Programme Specification

Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics and

Economics (MORSE) (2018-19)

This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning
outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full
advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.

Awarding Institution University of Southampton

Teaching Institution University of Southampton

Mode of Study Full-time

Duration in years 3

Accreditation details None

Final award Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc (Hons))

Name of award Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics and Economics (MORSE)

Interim Exit awards Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE)

Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE)

FHEQ level of final award Level 6

UCAS code GL12

Programme code 4747

QAA Subject Benchmark or other Mathematics, Statistics And Operational Research 2007
external reference

Programme Overview

Brief outline of the programme

The purpose of this programme is to provide you with a broad-based programme covering topics in mathematics,
operational research, statistics and economics. These different topics are related in that they all rely on using
mathematical methods to formulate, model, analyse and solve a wide range of problems.

While studying for your degree, you will develop key study and work skills including written and oral
communication, the use of IT, team working, time management and basic research skills including the use of the
web and the library.

The programme is centred on a coherent framework of study but incorporates flexibility so that there is ample
opportunity to choose topics of special interest to you. This degree may lead to possible exemption from some
Core Technical professional actuarial examinations depending on option choices made.
Your contact hours will vary depending on your module/option choices. Full information about contact hours
is provided in individual module profiles.

Learning and teaching

The Mathematical Sciences School uses a wide variety of modern learning and teaching methods involving small
group tutorial work and computer based learning that builds on what you learn in lectures.

Assessment
Assessment is varied enabling you to demonstrate your strengths and show what you have learnt. Students are
provided with access to relevant software that they can use on their own personal computers to assist their
studies.

Special Features of the programme

N/A

Please note: As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our programmes to ensure quality
enhancement and to manage our resources. As a result, this programme may be revised during a student's period
of registration; however, any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the
educational service expected. Please read our Disclaimer to see why, when and how changes may be made to a
student's programme.

Programmes and major changes to programmes are approved through the University's programme validation
process which is described in the University's Quality handbook.

Educational Aims of the Programme

The aims of the programme are to:

• Introduce you to the main basic areas of Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics and Economics;
• Develop your understanding of abstract mathematical concepts;
• Offer you the opportunity to study advanced mathematical concepts and techniques;
• Develop your modelling and problem solving skills;
• Offer you the opportunity to construct an individual programme of study within a coherent framework;
• Offer you the opportunity to study applications of mathematics in a variety of contexts which utilize
mathematical and statistical models;
• Allow you to study applications of operational research in solving the type of quantitative problems that
arise in organisations;
• Offer you the opportunity to study advanced mathematical model building and optimization, including
theoretical deterministic and stochastic concepts;
• Introduce you to theoretical statistical concepts;
• Develop your understanding of practical statistical methods;
• Equip you with knowledge and understanding of core areas of economics such as microeconomics,
macroeconomics and quantitative methods;
• Develop your subject specific and transferable skills including an analytical approach to problem solving,
logical argument and deductive reasoning, abstraction and generalisation, and written communication skills in
mathematics;
• Provide some of the basic IT skills necessary for further study and employment, including word
processing and use of the internet;
• Help you to develop key skills: personal organisation, teamwork, problem solving and analysis, finding
and using information, and written and oral presentation.
Programme Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme you will have knowledge and understanding of:

A1. The fundamentals of calculus, linear algebra, and statistics;

A2. The fundamentals of ordinary differential equations and their applications;

A3. The principles of mathematical proof and some of the techniques of proof;

A4. The fundamental concepts of real analysis of functions of one variable;

A5. A range of mathematical modelling techniques including use of graphical networks, cost models,
stochastic and decision processes, and statistical modelling;

A6. Computer-based modelling and optimization methods including packages in optimization and
simulation;

A7. Central concepts and arguments in both microeconomics and macroeconomics.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Acquisition of knowledge and understanding of A1 through A7 is through structured exposition based

on lectures, tutorial classes, workshops, private study, and computer laboratory work, all of which are
equally important. Increasing independence of learning is required as the programme progresses.
Throughout the programme you are encouraged to use additional recommended reading material for
private study to consolidate the formal learning process, and to broaden and deepen your
understanding.

