The principal source of information for our current students about their individual modules is Brightspace.

Here, you will find information and learning resources for each of your modules. Registered students will receive details of these modules from their lecturers and should self-enroll as soon as possible at the start of each semester. 

In addition to the information provided on Brightspace, general information about your programme of study and information about how to make the most of your studies is given below.

If your ability to study or undertake an assessment is affected by unforeseen events, you should inform your Year Tutor who will support and advise you.  In order for such events to be taken into account by your programme, you will be advised to lodge documentation and a formal Extenuating Circumstances form.  Forms can be downloaded from the Academic Affairs website and, once completed, emailed to ecforms@tudublin.ie. This email address can also be used for queries in the relation to the formal process.

Questions regarding your programme of study should be directed to your Year Tutor or, if necessary, to the Head of Discipline responsible for your programme.

01. Can I do my programme online?

There are three types of programmes in the School of Mathematics & Statistics: in-person; blended; and online.  These are sometimes called modes of delivery.  Each programme's mode of delivery is pre-specified and so you cannot choose to do a programme or module online (or in any other mode) if that is not the designated mode of delivery.

An in-person programme has its main learning activities on campus where students meet their lecturers, work together and attend lectures, tutorials, laboratories and assessments.  There may be online supports (e.g. reading or video resources, examples etc.) through the Univeristy VLE but attendance in person at learning activities is required and students must attend assessments and learning activities onsite.

A blended programme delivers some learning activities online via the University VLE.  However, not all activities take place remotely and there is a requirement to attend some elements of the programme in person.   For example, assessments may be in person, which will require mandatory attendance at the assessment venue.  Students may not choose the mode of attendance and the in-person and online events are specified by the particular programme.

An online programme has all elements of the programme (including assessments) delivered remotely and there is no requirement for in-person attendance.  Some optional in-person learning support activities may be offered on a voluntary-attendance basis.  However, students may not choose the mode of attendance and in-person events will not necessarily be available online.

For all online study, it is the responsibility of students to ensure that they have suitable equipment and technology (i.e. laptop; fast reliable broadband; camera; microphone) and for in-person learning, it is the responsibility of students to be available at the times stipulated in the programme/assessment timetable.

02. What will I study?

Programmes consist of a sequence of approved and validated modules.  Although some programmes allow students to choose modules (optional modules), only modules that have been approved within the programme may be studied.  The structure of your programme will be explained to you by your Year Tutor but the list of modules, and where they occur in the programme, is set and can be found in the student handbooks below.  The content of these modules and the topics you will learn are also given there.   Students must study all core modules and not all optional modules may be available in any given year.

03. When does my programme start and end?

The academic year begins in September and is split into two semesters.  Semester 1 is thirteen weeks long (from September to December) and is followed by an assessment period in January.  Semester 2 is thirteen weeks (from January to May) and includes a break for Easter.  It is followed by an assessment period.  The University academic calendar gives the dates of these periods each year.

During the thirteen-week semesters, students need to be fully available for all learning and review activities.  Likewise, assessments may take place at any time during the semester or subsequent assessment periods in the calendar and it is the responsibility of the students to be available at these times. 

There is an additional assessment period at the end of August for those not successful in assessment following Semester 1 or Semester 2.  Students should also be aware of the need to be available for this assessment period in this case when arranging holidays during the summer.   

04. Do I have to go to lectures, tutorials and laboratories?

It is expected that students will attend and fully participate in all scheduled learning activities.  To succeed in the programme students will need to attend lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions, example classes, presentations and assessments.  These events are only part of the learning experience and will be supplemented by independent learning, collaborating with other students and informal discussion with your fellow students.  Therefore, it is essential that you take part in scheduled events so that you don't fall behind, you can learn new ideas and skills, and you can interact with your lecturers, tutors and other students.  Studying can be hard and you will benefit most from these events if you actively participate, ask questions and prepare for each one.

