Introductory description

The ability to communicate facts and findings to fellow mathematicians is an essential skill for a research mathematician. A very common way is by oral presentation at conferences, workshops, and seminars. This module serves to prepare PhD students to confidently give talks on mathematical topics and to effectively communicate their results and insight in a research environment.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

The module is delivered via four-five afternoon sessions in term 2 of two-three hours each, a short talk during the one-hour colloquium slot in term 3, and a dress rehearsal for the latter.
Session 1: Ingredients for a good (or not-so-good) talk, examples and peer discussion.
Session 2: Media and their appropriate use, discussion of theory and practical part.
Remaining sessions: Short presentations by participants and feedback.
Short reflective comments by participants on talks that they attended.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• At the end of this module students - will have seen and reflected on numerous presentations on mathematical topics, - will have gained experience in giving presentations, - will be more confident using different techniques and media for dissemination.

Subject specific skills

The students are free in the choice of the topics of their talks. It is very likely that they learn some content from the talks that they attend and reflect on, but this is not the purpose of the module.

Transferable skills

Verbal communication including listening and some aspects of writing as well as engaging with questions.
To lesser extent, training in multitasking skills is provided (time keeping and management), as are creativity (e.g., choosing good content to present the topic) and critical thinking (reflecting on other’s performances).