Programme description for Mathematics, Master's Programme (2021–2024)

What do you learn?

Learning outcome

KNOWLEDGE

On successful completion of the programme, the student

• has advanced knowledge of key issues and methods in mathematics / mathematics education;

• has a thorough knowledge of mathematical theories of research in mathematics / mathematics education;

 

SKILLS

On successful completion of the programme, the student

• is able to apply theoretical and practical knowledge in mathematics/ mathematics education in the field of practice;

• is able to develop their own ideas and implement research-based analysis of problems in mathematics/mathematics education;

• is able to demonstrate independece and a profound understanding of mathematics/ learning processes in mathematics.

• Is able to use existing litterature in an active way to familiarize themselves with the work of others as support to solve their own technical problems.

 

GENERAL COMPETENCE

On successful completion of the programme, the student

• can communicate research results and methods to both specialists and non-specialists

• can analyse and relate actively to social, scientific and ethical questions in that arise in their own work as well as others in the field of mathematics / mathematics didactics.

Structure and content

Admission requirements

The Master programme is based on the four-year Teacher Training programme or a Bachelor programme in Mathematics. For the Teacher Training programme students there is a requirement of 90 ECTS in mathematics, and for bachelor-students 80ECTS where at least 20ECTS is in level 2. Admission requirements state that students must have a mark of C or better before entering the programmme.

General description and profile

The programme fits those students who wants a strong professional competence in mathematics or mathematics education. In mathematics education, issues related to the teaching of mathematics are dealt with, with themes such as learning, teaching, and dissemination particularly relevant. The mathematical direction provided will allow students to gain advanced technical expertise and delve deeper into mathematics.

Teaching methods

Instruction is comprised of lectures, seminars, group work and tutorials.
Research assignments comprise a significant portion of the coursework, most of which are to be completed in English. In some courses the students work with essays and more broadbased projects. Students work individually on the master's thesis under the supervision of a tutor. Students with teacher training background write a 30 credit master's thesis, while the other students write a 60 credit masterthesis. In the mathematical profile all students will write a 60 ECTS masters thesis.
The Master Programme in Mathematics Education requires students to stay at the University throughout the course of the programme. Most lectures and professional seminars require compulsory attendance. Please see separate course descriptions.

Assessment methods

Assessment is based upon final written and oral examinations, and project report. There will be final examinations in all courses. Please see separate course descriptions for more information.

Internationalization

Possibilites for studying abroad are given.

Occupational profiles / further studies

Masters in mathematics qualify for further work in mathematics and research into mathematical topics. There is a strong demand for qualified mathematicians in today's society, and jobs in information technology, engineering, finance, economics and insurance are current. In a society characterized by constant change are mathematicians with the ability to settle quickly into the new issues valued in the job market.

The masters in mathematics (didactical specialization), when combined with PPU (practical pedagogical education), provides students with the academic foundation necessary for teaching mathematics at all school levels, from the primary up to and including the upper secondary level. It also qualifies graduates for teaching mathematics at colleges and universities.

Qualification awarded

Master in Mathematics. In the diploma there will be spesified wich profile is chosen.

Evaluation

Study programme evaluation is carried out in accordance with standard procedure in the quality assurance system, chapter 2.3.1., by way of an annual evaluation in the study programme committee with student representatives from each class/year in the programme.

Contact person

ECTS department co-ordinator
Professor Said Hadjerrouit
Faculty of Engineering and Sciences 
Gimlemoen, postboks 422
4604 Kristiansand
Phone: +47 38 14 17 03
Fax: +47 38 14 10 71
E-mail address: said.hadjerrouit@uia.no

Other information

Before the student starts to work on the masterthesis, a contract is made with respect to gudiance and accomplishment. More information see:
http://www.uia.no/en/about-uia/faculties/faculty-of-engineering-and-science/department-of-mathematical-sciences/about-the-master-thesis

It is a requirement that all students at UiA have their own portable computer (`laptop¿) for use in teaching and examinations, see Examination Regulations, University of Agder, §12d