I work at the Open University, which is a world-leading institution in correspondence tuition (i.e. distance learning). As such, my duties include many different activities. There are three basic types of activity:
Tutoring
The hands-on teaching and marking of assignments is carried out by Associate Lecturers (frequently "ALs", meaning "tutors"). Each tutor is assigned a small group of students, and contact varies from module to module. I am an Associate Lecturer for two modules in the MSc in Mathematics programme:
- M840 Dissertation in Mathematics (Algebraic Graph Theory option). This is the compulsory project module of the Maths MSc, and I am one of the tutors covering the Algebraic Graph Theory topic. The start of the module covers some of the chapters in Godsil and Royle's text "Algebraic Graph Theory", before students explore a related topic for their dissertation.
[Module Guide]
Presentation
The high-level day-to-day adminstration of modules currently "in presentation" is carried out mostly by Central and Regional Academics. This can include (but is not limited to) setting assignment and examination questions, and attending award boards. I am currently on the presentation team for two modules:
- M303 Further Pure Mathematics. This 60-credit third-level UG module covers a wide variety of advanced pure mathematical topics, from number theory, group theory and abstract algebra to metric spaces.
[Module Guide]
- MT365 Graphs, Networks and Design. This popular 30-credit third-level UG module covers topics in discrete mathematics, with applications to modelling, computer science and engineering.
[Module Guide]
- M823 Analytic Number Theory I. As chair of this module, I oversee the running of the module and give five e-Tutorials per year to the whole cohort.
[Module Guide]
Production
Instead of attending a lecture course, we send students printed (or published online) material for them to read. The quality of this material necessarily needs to be exceptional, and so the production of new modules (or revision of existing module materials) is a lengthy process.
- M303 Further Pure Mathematics. I wrote 8 units (about \(\frac{1}{3}\) of the course) of this new 60 credit 3rd level UG module, whose first presentation started in October 2014.
[Module Guide]
- M347 Mathematical Statistics. To give you a feel for the diversity of activities involved in module production, my task on this module (now in presentation) was to write text descriptions for all of the figures, diagrams and animations to assist visually impaired students.
[Module Guide]
- MST125 Essential Mathematics 2. This first-level module first ran in October 2015. I wrote 2\(\frac{1}{2}\) units of it, including a unit on mathematical typesetting.
[Module Guide]