2023-2024

Master in Mathematics, Teaching focus

Schedule

regular course
ECTS Credits 120

Presentation
Programme
Teaching profile
Opportunities

Cycle
Block 1
Block 2

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Code	Name	Th.+Ex.	Credits/Block
			1	2	3
SMATM120	Advanced statistics	30h th. + 30h ex.
SMATM227	Méthodes avancées pour les systèmes non linéaires	30h th. + 30h ex.
SMATM135	Technological applications and mathematics	30h th. + 30h ex.
SMATM122	Functional approach to dynamical systems	30h th. + 30h ex.
SMATM123	Questions in probability and statistics	30h th. + 30h ex.
SMATM121	General relativity and cosmology	30h th. + 30h ex.
SMATM127	Celestial Dynamics and resonances	30h th. + 30h ex.
SMATM130	Special questions of Mathematics	30h th.
SMATM128	Modélisation mathématique des maladies infectieuses	30h th. + 30h ex.

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Code	Name	Th.+Ex.	Credits/Block
			1	2	3
SELVM202	Refresher course in Dutch (level B1)	45h th.
SELVM201	Further training in English (level B2+)	45h th.

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Code	Name	Th.+Ex.	Credits/Block
			1	2	3
SSPSM101	Science, ethics and development	18h th. + 6h ex.
SMATM110	Computer Programming Project	45h ex.
SMATM101	Systems and control	30h th. + 30h ex.
SMATM102	Multivariate Data Analysis and Statistical Softwares	30h th. + 30h ex.
SMATM103	Numerical linear algebra: direct and iterative methods	30h th. + 30h ex.
SMATM104	Qualitative theory of dynamical systems	30h th. + 30h ex.
SSPSM201	Philosophy of Mathematics	15h th.
SMATM205	Foundations of Mathematics	30h th.

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Code	Name	Th.+Ex.	Credits/Block
			1	2	3
SMATM111	Introduction to mathematical writing	15h th.
SMATM201	Master thesis

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Code	Name	Credits	Hours/Quarter
			1	2
SMATM120	Advanced statistics	6		30h th. + 30h ex.
SMATM227	Méthodes avancées pour les systèmes non linéaires	6		30h th. + 30h ex.
SMATM135	Technological applications and mathematics	6		30h th. + 30h ex.
SMATM122	Functional approach to dynamical systems	6		30h th. + 30h ex.
SMATM123	Questions in probability and statistics	6		30h th. + 30h ex.
SMATM121	General relativity and cosmology	6	30h th. + 30h ex.
SMATM127	Celestial Dynamics and resonances	6		30h th. + 30h ex.
SMATM130	Special questions of Mathematics	6		30h th.
SMATM128	Modélisation mathématique des maladies infectieuses	6		30h th. + 30h ex.

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Code	Name	Credits	Hours/Quarter
			1	2
SSPSM101	Science, ethics and development	3	18h th. + 6h ex.
SMATM110	Computer Programming Project	3	45h ex.
SMATM101	Systems and control	6	30h th. + 30h ex.
SMATM102	Multivariate Data Analysis and Statistical Softwares	6	30h th.	30h ex.
SMATM103	Numerical linear algebra: direct and iterative methods	6	30h th. + 30h ex.
SMATM104	Qualitative theory of dynamical systems	6	30h th. + 30h ex.

	Code	Name	Staff	Credits	Hours/Quarter
	1	2
	SMATM111	Introduction to mathematical writing		3		15h th.

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Code	Name	Credits	Hours/Quarter
			1	2
SELVM202	Refresher course in Dutch (level B1)	3	45h th.
SELVM201	Further training in English (level B2+)	3	45h th.

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Code	Name	Credits	Hours/Quarter
			1	2
SSPSM201	Philosophy of Mathematics	3	15h th.
SMATM205	Foundations of Mathematics	3	30h th.

