Module manager: Philip Walker
Email: P.Walker@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
MATH1000 Core Mathematics
| MATH1000 | Core Mathematics |
| MATH3902 | Mathematics in Social Context |
None
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Mathematics is possessed of what Bertrand Russell called a cold and austere beauty; and yet it has roots in deeply human concerns: it gives us the ability to describe the beauty of Bach and provides the resources to feed an artistic genius like Escher. In this module, you will gain insight into ways in which mathematicians can bridge the ‘two cultures’ and see how mathematics shapes our world and our cultures.
The module will situate mathematics in various social contexts, enabling students to build a broader appreciation of the ways in mathematics is both product and enabler of culture. The topics on offer will vary from one year to the next, but examples of possible themes include the historical development of mathematics, the various philosophical outlooks on the mathematical endeavour, or the mathematics of music. These will be explored in taught classes and discursive settings, as befits the theme; and students will critically evaluate how mathematics sits in the context of these themes.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject: 1. assess the cultural significance of mathematics; 2. critically evaluate interactions of mathematics with other cultural expressions; and 3. use appropriate research techniques to investigate those interactions.
At least one topic will be presented in each semester, and where more than one is presented, students may choose between them. The topics presented may vary from year to year, but some example topics could be: * History of mathematics * Philosophy of mathematics * Mathematics of music Information on the specific topics to be presented will be available at the time of module enrolment.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 44 | 1 | 44 |
| Seminars | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Private study hours | 145 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 55 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 12/05/2026
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