In groups, students will study a chosen multidisciplinary topic involving mathematics, in order to present it to a non-scientific audience in an educational and engaging way. Beyond the theory related to the scientific topic, students will also learn the technical skills tied to the chosen mode of presentation. The final public presentation, often held during the Printemps des Sciences (Science Spring), will be organised collectively by the students.
This work follows on from the group projects of the first and second Bachelor years; it combines individual work with participation in a collective project.
engage with the multidisciplinary applications of mathematics
work as a group to produce an event centred on mathematics for a target audience
communicate a scientific topic to a non-scientific audience
demonstrate rigour and creativity, moving beyond pure knowledge to address societal issues or other disciplines
The theme changes each year, as do the techniques and the type of presentation required. A "public" event closes the project and allows the whole department to ask questions and assess the maturity and achievement of the student. An exhibition on Chaos, a collective conference on Wavelets, an exhibition on Game Theory, a knowledge and speed contest for theoreticians, a game for primary school children, an exhibition on superheroes, a great game on the city of Namur, a storytelling tour of the solar system, a study of the forces of superheroes, an exhibition on the New Observatory of UNamur, a play on the great Belgian mathematicians, are the most striking examples. This formula will be adapted to the very specific conditions of the current containment, but the spirit and principles will be respected.
The project starts in September with an introductory meeting, followed by several others up to the closing public event, which usually takes place at the end of March. The course leader and the teaching assistants meet with the students collectively on several occasions.
Assessment covers the collective work and individual contributions to:
the internal collective presentation of the topic (written and oral)
the collective performance during the closing public event
Depends on the theme chosen
| Training | Block | Credits | Mandatory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor in Mathematics | 3 | 5 | Yes |