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	Code	Name	Staff	Credits	Hours/Quarter
					1	2
	SMATM201	Master thesis		21

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Code	Name	Credits	Hours/Quarter
			1	2
SSPSB202_P30751	Histoire des sciences	2		15h th.
FAGRM407	Interroger les aspects relationnels et émotionnels du métier d'enseignant	2		10h th. + 5h ex.
SAGRM213	Didactical Comparison between Experimental Sciences and Mathematics	2		15h th.
FAGRM404	Analysis of practices	2		8h th. + 7h ex.
FAGRM403	Education aux nouvelles technologies de l'enseignement et de l'apprentissage	2		15h th.
FAGRM405	Introduction to tutoring practices	2		4h th. + 11h ex.

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Code	Name	Credits	Hours/Quarter
			1	2
SAGRM202_P31710	Didactics and Epistemology of Physics I	3	30h th.
SAGRM217	Teaching another Course than Mathematics	3	15h th. + 15h ex.
EAGRM107_P32537	<unknown>	3	30h th.

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Code	Name	Credits	Hours/Quarter
			1	2
FAGRM406	Educational psychology II	3		30h th. + 10h ex.
FAGRM401	Education scolaire et société	4		30h th. + 10h ex.
FAGRM402	Psychopedagogy I	4	30h th. + 20h ex.
FAGRM409	Foundations of neutrality	2		20h th.
SAGRM205	Didactics and Epistemology of Mathematics	3	15h th. + 25h ex.
SAGRM208	Teaching practice in the classroom	6		35h ex.
SAGRM216	Practics of the Didactics of Mathematics	3		10h th. + 20h ex.

Description

The Master’s Degree in Mathematical Sciences, granting 120 credits, links theory and practice, and combines analytical and numerical approaches. Three main focuses are offered : In-depth focus, focus on teaching, and focus on specialisation, each orientation leading to 30 specific credits within the 120 required credits. Students are first allowed to choose subjects from a wide range of options and then begin to concentrate on those that are specific to the sought focus, either in the first or the second year of the Master’s degree, depending on how their decision evolves. The training includes compulsory courses as well as optional courses, internships / work placements and personal projects, plus a research project and dissertation on a chosen topic to conclude the studies.

High-level techniques of programming, learning of languages and ethical reflection on sustainable development, as well as the possibility of an exchange programme under the Erasmus scheme, are all aspects with which Unamur seeks to enhance the profile of today’s mathematician, regardless of the chosen focus.

The Master’s degree with a focus on teaching

The degree with a focus on teaching also allows for the spreading out of the courses over two years. This choice is particulary appreciated, as it gives students the chance to begin their training in teaching while continuing the courses in applied mathematics, thus benifiting from complementary approaches.

The 30 credits granted by the degree with a focus on teaching are exactly the same as those granted in the AESS programme (« Agrégation de l’Enseignement Secondaire Supérieur » / Qualified Teacher’s Status) The AESS Teaching Degree is granted automatically to students having chosen the Master’s degree with a focus on teaching.

Training sessions consisting of both observation and actual teaching, are at the core of this orientation. They take place within the Belgian secondary system, in different sections including « général, technique, professionnel ». The training sessions are an application of Psychology and Education courses, as well as courses focusing specifically on the teaching of Mathematics in secondary.

Students who choose to spread out the specialisation courses over the two years of the Master’s degree can begin the internship / work placement in a firm or entity and follow the training in management from the first year on. The carrying out of the project then takes place more specifically in the second year.

International mobility and openness

The Master’s Degree in Mathematical Sciences, granting 120 credits, offers the possibility of an exchange under the Erasmus scheme during the second half-term of the first year. 30 credits are granted for courses which are to be chosen among the options within the programme. Contacts have been established primarily with Spain, France, Italy and Sweden.

Students doing the Master’s degree with in-depth focus carry out an internship / work placement in another research laboratory, often abroad.

Students doing the Master’s degree with a focus on specialisation do their internship / work placement in Belgium or in a bordering country, or, more rarely, in the framework of Cooperation in Development, in countries such as India or the Philippines.

Some students take advantage of the obligation to take a course abroad to have an experience at international level, either in Lille (following an agreement between Belgian francophone Universities and the University in Lille), or within a unique set-up, such as a thematic intensive course, offered in exceptional terms.

Training in English for students in the second year of the Master’s degree, regardless of the focus, includes a three-day stay in London, followed by an assessment.

