

6 Part 5 Signatures of members of panel Signature Chairperson of Panel Date

7 REPORT ON PROGRAMME REVIEW Q 3 [Prepared by the Review Panel and forwarded by the Academic Registrar to the College Director] Part 1 Programme details Proposed titles Nature and duration of programme MSc in Mathematical Physics Modular, Minimum duration is 3 semesters fulltime or 6 semesters part-time for MSc DIT awards sought Postgraduate Certificate / Postgraduate Diploma / Master of Science Mathematical Physics Classifications of award MSc: Honours: First Class Honours, Second Class Honours, 1 st Division, Second Class Honours, 2 nd Division and Pass PgDip / PgCert: Distinction, Merit: Upper Division, Merit: Lower Division, Pass Parallel award sought Professional accrediting body N/A N/A Background This programme is designed to offer an advanced mathematical programme which will give a deep understanding in mathematical physics, equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to embark directly upon research in mathematical physics and enter demanding, highly technical roles in business and industry. Overall programme objectives and learning outcomes The programme aims and learning outcomes can be briefly summarized as follows: The programme is intended for graduates of primary degrees in mathematical sciences (or honours degree in other science or engineering disciplines with a very high proportion of mathematical content) and ensures that graduates are proficient in a broad range of topics in mathematical physics. Students will learn advanced topics in mathematical physics appropriate to a graduate programme and develop the skills to apply this knowledge to current research problems in mathematical physics. The programme will equip graduates to embark upon research in mathematical physics or to apply advanced reasoning and mathematical skills to careers in business and industry as highly-qualified, technical professionals with advanced analytical and problem solving skills.

8 Graduates of the programme will contribute to the provision of high-level graduates with the capability to successfully undertake doctoral study programmes Graduates will be able to communicate advanced and complex topics in mathematical physics to a wide audience and appreciate the interaction between theory and applications in technical and scientific contexts. Graduates will demonstrate the capacity for independent study. Programme structure The programme is in modular format. PgCert is 30 ECTS and consists of a mix of 5 ECTS and 10 ECTS modules, PgDip is 60 ECTS consists of a mix of 5 ECTS and 10 ECTS modules and 2 optional 5 ECTS modules, MSc is 90 ECTS and consists of a mix of 5 ECTS and 10 modules and 30 ECTS Research Project & Dissertation. Entry requirements The minimum admission requirements for entry to the MSc programme are a B.Sc. (Honours 2.2. or better) in Mathematics or mathematical science or a highlynumerate degree, normally in science or engineering, where mathematics was studied as a substantial component for at least three years. And English as a first language or certified proficiency in English at the equivalent of a minimum score of IELTS 6.0 and at least 5.5 in writing. Applicants with an IELTS score of 5.5 may be invited to interview and may be admitted upon the discretion of the interviewing panel. Student assessment In accordance with the General Assessment Regulations of the Institute. The threshold for written examination on the programme is 35%. That is, candidates must achieve a mark of 35% or more in a written examination of a module to be eligible to pass that module even if their combined mark including CA for a module exceeds the pass mark. Compensation in this programme is not permitted to or from MATH9971, MATH9972, MATH9975 Mathematical Laboratory, MATH9976 Research Skills, MATH9955 Dissertation However, compensation may be applied across the full stage of the programme, in accordance with the General Assessment Regulations, regardless of the order or sessions in which the modules were completed. Derogations, if any, sought from the General Assessment Regulations Pass Mark of 50% on MATH9971 and MATH9972 (*See condition)

9 Part 2 Validation/review dates Friday, 8 th May 2015 Venue: Boardroom, DIT Kevin Street 9.30 hrs Refreshments (tea/coffee) served. Introductory meeting between Panel and Head of School and staff from the School of Mathematical Sciences and brief presentation regarding proposed programmes hrs Private meeting of Panel to discuss agenda hrs Meeting of Panel with Head of School, Chairperson and appropriate members of the Programme Committees to discuss specific issues raised by the Panel hrs Tea / Coffee served: Private meeting of the panel hrs Meeting of Panel with staff teaching on the programme to discuss such matters as syllabi, teaching methods and assessment issues hrs Lunch hrs Panel visits facilities available to the programme at Kevin Street hrs Private meeting of Panel to consider draft report hrs Final meeting of Panel with Head of School and appropriate staff from the School of Mathematical Sciences. Members of Validation Panel Internal Members Roger Sherlock (Chair) Dr Deiric O Broin Andrea Curley External Members Dr Ted Cox Gerard McElvaney Quality Assurance Officer: Ms Nicole O Neill School of Marketing, College of Business, DIT, Aungier Street. School of Spatial Planning, College of Engineering and Built Environment, DIT, Bolton Street. School of Computing, College of Sciences and Health, DIT, Kevin Street. School of Mathematical Sciences, University College Dublin International Financial Data Services, Bishop s Square, Dublin 2 Quality Assurance Officer, Part 3 Documentation Provided Documentation provided The documentation provided for the Validation Panel included Part A, Background Information and Part B, the Programme Document. Briefing notes provided

10 Extracts from the Handbook for Academic Quality Enhancement setting out procedures and other matters associated with the validation of programmes. Part 4 Findings and Recommendations The Panel commends the School on the development of their Masters Portfolio. Graduates of this programme will be well trained in Mathematical Physics and prepared for research orientated futures. The Panel is pleased to recommend to Academic Council the approval of the Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma & Master of Mathematical Physics at level 9 within the National Framework of Qualifications, with two conditions and some recommendations Conditions: Reconsider the request for and details of the 50% progression requirement for MATH9971 and MATH9972 and resubmit further details on how this will operate. This should include consideration of the assessment strategy for these modules to provide students will an earlier assessment and the opportunity to take remedial actions to improve performance. Amend the requirements for the Postgraduate Diploma Exit Award. Recommendations: Provide award type descriptors for the programme. Provide more details on the operation and requirements of the dissertation. Make explicit the workload requirements of the modules and relate to quantifiable student activities, so that it is clear why different ECTS apply to modules. Further consider how presentation and communication skills for research can be developed within the programme. Reconsider the programme assessment strategy, with a view to providing a greater range of assessments and reducing sole terminal examinations. Consider including the module on Algorithms and Approximation Theory on this programme. Clarify section to remove reference to repeating compensated modules and to ensure that it covers both the Masters and Postgraduate Diploma and Certificate qualifications. Remove editorial inconsistencies from the student handbook.

11 Part 5 Signatures of members of panel Signature Chairperson of Panel Date

MSc Education and Training for Development

MSc Education and Training for Development Awarding Institution: The University of Reading Teaching Institution: The University of Reading Faculty of Life Sciences Programme length: 6 month Postgraduate