The new MSc in Applied Statistics and Data Science in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at the University of Liverpool is open to students from a diverse range of backgrounds. I lead the teaching of the first 6 weeks of the programme, which aim to establish a common foundation in mathematics, statistics and programming. In this talk I will discuss the practicalities of how I approached this in the technological world of mid-2025 and what I hope to adapt for 2026.
Abstract: Many people have not understood how maths anxiety relates to degree-level maths. Some people understand how the term relates to that feeling of brain-blank when faced with a maths problem that seems impossible. In this seminar, I will share work on developing mathematical resilience and empowering HE learners, and the learners you might encounter in future, with knowledge to help develop perseverance and the power of "yet" and "not yet".
11 Dec 2025 (Thursday Week 10) 4-5PM, Zeeman A1.01
Nicholas Jackson
Adventures in Curriculum Design (or What I Did On My Holidays)
Abstract: Jo Kukuczka (Academic Development Centre) runs a part-time Postgraduate Award course on Curriculum Design in Higher Education. Participants learn about, discuss and critique different techniques and approaches to curriculum design as an inclusive social practice, and then use these ideas to design a two-module mini-programme. I took the course this year and designed an undergraduate course called "Algebra in Context", interleaving the usual undergraduate content on groups and rings with discussions of interdisciplinary applications and the historical development and social context of the subject. I planned an inclusive approach to assessment, including a range of components (traditional problem sets, mini-essays, STACK quizzes and a final exam). I'm going to talk about some of the things I learned, and outline the content and philosophy of the course I designed. The PGA starts again in January 2026, and applications are now open. Jo will be joining us to talk a little bit about the course. Further details (as well as a link to the application form) can be found here.