Teaching methods

The Master’s Degree in Mathematical Sciences in Namur, granting 120 credits, with its three focuses and its approach towards applied mathematics, offers training covering very diversified courses, whether compulsory or optional :

Mathematics courses associated with practicals, including exercices, programming and the use of specific software (Matlab in particular)
optional courses, where staff members ensure that they meet the needs of their audience, and enhance their course with the most recent research results ;
training where traditional courses are replaced by lectures, personal projects, applications developed as partnerships between staff members and students ;
a course which students are obliged to take outside the department and which requires approval by the academic secretary, constituting a reinforcement of the dissertation topic or of a personal project, and contributing to students’ reflections about their individual learning process and personal and professional choices
internships / work placements that are closely linked to the chosen focus : insertion lasting more than 3 months within a research laboratory for the degree with in-depth focus, a short and intensive immersion period of a few weeks in a firm for the degree with a focus on specialisation, practice periods spread out over several months in different sectors of the the secondary teaching system for the degree with a focus on teaching ;
a stay in London, prepared and assessed, replacing a part of the English course offered to students in the second year
the carrying out of a research project and dissertation which spreads out over a period of 18 months and allows students to be in contact with the world of scientific production and elaboration in applied mathematics : topics, methodology, follow-up, support in writing and communication vary depending on orientations and on supervisors. This project is an opportunity of intense collaboration with one or more researchers or staff members, where students can give evidence of their maturity and independence in the choice and the handling of a topic, while showing awareness of their weaknesses as well as their strengths.

Aims and objectives

The Master’s Degree in Mathematical Sciences at Unamur, granting 120 credits, focuses on applied mathematics. Its aim is to provide society with scientists who not only have thorough knowledge of mathematical theory but also a clear focus on how to apply this theory to a wide range of sectors. From the understanding of a problem to the discussion of results, Unamur students experience the process of designing a programme, translating it to the appropriate language, improving algorhythms or demonstrating a quicker convergence, thus developing the ability to approach problems linked to a wide range of fields such as economics, astronomy, sociology, chemistry or communication. The partnership with experts in each particular field allows students to benefit from the development of a rigorous approach, a sense of modelisation, and the ability to synthesise information from a variety of sources. Similar transferable skills and strengths will be necessary in any kind of scientific partnership committed to the elaboration of multidisciplinary projects, regardless of the choice of career, whether it be teaching, public service, work within private sectors or research.

Assessment

The idea of a traditional examination, where restitution of theory was at the core of the assessment, has practically disappeared from the Master’s degree programme. Students are naturally requested, in certain cases, to prove full knowledge of the material covered in courses, but the emphasis is on their ability to apply this knowledge wisely.

A good number of examinations have been replaced, partially or completely, by a variety of personal projects such as the elaboration of a poster, the model establishment and numerical resolution of a problem from its design to its completion, or even a critical commentary of one or more topic-related articles.

After all practice periods, reports about the experience are required. Students are encouraged to reflect on the lessons learnt, as well as to refer to their training and analyse their reactions when faced with the reality of the work world, whether it be in schools or in firms.

Beyond pure academic knowledge of theoretical concepts, the elements which constitute the main criteria for assessment in this Master’s degree in Mathematical Sciences with an approach towards applied mathematics, are rigour in writing and in reasoning, ability to analyse and prioritise, and the highlighting of relevant elements.

Teaching profile

The Master’s Degree in Mathematical Sciences at Unamur ensures the development of a rigorous and precise mind, on the lookout for applications and developments in modern society activities.

As students complete their guided practical work and their research project and dissertation, they exploit theory and apply it to areas that are relevant to current real life problems. They design solutions to problems they analyse and supervise their implementation.

Teaching staff and the naXys centre (Centre Namurois des Systèmes Complexes) offer an environment for research which is not only at the core of the Master’s degree in Mathematics but also represents its strength. Students may specialise in areas chosen from a wide range of options offered by the staff’s various fields of research.

Students also develop personal skills of independence, ability to communicate, knowledge and use of languages, as well as philosophical and ethical reflection, which will lead them to responsibly play the role of scientists within our modern society.