How do undergraduates do mathematics?

by Charles Batty, Nick Woodhouse (assisted )

In one sense, mathematics at university follows on directly from school mathematics. In another sense, university mathematics is self-contained and requires no prior knowledge. In reality, neither of these descriptions is anything like complete. Although it would be impossible to study mathematics at Oxford without having studied it before, there is a marked change of style at university, involving abstraction and rigour. As an undergraduate in any subject, your pattern and method of study will differ from your schooldays, and in mathematics you will also have to master new skills such as interpreting mathematical statements correctly and constructing rigorous proofs.

95 pages, ebook

First published April 1, 1994