Mathematics: supporting you to succeed

You are supported by an open door policy, a personal tutor system, peer assisted learning and much more
Welcome to mathematics and statistics at University of Plymouth

From our open door policy and personal tutors to your own tablet PC and ebook library – you’ll have the support you need to match your needs and ambitions. We're very proud of the support we offer you. In the National Student Survey, our students regularly demonstrate their satisfaction with their choice of university.

Here are some of the other ways we offer you support.

  • Our open door policy, providing you with direct access to support from staff when you need it.
  • The Maths Lab located close to staff offices, allowing easy access to help and feedback. With walls covered in boards for problem solving, plus a projector system for practising presentations, our laboratory is an ideal environment for students to support each other's learning.
  • Our personal tutor system provides you with individual academic and personal support from one of the lecturers whom you regularly see in classes. Solving problems in small groups, on the board, develops your presentation skills and supports you to become a confident communicator.
  • Peer-assisted learning classes (PALS) – every week where second year students run sessions for first years where they provide help and advice with their studies and life at university.
  • SUM:UP , a drop-in centre, providing you with support to resolve any mathematics and statistics-related problems. The resources are open 24/7 and it is staffed from 10:00–16:00 Monday to Friday during term time. 
  • Inspirational teaching – the UPSU SSTAR Awards have been organised by students with the support of the Students' Union to reward excellent staff members and dedicated course representatives. For example, Professor David McMullan and Dr Matthew Craven have both been individually nominated for Student Union teaching awards.
  • Interactive technology – lecturers can use a variety of interactive technology to ask questions in the classroom and immediately gather the views and responses of your entire class. This enables immediate, anonymous feedback which is useful both for our staff and for you to check progress and understanding. 
  • Online support materials – many of our staff post materials to support your learning, from online lecture notes to audio and video podcasts.
Maths PALS (Peer Assisted Learning Scheme)
Maths PALS (Peer Assisted Learning)
Mathematics students using a mixture of old (boards) and new (iPad mini) learning technologies.
Maths students have access to podcasts, lecture notes and eBooks
 

Student voice

During my time at the University I have found the lecturers always willing to help me with any issues that have arisen, they are always happy to go the extra mile for students. The open door policy is more than just a motto, they really do mean it and they help with anything, academic or personal.

Additionally, I believe the Peer Assisted Learning Scheme to be exceptionally beneficial for first year students. It gives them support on a personal and academic level from second year students which provides them with a confidential environment to express their opinions as well as to receive support on any topic throughout their first year of study.
I could not recommend the University highly enough.
Matthew Chatting, BSc (Hons) Mathematics