Your timetables will be available online and list all the scheduled events for your programme.  Depending upon your programme, events may include onsite (in-person) events and online synchronous (live) events which take place at the date(s) and time(s) specified on the timetable. Your timetable may also include online asynchronous (recorded) events. These are also mandatory and lecturers will communicate the material that must be covered, any assessments that must be submitted and the deadlines for these activities.

05. How many hours per week should I be studying?

Learning takes time and needs practice.  Therefore, in addition to scheduled events, it is expected that the majority of your learning will be unscheduled and take place outside the classroom and that at university you will develop your capacity for independent learning, research and scholarship.  Each module you study is allocated credits, ECTS, which are given in the student handbook.  This is a measure of student workload.  The average workload is 100 hours of study per 5 ECTS.  This is an average and will depend upon prior learning, from module to module and from student to student.  However, a full-time undergraduate programme typically requires 60 ECTS or 1200 hours of work to complete each year.  Thus, it is expected that between lectures, tutorials and laboratories, students will be reviewing lecture notes, practising examples, undertaking project work and assessment and reinforcing their understanding of topics in their own time.

It is necessary to put in this time and make this commitment to succeed on a programme.  Learning cannot be done for you and the responsibility is yours.  However, there is plenty of help when you need it if you do the preparation and groundwork first.

06. Where do I find books and other information to help me and what is Brightspace?

You will need to find, access and use other learning materials beyond the notes you take in lectures and the example sheets and handouts provided by the lecturer.  Each module will have a recommended book list and this can be found in the description of the modules provided with the student handbook.  But this is not a definitive list!  You should also look for other sources, including books from the library and online sources (many also available through the library).  In addition, talking to other students is a great way to hear about other good books and sources of information and examples.

Be careful when accessing materials!  Always use a trustworthy source - not all information online is accurate - and make sure that you understand what is being said.  Watching a video or reading an article is not the same as learning and you need to practice doing examples or expressing the ideas in your own words to ensure that you understand.  This is also essential to avoid plagiarism.

Brightspace is the University VLE (Virtual Learning Environment).  Modules have Brightspace pages associated with them where you will find learning resources, perhaps including links, copies of handouts and schedules.  Some assessments or classes may also take place through Brightspace.  You should ensure that you have access, are familiar with Brightspace, have enrolled on all the appropriate modules for your programme when you register and then visit Brightspace regularly.  

07. When are the assessments and exams and can I take them online?

Each module may be assessed by a combination of continuous assessments that take place during the module in the semester and final assessments (sometimes called exams) in the assessment period following the end of the semester.  The schedule of continuous assessment for each programme will be published at the start of the year and the University academic calendar specifies the University examination periods.

All assessments are mandatory.  The format of each assessment (online or in person) will be specified in advance and there is no student choice in this format.  In general, apart from online programmes (see above), programmes via in-person or blended modes of delivery have some elements of in-person assessment that require attendance at an examination venue.  

08. Do I need to pass everything?

To qualify for an award, students must successfully complete all credits of their programme of study.  Therefore, students are required to pass all modules and may not proceed between stages within a programme without successfully completing their assessments.

09. What happens if I don't pass a module?

If you do not pass a module, there is an opportunity to be reassessed in that module or repeat the module the following year.  The University assessment regulations allow students who are unsuccessful in a module by only a small number of marks to "compensate" for this performance from other modules in which they were successful but there are strict conditions upon this and it is not automatic.  Year Tutors can advise students.

10. What do I do if I am sick or fall behind?

If there are any circumstances that are affecting your ability to study you should immediately talk to your Year Tutor.  They will offer advice and support you.  If you miss any learning activities, it is important to catch up by talking to other students on the module to get information about the learning you may have missed and by scheduling time for you to work on the missed material.

