MA102 Half Unit
Mathematical Proof and Analysis
This information is for the 2025/26 session.
Course Convenor
Dr David O'Sullivan
Prof Peter Allen
Availability
This course is compulsory on the BSc in Data Science. This course is available on the BSc in Actuarial Science, BSc in Actuarial Science (with a Placement Year), BSc in Data Science, BSc in Mathematics, Statistics and Business, Erasmus Reciprocal Programme of Study and Exchange Programme for Students from University of California, Berkeley. This course is freely available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit. It does not require permission. This course is available with permission to General Course students.
Requisites
Mutually exclusive courses:
This course cannot be taken with MA103 at any time on the same degree programme.
Co-requisites:
Students must complete MA100 or MA108 or MA107 either before taking this course or in the same year as this course.
Additional requisites:
Students should have taken, or be taking concurrently, the course Mathematical Methods (MA100), or the course Methods in Calculus and Linear Algebra (MA108), or the course Quantitative Methods (Mathematics) (MA107). Students taking MA107 should talk to the convenor before the course begins.
Course content
The course is an introduction to the use of formal definitions and proofs in mathematics, and to basic results of elementary logic, set theory and analysis. Specific topics covered are as follows: Logic, sets and functions, real numbers, infimum and supremum, sequences, limits and continuity.
This course is intended as preparation for a student interested in the application of mathematical concepts and proof to subjects such as computer science (in particular the analysis of algorithms) and economics.
Teaching
20 hours of lectures, 20 hours of classes and 10 hours of help sessions in the Autumn Term.
The 10 hour help sessions in the Autumn Term will be Extra Examples Lectures.
Formative assessment
Problem sets weekly
Students will be expected to produce 10 problem sets in the AT.
Written answers to set problems will be expected on a weekly basis.
Indicative reading
Students may wish to have one of the recommended textbooks:
- N L Biggs, Discrete Mathematics (2nd edn) or
- P J Eccles, An Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning, but these are not required.
Further background reading can be found in:
- R Allenby, Numbers and Proofs;
- M Liebeck, A Concise Introduction to Pure Mathematics;
- V Bryant, Yet Another Introduction to Analysis, and;
- R Bartle & D Sherbert, Introduction to Real Analysis.
Assessment
Exam (90%), duration: 90 Minutes in the Spring exam period
Continuous assessment (10%) weekly
Key facts
Department: Mathematics
Course Study Period: Autumn Term
Unit value: Half unit
FHEQ Level: Level 4
CEFR Level: Null
Total students 2024/25: 68
Average class size 2024/25: 34
Capped 2024/25: NoCourse selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Team working
- Problem solving
- Application of information skills
- Communication
- Application of numeracy skills
- Specialist skills