MA3TPA: Topics in Pure and Applied Mathematics

Module code: MA3TPA

Module provider: Mathematics and Statistics; School of Mathematical, Physical and Computational Sciences

Credits: 20

Level: 6

When you’ll be taught: Semester 1

Module convenor: Professor Simon Chandler-Wilde , email: s.n.chandler-wilde@reading.ac.uk

Module co-convenor: Dr Nick Biggs, email: n.r.t.biggs@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s): BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST ( TAKE MA2DE AND TAKE MA1RA1 ) OR ( TAKE MA2DE2NU AND TAKE MA1RA1NU ) (Compulsory)

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded: IN TAKING THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT TAKE MA4TPA (Compulsory)

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 3 April 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module tackles two topics in pure and applied mathematics, namely i) integral equations; ii) linear water waves. The integral equations part of the module provides a first introduction to the theory of integral equations, numerical methods for their solution, and applications, including in meteorology. The water waves part of the module provides an introduction to the theory of linear water waves, and examines a range of phenomena, including reflection, refraction, group velocity and shallow water waves.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Formulate integral equations as problems in a Banach space, and apply simple approximation techniques for their solution
2. Formulate wave-scattering problems as integral equations
3. Formulate and solve simple problems in linear water wave theory
4. Distinguish between situations for which either shallow, intermediate depth or deep water theory is appropriate, and solve simple problems in each case

Module content

This module will tackle two topics in pure and applied mathematics, namely: i) integral equations, their theory and applications; ii) linear water waves. 

In the integral equations section of the module we will provide a general introduction to the key aspects of the theory, introducing functional analysis ideas as needed, following this up by a discussion of widely used approximation and numerical techniques, and a detailed examination of the application of integral equations to model real-world wave-scattering problems, arising in our research in mathematics, and in applications in meteorology. The main elements of the integral equations section are: 

• Classification of integral equations 
• Exact solution of degenerate kernel Fredholm integral equations 
• Questions of uniqueness and existence of solution (in part tackled by simple functional analysis methods): the Fredholm alternative and Neumann series 
• Simple numerical methods for Fredholm and Volterra integral equations 
• Applications of integral equation methods to wave scattering 
• A partial analysis of the trapezium rule method for Volterra integral equations via Gronwall inequalities 

In the water waves section of the module, we will start by deriving the governing equations for linear water waves. We then go on to derive solutions of these equations in a range of circumstances in order to illustrate a range of physical phenomena. The main elements of the water waves section are:

• Derivation of governing equations
• Finite/infinite depth fluid, progressive and decaying waves
• Reflection and refraction
• Shallow water waves, reflection/transmission problems

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures supported by problem sheets and tutorials.

Study hours

At least 40 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: /cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Peer-to-peer reading group on measure and integration basics: students will produce a short report which will be discussed during two feedback sessions. 

Reassessment

Additional costs