However, if you miss an assessment, are sick, or have substantial periods of time during the semester which will affect your performance in a module it is important to submit an Extenuating Circumstances (EC) form.  This allows the programme and examination boards to take the special circumstances into account and requires documentary evidence to substantiate the reason for the circumstances and to indicate the severity of the impact upon you.  Your Year Tutor will explain the EC form process and the mitigations (including reassessment without prejudice) that can result.

11. Who can I talk to?

Issues can always arise and there are people to help and to listen.  For any academic issues, you can talk to your Year Tutor in the School but for other issues, support or just for someone to talk to please use the resources available through the Students' Union including counselling services, health services and chaplaincy. 

There are also a number of University student services for your well-being and academic support as well as the community of your fellow students. 

12. Are there any other sources of help with my programme?

Although your programme is delivered through a formal schedule of learning activities, you are also part of the School of Mathematics & Statistics and, thus, a whole community of learners.  Talk to your fellow students and engage lecturers in conversations about any aspects of your modules you are finding tricky or puzzling.  Often they have another way of looking at it and can help.

In addition, the School operates the Mathematics Learning Centre (MLC).  The MLC is a learning support which offers a non-judgmental drop-in service, independent of your programme of study, where you can ask questions and find help with elements of mathematics and statistics with which you are struggling.

13. What if I have previously studied a module, can I be exempted from studying it again?

Students may apply for an exemption from the assessment of a module for which they have already achieved all the learning outcomes prior to the start of that module. Documentary evidence is required. If granted, students do not need to study that module and the credits are granted without assessment.

14. Where do I find detailed information about my programme?

Detailed information about your programme is given in the student handbook at the bottom of this page. 

Introduction

Going to university is an exciting opportunity where you will learn and have the chance to try new activities and meet new people. It also has its challenges whether going to university for the first time, straight from school, or returning to university later in life or as part of a lifelong learning journey. There are many people to help you make the transition and to make the most of your studies. This section is designed to help you understand the expectations and requirements for studying at third level. We want you to have the best experience possible and to achieve your full potential and it is important you understand your responsibilities when studying and the help that is available along the way.

The following sections are merely a guide. For definitive information, students are referred to the policies and regulations of the University (including assessment regulations available here) and their student handbook available at the bottom of this page. Your Year Tutor provides pastoral support and module information is available via lecturers and Brightspace.

Finally, a glossary of some of the common terms used in association with studying, and will be used here, can be found as part of your student handbook below.

General expectations

Students are expected to develop a high degree of academic maturity. It is expected that all students will prepare prior to modules, undertake background and complementary reading, and work independently as part of their self-study workload. The anticipated workload of each module is given by its associated credits (ECTS), with 5 ECTS equivalent to an average of 100 student learning hours - incorporating class-contact hours and a majority of independent study time. Lectures provide a framework and the foundations of a student’s learning but there is also a substantial degree of student workload associated with a student developing their knowledge: the self-discovery of ideas, reflecting upon their learning and applying and practising the topic through structured examples and allocated work and through self-motivated means.  Independent study means finding other sources of information and self-assessing one's level of knowledge and understanding.

Students should attend and engage with all lectures, tutorials, laboratories and assessments on their timetable and engage with any additional material made available by lecturers and programme management. Students should actively participate in learning activities, ask questions, receive and provide feedback, and interact with the lecturer and other learners.  

Lectures, tutorials and laboratories

It is expected that students will: actively participate in all learning activities, attend all in-person or synchronous lectures as they are delivered; make adequate preparations for lectures, tutorials and laboratories; regularly reflect upon their learning; undertake examples and supplementary exercises directed by the lecturer; undertake a very significant proportion of self-directed learning to achieve the learning outcomes of a module; take primary responsibility for their learning; present themselves as required for all assessments; adhere to all the policies and procedures of the University.

Students must demonstrate consideration and respect for their fellow students and lecturers. Disruptive behaviour in classes will result in the culprit being asked to leave the class or the cancellation of the class and the behaviour being reported to the Head of School. Students should arrive at lectures on time, remain until the end of the lecture and allow class participation and engagement.