Assessment Methods

Assessment is undertaken in the first year by a mixture of unseen examinations, regular marked
coursework, class tests and computer-based work, together with a small component of project and
laboratory work. This variety of assessment relates to A1 through A3, and also to some of the skills
described below. This varied approach to assessment continues in the remainder of the programme,
with the relative emphasis depending on the options chosen (A4 - A7).

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

On successful completion of this programme you will be able to:

B1. Mathematical problem-solving skills for certain types of problems and their variants in a variety of
mathematical contexts;

B2. The ability to undertake algebraic calculations accurately and with understanding;

B3. The ability to use computer packages (for example, R) as vehicles for mathematical exploration and
understanding;

B4. The ability to understand and to construct mathematical proofs;

B5. The ability to appreciate, construct and analyse mathematical models of practical situations;

B6. The ability to apply a range of operational research methods, such as mathematical programming,
inventory control and queuing theory, to practical situations;

B7. The ability to abstract the essential features of complex economic systems and provide a usable
framework for the evaluation and assessment of the effects of policy or other exogenous events;

B8. The ability to apply logical analysis to assumption based economic models and make use of inductive
reasoning.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Problem-solving is at the heart of all mathematical activity, and so it is emphasised throughout the
learning and teaching experience, as is the need for accurate calculation and logical argument. The use
of specific mathematical and computational packages is a part of the curriculum, and the skills acquired
there are used in later modules as appropriate.

Assessment Methods

The various methods of assessment involve problem-solving (B1) in addition to the assessment of
knowledge and understanding (B2, B4 through B8). Fluency in computer packages (B3) is assessed by
coursework.

Transferable and Generic Skills

On successful completion of this programme you will be able to:

C1. Communicate mathematical ideas in written form;

C2. Undertake oral presentations;

C3. Demonstrate group-working skills

C4. Use email, spreadsheets and show basic word-processing skills;

C5. Use and obtain information from a variety of different sources including the internet, books and other
printed material;

C6. Use the skills you have acquired (e.g. time-management, organisation, problem-solving, critical analysis,
independent learning, etc.) for life-long learning.
 Teaching and Learning Methods

The learning of transferable skills begins in the first year. The first year lecturers will set problems for
which one of a range of computing packages, such as statistics package R, will be useful, thereby
developing transferable skills alongside subject specific skills. Other IT skills such as basic word
processing are used alongside first year project work, particularly in statistics. Extensive electronic
resources on study skills are available through the Mathematics and University websites.

Further development of IT skills, written communication and general skills such as organisation and
time- management is associated to optional second and third year modules that may an element of
coursework in their assessment. The second and third year project-based modules develop your
portfolio of skills to include internet and library research, group working, and presentation skills.

Assessment Methods

Throughout the programme the clear communication of mathematics is part of the assessment criteria,
either explicitly or implicitly. For project work, and for those modules that involve coursework
assignments, a proportion of the assessment is allocated to communication (C1, C2, and C4). Project
work and coursework

assessment also relate to C5, and where appropriate, C3. The skills referred to in C6 refer to problem-
solving, an integral component of all mathematical work, and other learning skills are implicit.

Programme Structure

The programme structure table is below:

Information about pre and co-requisites is included in individual module profiles.

Part I

Mathematicians develop important analytical skills and problem-solving strategies to assess a broad range of issues in
commerce, science and the arts.

Mathematical models and simulations, and the interpretation of their results, are being called on increasingly in global
decisions, as business, politics and management all become more quantitative in their methods. The application of
mathematics is also in demand in the social sciences, particularly economics, where mathematical tools are used to
formulate models of the complex interactions in an economic system – in situations as significant as the effect on UK
inflation of joining the European single currency.

In addition to this, our Curriculum Innovation Programme offers our students the chance to take optional modules
outside their core disciplines. This allows you to personalise your education, to develop new skills and knowledge for
your future.
The structure of the programme and the modules currently offered are set out below. Of the modules shown against
each year of your programme, some are compulsory (ie enrolment is automatic) and others are optional. Against each
year, you are directed to which modules are compulsory and which are optional. The optional modules listed constitute
an indicative list. There will always be choice but the options might vary between years. The optional modules listed
constitute an indicative list. There will always be choice but the options might vary between years. A list of optional
modules will be available to you via the Student Record Self-Service system once you enrol at the University.

