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Winner of the Annie and John Selden Prize for Research in Undergraduate Mathematics Education 2012
How to Study for a Mathematics Degree
Lara Alcock
288 pages
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37 b/w line drawings
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196x129mm
978-0-19-966132-9
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Paperback
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08 November 2012
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- Research-based advice on how to understand and learn undergraduate mathematics
- Student-centred perspective that builds on the skills and expectations of typical new undergraduate mathematics students
- Explicit discussion of common points of confusion about both mathematical concepts and the whole enterprise of proof-based mathematics
- Practical guidance on how to keep up with lectures and manage the demands of multiple courses and tests
- Challenging material presented in a friendly, accessible style
Every year, thousands of students go to university to study mathematics (single honours or combined with another subject). Many of these students are extremely intelligent and hardworking, but even the best will, at some point, struggle with the demands of making the transition to advanced mathematics. Some have difficulty adjusting to independent study and to learning from lectures. Other struggles, however, are more fundamental: the mathematics shifts in focus from calculation to proof, so students are expected to interact with it in different ways. These changes need not be mysterious - mathematics education research has revealed many insights into the
adjustments that are necessary - but they are not obvious and they do need explaining.
This no-nonsense book translates these research-based insights into practical advice for a student audience. It covers every aspect of studying for a mathematics degree, from the most abstract intellectual challenges to the everyday business of interacting with lecturers and making good use of study time. Part 1 provides an in-depth discussion of advanced mathematical thinking, and explains how a student will need to adapt and extend their existing skills in order to develop a good understanding of undergraduate mathematics. Part 2 covers study skills as these relate to the demands of a mathematics degree. It suggests practical approaches to learning from lectures and to studying
for examinations while also allowing time for a fulfilling all-round university experience.
The first subject-specific guide for students, this friendly, practical text will be essential reading for anyone studying mathematics at university.Readership: School students making the transition to university mathematics; Undergraduate mathematicians who want to do better in their course; Mathematics lecturers to better understand the difficulties encountered by their students; A-level mathematics teachers
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Lara Alcock, Senior Lecturer, Mathematics Education Centre, Loughborough University Lara Alcock is a Senior Lecturer in the Mathematics Education Centre at Loughborough University. She studied mathematics to masters level at the University of Warwick, before going on to doctoral study in mathematics education at the same Institution. Prior to her present position, she spent four years as an Assistant Professor in Mathematics and the Graduate School of Education at Rutgers University in the USA, and two as a Teaching Fellow in Mathematics at the University of Essex in the UK. In her current role she teaches undergraduate mathematics, works with PhD students in mathematics education, and conducts
research studies on the ways in which people learn, understand and think about abstract mathematics.
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"I suspect anyone reviewing this book will say they wished it had been available back in their day (indeed, the two quotes on the cover of my copy do exactly that). I, however, will go slightly further and say that not only do I wish this book had been available ten years ago, I also wish I would have had the sense to read it. The time between finishing school and starting university is short, and in all the excitement of buying your own kettle and secretly thinking how much you'll miss your old bedroom, it's easy to forget the main reason you're going. Reading one maths book won't ruin your whole summer (I hope!), and How to Study for a Mathematics Degree is a fairly short and rather enjoyable read which could give you a head-start in university life
that pays off for years to come." - Michael Wallace, Significance "I wish I had a book like this 20 years ago. It would have helped me manage my time and learn a lot more than I did at that age!" - Dr Magdalena D. Toda, Director of Undergraduate Studies Dept. of Mathematics and Statistics, Texas Tech University, USA "Making the transition from school-level to University-level mathematics is hard, in terms of the complexity of the subject matter, the rigour of thought, and the need to be able to study much more independently. This excellent and wide-ranging book engages with all these issues and more, giving a very helpful insight into what is coming for beginning undergraduates in mathematics or mathematics-related disciplines. I just
wish this book had been available in my day!" - Dr Geoff Tennant, Senior Lecturer in Mathematics Education, Institute of Education, University of Reading, UK "Great advice for students who want to study math. Actually, good advice for all students. And, good advice for adults and professionals too. Alcock's straightforward writing style and practical tips make the tallest mountains seem climbable with small steps." - Matthew Leingang, Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, New York University
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Introduction
Part 1: Mathematics
1: Calculation Procedures
2: Abstract Objects
3: Definitions
4: Theorems
5: Proof
6: Proof Types and Tricks
7: Reading Mathematics
8: Writing Mathematics
Part 2: Study Skills
9: Lectures
10: Other People
11: Time Management
12: Panic
13: (Not) Being the Best
14: What Mathematics Lecturers Do
References
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The specification in this catalogue, including without limitation price, format, extent, number of illustrations, and month of publication, was as accurate as possible at the time the catalogue was compiled. Occasionally, due to the nature of some contractual restrictions, we are unable to ship a specific product to a particular territory. Jacket images are provisional and liable to change before publication.
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