Toby Bailey: Director of Teaching Your Mathematics Degree in Edinburgh Edinburgh University School of Mathematics

A Mathematics Community WELCOME to the EU School of Mathematics A community of around 50 Academic Staff involved in teaching and research and many people studying Mathematics at every level. The process of becoming a mathematician is challenging but we hope you will also find it interesting and rewarding.

Year 2 Direct Entry It’s hard work, and challenging but there is an extra “catch up course” to help. AAA in Adv Higher or similar, inc Maths and preferably Applied Maths or Physics. A*AA at A-level including Maths and Further Maths. Get a degree one year sooner (MMath in 4 years, BSc in 3 years). But you will not be able to do many “outside courses”.

First Year Maths Courses Semester 1: “Introduction to Linear Algebra” Semester 2: “Calculus and its Applications” Semester 2 : “Proofs and Problem Solving”

Important things to do Go to the Main Library in George Square and get a CLICKER. Tell them you need it for Y1 Maths classes. Take the DIAGNOSTIC TEST. It’s on WebCT. It helps us to help both you in particular and the whole class. Buy Course BOOKS – package for Lin Alg & Calculus courses from Blackwells. (See WebCT for details.)

Succeeding at Uni Maths At Uni you must take responsibility: Don’t understand? It’s up to you to get help. Missing something we are assuming you know? Find a book and read up. Enjoy it! A positive attitude will get you a long way.

It’s all about Understanding and Problem Solving Mathematics is hard. To understand it we need to work at it. We need to think hard about it for ourselves until it makes sense. Nobody can just “give” you instant understanding. To improve your problem solving takes practice too. It’s no good somebody showing you the answer: you have to go through the struggle yourself. You can no more become a Mathematician by passively looking at notes and solutions than you can become a professional footballer by watching games on TV.

Working on Maths Lecture confusing? Read it again. Talk to fellow students. Go to Mathsbase. Stuck on a problem? Being stuck is GOOD. It mean you have an opportunity to learn something! Never be happy unless you really understand what you have written.

Working together The Maths Base is a drop-in advice centre and work area for Year 1. It’s in Appleton Tower. Use it! Use ALL the facilities available to help: lecture notes, course notes, tutors, lecturers, and above all your fellow students.

Sources of Information Information on individual courses: On WebCT – available via MyEd Visit “Introduction to Linear Algebra” on WebCT soon to sign up for tutorials. Information on Programmes and general information for the year:

Our Contract with You You need to: Take responsibility for your learning Engage actively and positively with your work Work hard We will: Provide prompt, constructive feedback Be available to help you over difficulties Work hard to support you