England.  Change location
Ask a question Ask a question Register nowRegister Request ProspectusProspectus

Advanced mathematical methods

This module teaches advanced mathematical methods with the aid of Maple, an algebraic computing language with graphics and numerical capabilities, which you’ll be taught how to use. Although the emphasis is on mathematical methods, you’ll use Maple partly to extend the use of these methods, partly to help you to visualise the mathematics and partly to enable you to combine conventional analytic techniques with numerical methods. You’ll explore various forms of approximations, perturbation expansions, and accelerated convergence methods including Padé approximants, asymptotic expansions of integrals and some eigenvalue problems.

Qualifications

M833 is an optional module in our:

Module

Module code
M833
Credits

Credits

  • Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
  • One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
  • You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
  • For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
30
Study level
Across the UK, there are two parallel frameworks for higher education qualifications, the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Northern Ireland and Wales (FHEQ) and the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). These define a hierarchy of levels and describe the achievement expected at each level. The information provided shows how OU postgraduate modules correspond to these frameworks.
OU Postgraduate
SCQF 11
FHEQ 7
Study method
Distance learning
Module cost
See Module registration
Entry requirements

Find out more about entry requirements.

Module details Entry requirements Module registration Study materials

What you will study

The first part of this MSc in Mathematics module teaches the use of Maple: you are not expected to have any knowledge of it before you begin. The rest of the module deals with the various forms of approximation.

You will learn

Successful study of this module should enhance your skills in programming in Maple, understanding complex mathematical texts and communicating mathematical ideas clearly.

Note you must study this module if you wish to take the ‘Advances in approximation theory’ topic for your Dissertation in mathematics (M840).

Teaching and assessment

Support from your tutor

Throughout your module studies, you’ll get help and support from your assigned module tutor. They’ll help you by:

  • Marking your assignments (TMAs) and providing detailed feedback for you to improve.
  • Guiding you to additional learning resources.
  • Providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content.

The module has a dedicated and moderated forum where you can join in online discussions with your fellow students. There are also online module-wide tutorials. While these tutorials won’t be compulsory for you to complete the module, you’re strongly encouraged to take part. If you want to participate, you’ll likely need a headset with a microphone.

Assessment

The assessment details can be found in the facts box.

Course work includes

4 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
Examination

Future availability

Advanced mathematical methods (M833) starts every other year – in October.

This page describes the module that will start in October 2025.

We expect it to start for the last time in October 2029.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.

Entry requirements

To study this module you must declare the MSc in Mathematics (or another qualification towards which the module can count) as your qualification intention.

Normally, you should have also completed at least one of the entry modules for the MSc in Mathematics (F04), Calculus of variation and advanced calculus (M820) or Analytic number theory 1 (M823).

All teaching is in English and your proficiency in the English language should be adequate for the level of study you wish to take. We strongly recommend that students have achieved an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of at least 7. To assess your English language skills in relation to your proposed studies you can visit the IELTS website.

If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.

Register

Start End England fee Register
07 Oct 2023 Jun 2024 -

Registration now closed
This module is expected to start for the last time in October 2029.

Future availability

Advanced mathematical methods (M833) starts every other year – in October.

This page describes the module that will start in October 2025.

We expect it to start for the last time in October 2029.

Additional costs

Study costs

There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.

Study weekend

This module has an optional study weekend. You must pay £60 for tuition and refreshments. You must also pay for your travel to and from the venue, and accommodation if you need it.

Ways to pay for this module

We know there’s a lot to think about when choosing to study, not least how much it’s going to cost and how you can pay.

That’s why we keep our fees as low as possible and offer a range of flexible payment and funding options, including a postgraduate loan, if you study this module as part of an eligible qualification. To find out more, see Fees and funding.

Study materials

What's included

You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:

  • a week-by-week study planner
  • course-specific module materials
  • audio and video content
  • guidance on relevant computer software
  • assessment details and submission section
  • online tutorial access
  • access to student and tutor group forums.

You’ll also be provided with printed course notes covering the content of the module, including solutions to activities and explanations to aid your understanding of the concepts and associated skills and techniques that are contained in the set book. You will need to obtain your own copy of the set book, and only the set book as printed by the publisher will be permitted in the examination, and not a version you have printed yourself.

Computing requirements

You’ll need broadband internet access and a desktop or laptop computer with an up-to-date version of Windows (10 or 11) or macOS (11 'Big Sur' or higher).

Any additional software will be provided or is generally freely available.

To join in spoken conversations in tutorials, we recommend a wired headset (headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone).

Our module websites comply with web standards, and any modern browser is suitable for most activities.

Our OU Study mobile app will operate on all current, supported versions of Android and iOS. It’s not available on Kindle.

It’s also possible to access some module materials on a mobile phone, tablet device or Chromebook. However, as you may be asked to install additional software or use certain applications, you’ll also require a desktop or laptop, as described above.

Materials to buy

Set books

  • Richards, D. Advanced Mathematical Methods with Maple (2 Part Set) Cambridge University Press £74.99 - ISBN 9780521135061 This book is Print on Demand, please allow at least 2 weeks for receipt following order.

If you have a disability

The material contains small print and diagrams, which may cause problems if you find reading text difficult.

You will need to spend considerable amounts of time using a personal computer.

If you have particular study requirements please tell us as soon as possible, as some of our support services may take several weeks to arrange. Visit our Disability support website to find more about what we offer.

Request your prospectus

Our prospectuses help you choose your course, understand what it's like to be an OU student and register for study.

Request prospectus