The programme comprises three parts, each corresponding to one year of full-time study. You will normally have to
take 4 modules (30 ECTS/60 CATS) each semester (ie 8 modules (60 ECTS/120 CATS) in each year of the programme.
Each credit can be considered as the equivalent of approximately ten hours of study. All the modules offered in this
programme (except MATH1056) are 7.5 ECTS/15 CATS modules. This means that each module comprises around150
hours of study divided into contact time (e.g. lectures, seminars, workshops) and non-contact time when you will be
engaged in directed study (preparation for classes) and independent study when you will be involved in producing
assignments and preparing and taking examinations.

The option modules shown below constitute an indicative list; there will always be choice but the options might vary
between years. A full list of modules and rules will be available to you via the Student Record Self-Service system once
you enrol at the University.

Students must take at least 16 MATHxxxx modules in parts 1, 2 and 3, and at least 4 MATH3xxx modules in part 3.

Part I Compulsory

Code Module Title ECTS Type

MATH1024 Introduction to Probability and Statistics 7.5 Compulsory

MATH1049 Linear Algebra II 7.5 Compulsory

MATH1060 Multivariable Calculus 7.5 Compulsory

MATH1058 Operational Research I and Mathematical Computing 7.5 Compulsory

ECON1002 Principles of Macroeconomics 7.5 Compulsory

Part I Core

Code Module Title ECTS Type

MATH1059 Calculus 7.5 Core

MATH1048 Linear Algebra I 7.5 Core

Part I Optional

Students will do either ECON1003 Or ECON1001

 Code Module Title ECTS Type

ECON1001 Foundations of Microeconomics 7.5 Optional

ECON1003 Principles of Microeconomics 7.5 Optional

Part II

Part II Compulsory

Code Module Title ECTS Type

MATH2039 Analysis 7.5 Compulsory

ECON2007 Econometrics 2 7.5 Compulsory

MATH2013 Introduction to Operational Research 7.5 Compulsory

MATH2038 Partial Differential Equations 7.5 Compulsory

MATH2011 Statistical Distribution Theory 7.5 Compulsory

MATH2010 Statistical Modelling I 7.5 Compulsory

Part II Optional

Code Module Title ECTS Type

UOSM2020 Economics with Experiments 7.5 Optional

UOSM2004 Global Health 7.5 Optional

MANG1003 Introduction to Management 7.5 Optional

ECON2003 Microeconomics of Markets 7.5 Optional

MANG2021 Operations Management 7.5 Optional

 MANG2007 Problem Structuring Methods 7.5 Optional

UOSM2011 The Management of Risk and Uncertainty 7.5 Optional

ECON2004 Topics in Macroeconomics 2 7.5 Optional

Part III

Part III Compulsory

Students must select 1 module (15 credits) from MATH3023, MATH3031, MATH3032 or MATH3087

