1. Bridging the Gap Dr Vivien Easson
Executive Officer (Teaching and Research)
School of Mathematical Sciences, Queen Mary 1

2. Bridging the gap…
between A-level/equivalent maths and university maths
between expectations of university and the reality
between university and later employment or development 2

3. Dr Vivien Easson Grew up in Dundee
Studied maths at Cambridge then Oxford, worked as a postdoctoral researcher
Joined the More Maths Grads project at Queen Mary
Currently manage student administration and teaching/learning strategy

4. Diversity in maths at QMUL
The School of Mathematical Sciences has over 700 undergraduates, with
18% Indian
17% White (combined)
14% Chinese
14% Pakistani
12% Bangladeshi
11% Asian (other)
6% Black African
8% other / refused to say
Around 45% are female.

5. Pre-university maths and university maths
First year BSc Mathematics: eight compulsory 15-credit modules
Calculus I, Calculus II, Differential Equations
Geometry I, Introduction to Algebra
Introduction to Probability, Introduction to Statistics
Introduction to Mathematical Computing 5

6. Calculus I, Calculus II, Differential Equations
(courtesy of

7. Geometry I, Introduction to Algebra
(courtesy of

8. Introduction to Probability / Statistics
(courtesy of

9. Quotient rule: “What’s u?”
Students need to be able to differentiate quotients even when not expressed in terms of “u” and “v” – and similarly for other situations.

10. Abstraction / interview questions
What is the final digit of 22010?
Sketch the curve sin(x) then, on the same axes, sketch (sin(x)) 2 .
If a, b and c are integers whose sum is zero and the sum of whose cubes is 252, what is the product of a, b and c?

11. Mathematics enrichment sites
online mathematics magazine
lots of careers articles, for 11-14, 14-16, 16-19, …
thousands of free mathematics enrichment materials (problems, articles and games) for teachers and learners from ages 5 to 19 years

12. Expectations of university
Students choose to do maths because they enjoy it and are good at it.
They expect to be taught in lectures – although it can be a shock!
They can find it hard to adapt to having more independence.
We can help encourage students to develop social support groups.
We can try to understand pre-university maths/environment better. 12

13. Beyond university 70 applicants/place for graduate jobs
Graduates need good communication skills
Graduates in numerate disciplines have an advantage
Numbers taking A-level maths, further maths and mathematics degrees all rising

14. Bridging gaps… Aiding understanding not teaching rules
Motivating and explaining subtleties
Recognising language barriers
Using rich maths tasks and adding context
Avoiding stereotypes: using ambassadors
Working with other organisations and disciplines 14