Assessments

It is a student's responsibility to make sure that they attend all assessments and examinations on time.  Students should ensure that they monitor their email and online timetables in case of any changes.  The conduct expected in examinations is set out in the University's regulations and will be strictly enforced. Students must familiarise themselves with examination regulations and should pay careful attention to all instructions given on examination papers or by the examination staff at an examination venue as penalties for breaches of regulations are severe. 

Special circumstances or illness

It is expected that any special circumstances or illness affecting a student's studies will be notified to the programme management team so that it may be taken into account and support provided.  Thus, if special circumstances or illness affect a student's ability to engage with a module or performance in that module it should be brought to the attention of the Year Tutor immediately. There is a formal mechanism to record personal circumstances and it is important that these circumstances are documented. The process depends upon whether an assessment has been missed/impacted and whether it is a continuous assessment or a final summative examination. The Year Tutor can advise on this process.

To be taken into account, personal circumstances should arise from unforeseen eventualities, be supported by appropriate evidence (e.g. medical certification) and be submitted as soon as is practically possible after the onset of the circumstances, indicating the period that is/will be affected.

In some circumstances, where personal circumstances affecting an examination session are known sufficiently in advance, deferral of an examination session may be granted.

Plagiarism and cheating

Plagiarism and cheating (unfair academic practice) is not tolerated within the School. Plagiarism is deemed to be any material presented by a student that is not their work and has not been fully and accurately referenced and credited. Plagiarism includes the use of others' ideas, words, or visual or audio material and may be intentional or unintentional. Plagiarism also includes obtaining another individual to produce work on one’s own behalf. Plagiarism may automatically result in a candidate failing the module. Therefore, to avoid plagiarism, students must not reproduce the concepts, ideas or work of others without proper referencing and acknowledgement of sources. References should be full and accurate, indicating the source of any work that is not original and allowing that work to be independently discovered, and, in most cases, direct quotations from sources should be kept to a minimum and clearly identified through formatting. The assessment of a student’s work will take account of the originality of their submission. The work of other individuals cannot be represented as a candidate’s own work. It is normal to rely upon the discoveries and conclusions of others but these must be clearly referenced and expressed in the candidate’s own terms. Credit will not be awarded for work where a candidate has not demonstrated understanding and their own input. In cases where sources that have not been referenced or the work of others has been plagiarised, candidates may be deemed to have failed an assessment.

For remote or homework assignments, the work submitted by a student must be their own work, without unfair advantage, and follow the strict rules set out by the School and the University for ensuring the integrity of that assessment.

Remaining in contact and receiving information

Students must stay in contact with the School, programme management team and their lecturers.  Information is regularly distributed by Programme Coordinators, Year Tutors and central services (e.g. registrations, examinations). Ensure that you check your @tudublin.ie student email account regularly as all official information will be sent to this address. You should also ensure that the School Administrator has your up-to-date contact information: address; home address; emergency alternative (non-student) email; and mobile telephone number in case of emergency. Please ensure you send this information to maths.admin@tudublin.ie at the start of your programme.

Further contacts

It is expected that the first points of contact for most students are the lecturer for individual modules and the Year Tutor who is able to provide information and advice for the particular stage of the programme and discuss any issues that arise in relation to studying. Issues that cannot be resolved in association with the Year Tutor (e.g. issues associated with student progression or requests that require School approval) should be discussed first with the Head of Discipline with responsibility for the programme and then subsequently directed, if necessary, to the Head of School.

Each cohort of students is invited to elect a representative. This student is able to represent their peers at committee meetings and raise any generic issues affecting the class with the programme team. They are also a point of liaison with the students union.

The principal source of information for students is the student handbook below.  However, the following information highlights some important aspects of your studies.

Changes to studies (e.g. deferral/withdrawal)

Circumstances can change requiring a student to either defer (place their studies on hold) or withdraw (exit the programme completely).  Year Tutors are available to discuss these options, including whether an exit award or a different programme may be available, and support students in this decision.