Code Module Title ECTS Type

MATH3023 Communicating and Teaching Mathematics 7.5 Compulsory

MATH3032 Mathematical Investigation and Communication 7.5 Compulsory

MATH3017 Mathematical Programming 7.5 Compulsory

MATH3031 Mathematics Project 7.5 Compulsory

MATH3087 Maths and your Future 7.5 Compulsory

Part III Optional

Code Module Title ECTS Type

MATH3063 Actuarial Mathematics I 7.5 Optional

MATH3066 Actuarial Mathematics II 7.5 Optional

MATH3023 Communicating and Teaching Mathematics 7.5 Optional

UOSM2020 Economics with Experiments 7.5 Optional

MATH3033 Graph Theory 7.5 Optional

MANG3009 International Banking 7.5 Optional

 MANG3010 Knowledge Management 7.5 Optional

MANG3046 Managing Innovation 7.5 Optional

MATH3052 Mathematical Biology 7.5 Optional

MATH3022 Mathematical Finance 7.5 Optional

MATH3018 Numerical Methods 7.5 Optional

MANG3034 Project Management 7.5 Optional

MATH3006 Relativity, Blackholes and Cosmology 7.5 Optional

MATH3013 Simulation & Queues 7.5 Optional

MATH3044 Statistical Inference 7.5 Optional

STAT3010 Statistical Methods in Insurance 7.5 Optional

MATH3085 Survival Models 7.5 Optional

ECON3010 Topics in Macroeconomics 3 7.5 Optional

Progression Requirements
The programme will follow the University's regulations for Progression, Determination and
Classification of Results: Undergraduate and Integrated Masters Programmes or the University's
regulations for Progression, Determination and Classification of Results: Standalone Masters
Programmes as set out in the General Academic Regulations in the University Calendar:
http://www.calendar.soton.ac.uk/sectionIV/sectIV-index.html

Support for student learning

There are facilities and services to support your learning some of which are accessible to students across the
University and some of which will be geared more particularly to students in your particular Faculty or discipline
area.

The University provides:

• library resources, including e-books, on-line journals and databases, which are comprehensive and up-to-
date; together with assistance from Library staff to enable you to make the best use of these resources
• high speed access to online electronic learning resources on the Internet from dedicated PC Workstations
onsite and from your own devices; laptops, smartphones and tablet PCs via the Eduroam wireless
network. There is a wide range of application software available from the Student Public Workstations.
• computer accounts which will connect you to a number of learning technologies for example, the
Blackboard virtual learning environment (which facilitates online learning and access to specific learning
resources)
• standard ICT tools such as Email, secure filestore and calendars.
• access to key information through the MySouthampton Student Mobile Portal which delivers timetables,
Module information, Locations, Tutor details, Library account, bus timetables etc. while you are on the
move.
• IT support through a comprehensive website, telephone and online ticketed support and a dedicated
helpdesk in the Hartley Library.
• Enabling Services offering support services and resources via a triage model to access crisis management,
mental health support and counselling. Support includes daily Drop In at Highfield campus at 13.00 –
15.00 (Monday, Wednesday and Friday out of term-time) or via on-line chat on weekdays from 14.00 –
16.00. Arrangements can also be made for meetings via Skype.
• assessment and support (including specialist IT support) facilities if you have a disability, long term health
problem or Specific Learning Difficulty (e.g. dyslexia).
• the Student Services Centre (SSC) to assist you with a range of general enquiries including financial
matters, accommodation, exams, graduation, student visas, ID cards
• Career and Employability services, advising on job search, applications, interviews, paid work,
volunteering and internship opportunities and getting the most out of your extra-curricular activities
alongside your degree programme when writing your CV
• Other support that includes health services (GPs), chaplaincy (for all faiths) and 'out of hours' support for
students in Halls and in the local community, (18.00-08.00)
• A Centre for Language Study, providing assistance in the development of English language and study skills
for non-native speakers.

The Students' Union provides

• an academic student representation system, consisting of Course Representatives, Academic Presidents,
Faculty Officers and the Vice-President Education; SUSU provides training and support for all these
representatives, whose role is to represent students' views to the University.
• opportunities for extracurricular activities and volunteering
• an Advice Centre offering free and confidential advice including support if you need to make an
academic appeal
• Support for student peer-to-peer groups, such as Nightline.

Associated with your programme you will be able to access:

• Module co-ordinators support. Module co-ordinators will be available at designated times during the
week to discuss issues related to the particular modules you are studying at the time. This will be in addition to
class contact time.
• Academic/personal tutor. As soon as you register on this programme, you will be allocated a personal
tutor. S/he is a member of the academic team and will be available to discuss general academic issues related to
the programme as well as offer advice and support on any personal issues which may affect your studies.
• Module handbooks/outlines. These will be available at the start of each module (often in online format).
The handbook includes the aims and learning outcomes of the module, the methods of assessment, relevant
background material to the module and a session-by-session breakdown of the module together with
appropriate reading lists.
• Within the faculty, administrative support is provided by your student office which deals with student
records and related issues and with queries related to your specific degree programme.

