Module Choice Term 1
Detailed descriptions on module choices and regulations can be found in the Undergraduate Handbook. Descriptions of the options available to you can be found from links on the right hand side of these pages. This page is intended to be a quick guide to get you started in the first week. Pay attention to the terms in bold.
Regulations
Each module has a CATS (Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme) weighting. For first years most modules will be 10 or 15 CATS. The normal load is 120 CATS, and maximum load is 150. The year average is taken over your best 120 CATS, so doing more than 120 CATS gives you a bit of insurance, at the price of a heavier workload. Taking more than 120 CATS is called overcatting.
In general, you should think very carefully and discuss with your tutor before overcatting.
In the first year, you must take all the core modules (totalling 100 CATS) and then make up the rest with List B modules (which consists of options from other departments such as Physics, Economics, Stats) or you can take any other module as an Unusual Option. To take an Unusual Option, you need to get the approval of your Personal Tutor and the module lecturer. You submit an online form, and if everything is in order, it will be approved by the DUGS. The only exceptions are the Languages modules (coded LL). They do not need an Unusual Option form to be submitted.
First-Term Modules
In the first term, which is what you need to be concerned about now, the core modules are:
- MA141 Analysis 1 10 CATS
- MA151 Algebra 1 10 CATS
- MA132 Foundations 10 CATS
- MA146 Methods of Mathematical Modelling 10 CATS
- MA124 Mathematics by Computer (continues into Term 2) 10 CATS
- ST120 Introduction to Probability 10 CATS
Maths Economics students also need to take EC107 Economics 1 (30 CATS). Those interested in transferring to Maths and Philosophy are recommended to take PH144 Mind and Reality (15 CATS).
The first two letters of the module codes denote the department which is responsible for that module, so MA denotes the Maths Department, ST Statistics, PX Physics and so on.
Trying Modules
If an optional module looks interesting, you are free to attend the first few lectures and/or engage with the online material. If you don't like it then stop going. If you do like it then make sure you register for it before the deadline. It is usual to spend the first couple of weeks of Terms 1 and 2 doing too much and then settling down to a sensible workload.