Dignity & respect and health & safety

All students and staff are entitled to be treated with dignity and respect. The School believes that all individuals should be treated equally, fairly and with dignity and respect. It, therefore, does not tolerate bullying, harassment or discrimination and will take prompt action if informed of such behaviour. The University has in place strong student and staff dignity & respect policies and, where issues arise, they will be dealt with under the disciplinary procedures in accordance with student regulations. All students are referred to the student dignity & respect policy and the information contained therein.

It is the responsibility of every individual to conduct themselves in a safe manner with due consideration of risks, hazards and the safety of others. The School maintains a Health & Safety statement and students are referred to it and the University’s Health & Safety policies and statement. In particular, students should familiarise themselves with what to do in an emergency and the contact information in case of emergency. In the case of a fire alarm or an evacuation of the building, students must proceed immediately, not stopping to collect personal belongings, via the nearest approved evacuation route to the official mustering stations outside the building. All hazards and incidents should be reported immediately.

Use of computer resources

Students must at all times observe the student regulations governing the use of computer resources. Computer resources may not be used for accessing inappropriate material, bullying or harassment or purposes outside those intended for the facility. Any vandalism, theft or damages to property will be dealt with as serious disciplinary matters. In particular, cables must not be removed or unplugged from computers in the School computer laboratories and cables/keyboards must be secured before closing desk lids.

Registration

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that they are correctly registered on the programme and stage in which they are studying (selecting their optional modules where required). Failure to register and settle outstanding fees may result in the withholding of University services. Difficulty in paying fees or delays due to awaiting grant awards should be discussed immediately with Student Services and other sources of advice. Students that are externally repeating any modules should at the earliest opportunity contact the lecturer to ensure that they are notified of any changes or circumstances particular to the particular academic year.

Students will receive information concerning their examinations and examination procedures from the examination office based on their registration details.  Students are therefore responsible for ensuring that all modules requiring assessment are included, particularly if they are repeating or externally repeating any elements of the programme.

Submitting documentation or forms

Where requests, forms or documentary evidence are submitted to the School, students should ensure that they receive confirmation of receipt and should not assume that any permission has been granted until they explicitly receive written confirmation of the decision. It is the responsibility of students to ensure that forms that are required to be submitted to student services are received and processed.

Role	Name	Email	Phone
Year 1 Tutor	Paul Molloy	paul.molloy@tudublin.ie	(+353) 1 2205697
Year 2 Tutor	Dr Susan Lazarus	susan.lazarus@tudublin.ie	(+353) 1 2205694
Stage 3 Tutor	Dr Laura Cooke	laura.cooke@tudublin.ie	(+353) 1 2206145
Stage 4 Tutor	Dr Joe Condon	joe.condon@tudublin.ie	(+353) 1 2205692
Programme Coordinator	Dr Cormac Breen	cormac.breen@tudublin.ie	(+353) 1 2205689

Role	Name	Email	Phone
TU078 Year Tutor	Dr Sarah Morris	sarah.morris@tudublin.ie	(+353) 1 2205698
TU079 Year Tutor	Dr Milena Venkova	milena.venkova@tudublin.ie	(+353) 1 2205703
TU080 Year Tutor	Dr Colum Watt	colum.watt@tudublin.ie	(+353) 1 2205694
Programmes Coordinator	Dr Richard Ellard	richard.ellard@tudublin.ie	(+353) 1 2205705

Role	Name	Email	Phone
Year Tutor	Dr Fiona Murray	fiona.murray@tudublin.ie	(+353) 1 2205687
Programme Coordinator	Dr Joe Condon	joe.condon@tudublin.ie	(+353) 1 2205692

Role	Name	Email	Phone
Year Tutor	Dr Fiona Murray	fiona.murray@tudublin.ie	(+353) 1 2205687
Programme Coordinator	Dr Fiona Murray	fiona.murray@tudublin.ie	(+353) 1 2205687