Methods for evaluating the quality of teaching and learning

You will have the opportunity to have your say on the quality of the programme in the following ways:

• Completing student surveys for each module of the programme

• Acting as a student representative on various committees, e.g. Staff: Student Liaison Committees,
Faculty Programmes Committee OR providing comments to your student representative to feed back on your
behalf.
• Serving as a student representative on Faculty Scrutiny Groups for programme validation
• Taking part in programme validation meetings by joining a panel of students to meet with the Faculty
Scrutiny Group

The ways in which the quality of your programme is checked, both inside and outside the University, are:
• Regular module and programme reports which are monitored by the Faculty
• Programme validation, normally every five years.
• External examiners, who produce an annual report
• A national Research Excellence Framework (our research activity contributes directly to the quality of
your learning experience)
• Institutional Review by the Quality Assurance Agency

Further details on the University's quality assurance processes are given in the Quality Handbook.

Career Opportunities

Employability is embedded into modules from the first year onwards and right from the first lecture. We
explain the degree skills which are taught throughout the modules and offer a number of optional
employability modules.

We place great importance on the development of graduate skills vital for future employment by adding
transferable skills into learning and teaching.

Our degrees are a passport to vocational and non-vocational careers alike, with recent graduates employed in
roles ranging from actuaries and statisticians to crime analysts and medical researchers.

External Examiner(s) for the programme

Name: Professor John Parker - University of Durham

Name: Dr Lawrence Pettit - Queen Mary College University of London

Name: Mr Peter J Savill - Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries

Name: Brad Baxter - Birkbeck College University of London

Students must not contact External Examiner(s) directly, and external examiners have been advised to refer any
such communications back to the University. Students should raise any general queries about the assessment
and examination process for the programme with their Course Representative, for consideration through Staff:
Student Liaison Committee in the first instance, and Student representatives on Staff: Student Liaison
Committees will have the opportunity to consider external examiners' reports as part of the University's quality
assurance process.
External examiners do not have a direct role in determining results for individual students, and students wishing
to discuss their own performance in assessment should contact their Personal Academic Tutor in the first
instance.

Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the
learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes
full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information can be found in the
programme handbook.
Appendix 1:

Students are responsible for meeting the cost of essential textbooks, and of producing such essays,
assignments, laboratory reports and dissertations as are required to fulfil the academic requirements for each
programme of study. In addition to this, students registered for this programme also have to pay for:

Additional Costs

Type Details

IT The software required for the programme is available on all public

workstations on campus, and accessible from your own computer via VPN.

Stationery You will be expected to provide your own day-to-day stationery items, e.g.
pens, pencils, notebooks, etc.). Any specialist stationery items will be
specified under the Additional Costs tab of the relevant module profile.

Textbooks Where a module specifies core texts these should generally be available on
the reserve list in the library. However due to demand, students may prefer to
buy their own copies. These can be purchased from any source.

Some modules suggest reading texts as optional background reading. The

library may hold copies of such texts, or alternatively you may wish to
purchase your own copies.
Although not essential reading, you may benefit from the additional reading
materials for the module.

Approved Calculators Candidates may use calculators in the examination room only as specified by
the University and as permitted by the rubric of individual examination
papers. The University approved models are Casio FX-570 and Casio FX-85GT
Plus. These may be purchased from any source and no longer need to carry
the University logo.

Printing and Photocopying In the majority of cases, coursework such as essays; projects; dissertations is
Costs likely to be submitted on line. However, there are some items where it is not
possible to submit on line and students will be asked to provide a printed
copy. A list of the University printing costs can be found here: [insert link to
relevant page].
For students undertaking modules with a high mathematical content, some
assessed work will be submitted in handwritten hard copy format. Students
are advised that they will need to bear the costs of the required stationery.

In some cases you'll be able to choose modules (which may have different costs associated with that module)
which will change the overall cost of a programme to you. Details of such costs will be listed in the Module
Profile. Please also ensure you read the section on additional costs in the University's Fees, Charges and
Expenses Regulations in the University Calendar available at www.calendar.soton.ac.uk.