‘History, Maths and the Public’ VIP module – apply now for 2024-2025!
Student applications are open for the Vertically Integrated Project (VIP) module titled ‘History, Maths and The Public’ for Semester One and Semester Two of 2024-2025. These are open to all undergraduate students.
First year students may only apply for VIPs from their second semester onwards.
VIPs are education with an edge. A Vertically Integrated Project is an ongoing, credit-bearing research project led by an academic supervisor and made up of a team of undergraduate students from any level of study (the ‘vertical’ aspect). The team of students can come from different subject areas with diverse backgrounds and skills across both arts and science. With VIPs, you can make your CV standout, work on a research project with staff and peers, and earn academic credits.
‘History, Mathematics, and the Public’ (HMP) is a public history project that explores effective and sustainable options for engaging the public with the history of mathematics. This academic year (2024 – 2025), the VIP project will specialise in one area, the role of mathematics in fishery science. Fishery science was one of the first fields of ecology to become quite mathematical in the early 20th century perhaps because it is difficult to count the fish in the sea. N.B. “fishery science” in this context could include the science underpinning whaling as whales were regarded as an exploitable resource just like for most of the 19th and 20th centuries.
Students from any discipline are welcome to apply. However only a maximum of 10 places are available per semester.
HMP will suit students with an interest in public history, history of science or maths/science communication. This might be through the power of storytelling in a variety of different media, or through interactive activities (virtual or in person).
This year, given the subject material, we are especially keen to hear from students in:
- History
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Biology
- Modern languages
To learn more about the project and to apply now, visit:
https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/education/vip/projects/curious-sta-hmp/
Applications are likely to close in the next few days, hence we recommend applying now to avoid disappointment.
Queries about the project can be directed to Dr Charles Paxton at [email protected]
Queries about the overall VIP program can be sent to [email protected]