Programme	Head of Discipline	Email	Phone
TU873/874	Carl Sullivan	carl.sullivan@tudublin.ie	(+353) 1 2205672
TU078-080	Carl Sullivan	carl.sullivan@tudublin.ie	(+353) 1 2205672
TU276	Dr Fiona Murray	fiona.murray@tudublin.ie	(+353) 1 2205687
TU5294/TU248	Dr Fiona Murray	fiona.murray@tudublin.ie	(+353) 1 2205687

TU874 BSc (Hons) Mathematical Sciences & TU873 BSc (Hons) Industrial Mathematics 

• Welcome
• Introduction
  
  • Brief description of the programme & programme aims*
  • Technological University Dublin
  • Faculty of Computing, Digital & Data
  • School of Mathematics & Statistics
• Admission to the programme
  
  • Entry requirements
  • Admissions procedures
• Studying on the programme*
  
  • Contact persons
  • Registration
  • Programme structure*
  • Attendance at lectures*
  • Assessment*
  • Quality Assurance
  • Expectations & guidance for studying*
  • Facilities
  • Progression opportunities & career
• Syllabus*: Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | Stage 4 
• Appendices
  • Work Placement Procedures: Stage 3
  • List of module options for the current academic year: Stage 3 & Stage 4 
  • Project processes & guidelines: Stage 4 

 

TU078 Higher Certificate in Mathematics / TU079 BSc (Ord) Mathematics / TU080 BSc (Hons) Mathematics 

• Welcome
• Introduction
  
  • Brief description of the programme & programme aims*
  • Technological University Dublin
  • Faculty of Computing, Digital & Data
  • School of Mathematics & Statistics
• Admission to the programme
  
  • Entry requirements
  • Admissions procedures
• Studying on the programme*
  
  • Contact persons
  • Registration
  • Programme structure*
  • Attendance at lectures*
  • Assessment*
  • Quality Assurance
  • Expectations & guidance for studying*
  • Facilities
  • Progression opportunities & career
• Syllabus*: TU078 | TU079 | TU080

 

TU248 Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Statistics

• Welcome
• Introduction
  
  • Brief description of the programme & programme aims*
  • Technological University Dublin
  • Faculty of Computing, Digital & Data
  • School of Mathematics & Statistics
• Admission to the programme
  
  • Entry requirements
  • Admissions procedures
• Studying on the programme*
  
  • Contact persons
  • Registration
  • Programme structure*
  • Attendance at lectures*
  • Assessment*
  • Quality Assurance
  • Expectations & guidance for studying*
  • Facilities
  • Progression opportunities & career
• Syllabus*

 

TU5294 CPD Diploma in Data Analysis for Professionals

• Welcome
• Introduction
  
  • Brief description of the programme & programme aims*
  • Technological University Dublin
  • Faculty of Computing, Digital & Data
  • School of Mathematics & Statistics
• Admission to the programme
  
  • Entry requirements
  • Admissions procedures
• Studying on the programme*
  
  • Contact persons
  • Registration
  • Programme structure*
  • Attendance at lectures*
  • Assessment*
  • Quality Assurance
  • Expectations & guidance for studying*
  • Facilities
  • Progression opportunities & career
• Syllabus*

 

TU276 MSc Applied Mathematics

• Welcome
• Introduction
  
  • Brief description of the programme & programme aims*
  • Technological University Dublin
  • Faculty of Computing, Digital & Data
  • School of Mathematics & Statistics
• Admission to the programme
  
  • Entry requirements
  • Admissions procedures
• Studying on the programme*
  
  • Contact persons
  • Registration
  • Programme structure*
  • Attendance at lectures*
  • Assessment*
  • Quality Assurance
  • Expectations & guidance for studying*
  • Facilities
  • Progression opportunities & career
• Syllabus*