Mathematical Masters Guidebook 2020/2021 - Universiteit van ...
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More information: student.uva.nl > [select programme] > click on A-Z
Mathematical Masters
Guidebook 2020/2021
BEWARE
DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS, A NUMBER OF ISSUES DESCRIBED
IN THIS GUIDEBOOK ARE INACCURATE OR DO NOT APPLY AT ALL
IN CASE OF DOUBT, ASK ONE OF THE CONTACTS MENTIONED.
1More information: student.uva.nl > [select programme] > click on A-Z
Introduction
Dear Master’s student,
In September you will start the Master’s programme in Mathematics or Stochastics & Financial
Mathematics (SFM). In order to help you with this new start, this guidebook provides you with some
relevant information. Please take some time to read it carefully.
On behalf of all teaching and support staff, we wish you an inspiring and successful academic year!
Dr. Jan Brandts
Programme director MSc Mathematics and MSc SFM
2More information: student.uva.nl > [select programme] > click on A-Z
INDEX
1. Programme Registration
2. Locations and Facilities
Location Science Park 904
The Korteweg-de Vries Institute
UvA-net ID
Student ID card
IT-facilities: WiFi, computers and printing
3. Your Personal Master Programme
Study Plan
Majors and minors
Course information and course registration
Courses from Mastermath
Local courses from the UvA
Course timetable and study progress
4. Finishing your Master's: research project and graduation
The research project
Graduation
5. Educational organisation and support
Where to go for help?
Education Service Centre (ESC)
Examinations Board
Board of Studies
Study association NSA
Important websites
6. Contact information
For all relevant information on topics concerning your studies please navigate to the
webpages of your programme on student.uva.nl:
• select or type the name of your programme
• on the homepage of the programme choose ‘A-Z’ in the upper navigation
• find the topic of your choice in the alphabetical list
3More information: student.uva.nl > [select programme] > click on A-Z
1. Programme Registration
To apply to the programme you have to take several steps:
-check the entry requirements on the website (see below)
-register in studielink
-submit your application in datanose
-pay the tuition fee (after admission)
See the website for deadlines, details and links how to apply:
Application and admission
4More information: student.uva.nl > [select programme] > click on A-Z
2. Locations and Facilities
Location Science Park 904
Most teaching is conducted at the main UvA location of Science Park, Science Park 904. Besides
lecture rooms and study places with computers, you will find the Education Service Desk (ESC) and
the library on the 1st floor. The reception and security (for example for lost and founds) is in the
central hall, as well as a canteen and a coffee corner.
The Korteweg-de Vries Institute for Mathematics
The Korteweg-De Vries Institute for Mathematics (KdVI) is located at Science Park 105-107 in the
Nikhef building (building F, third floor). Most teachers of the local master mathematics courses, as
well as the mathematics researchers, the programme coordinators and the director of the
mathematical master programmes have their office at the KdVI. The Master Seminars take place in
the seminar room of the KdVI. The building is accessible with a UvA student ID card (see below for
information on student cards) through the entrance door next to the Amsterdam University College
(AUC). If you do not have a card yet, you can enter through the main entrance and tell the security
you come to visit the KdVI.
The KdVI is at the third floor, where you can find the common room for coffee and small local
events. At the fourth floor just above the common room you can find the ideal place to study as a
mathematical master student: the master room. With computers, blackboards and cozy sitting
places it is the place where master students can study and work on their master thesis. The KdVI also
runs a biweekly General Mathematics Colloquium. These are lectures by researchers both from
Amsterdam and outside on new developments in various mathematical fields. Since these lectures
are typically intended for a broad mathematical audience, they are often accessible to master
students. Besides the General Mathematics Colloquium, there are various research seminars. These
are more specialized, and therefore at a higher level, but can still be interesting for motivated,
advanced master students.
All entrance gates of the terrain are closed from 19:00 onwards. If you want to stay longer than
19:00, you can contact the KdVI administration for the possibility of getting a special drop key. If you
stay after 19:00 make sure to always contact security (020-5926060).
UvA-net ID
After finishing the enrolment procedure you will be automatically registered at the UvA and obtain a
UvA net-ID. The UvA-net ID gives you access to all relevant administration systems like SIS, Datanose
and Canvas. It is also used for logging in at computers in UvA buildings, including the University
Library.
Student ID card
After finishing the complete enrolment procedure and uploading a photo, you will receive a student
ID card of the UvA. The UvA student ID card has to be activated at one of the service points. You can
find one at the reception in the central hall of Science Park 904. Once you have activated your card,
you can use it for several purposes such as entering the KdVI building or accessing some higher
floors of Science Park 904. After charging it using the machines in the main hall of Science Park 904,
you can also print and buy products from coffee and vending machines on Science Park 904 as well
as the KdVI.
IT-Facilities: WiFi, computers and printing
At all universities, students are free to use the Eduroam WiFi network. This should be accessible
using your UvA-net ID. Go to the library service desk or the ESC at Science Park 904 for more
information and help with computer problems.
5More information: student.uva.nl > [select programme] > click on A-Z
At Science Park 904 and the master room of the KdVI, computers with printing options are available
for use. You need a UvA-net ID to log in and a charged UvA student card to pay for prints. At Science
Park 904 it tends to be quite difficult to find a free computer in the afternoon.
6More information: student.uva.nl > [select programme] > click on A-Z
3. Your Study Plan
The Study Plan
The Master’s programmes in Mathematics & SFM cover a two-year period of study.
At the start of your master programme, you will determine your own study plan in consultation with
the programme coordinator (contact details are given at the end of the document). The study plan
can be drafted using the Study Plan Application (SPA), which is part of DataNose. It may be found in
your personal details section in DataNose (look for the button progress MSc [your master]) or via
https://acadplan.datanose.nl/.
The SPA contains all the curriculum components that you will follow in your Master. The study plan
needs to be drawn up to agree with the Teaching and Examination Regulations (TER) and needs to
be approved by the programme coordinator and the Examinations Board. When the SPA is
approved, it is still possible to make changes to the programme or even to switch to another
specialization. However, this requires a new decision by the programme coordinator and the
Examinations Board.
The final version of the study plan must be approved by both the programme coordinator and the
Examinations board prior to graduation. Approval of the study plan ensures that when all
components are completed, a student can apply for the Master’s degree.
Warning! The Examination Board can only guarantee to approve the SPA form on time when it is sent
at least 6 months in advance.
If you are enrolled in the MSc Mathematics, you will also have to select a specialization. The four
possible specializations are Algebra & Geometry, Mathematical Physics, Analysis & Dynamical
Systems, and Stochastics. Each specialization has its own compulsory and elective courses.
- The precise rules and regulations for your programme are in the Teaching and Examiniation
Regulations (TER) of your master programme.
- For basic information on the specializations, consider the UvA Course Catalogue.
- Consider the mini manual for help on choosing from the wide array of courses; it contains a layout
of different mathematical specializations and corresponding offered courses.
Majors and minors
Instead of a regular programme you can choose to do a master programme with a major or minor.
The possibilities for a major (60 EC) are Science Communication, Science in Society or Teaching (60
EC). The major Teaching (in Dutch) will lead to a “Eerstegraads lesbevoegdheid”. The possibilities for
a minor (30 EC) are the Teaching minor or the Tesla minor, which brings science, business and
society together. In case of a master programme with major or minor the research project comprises
only 24 EC and must be conducted in the first year of the programme. In the TER you can find more
information on the requirements for a master programme with a major or a minor.
Course Information and Course Registration
In the mathematical masters, you follow national courses offered by Mastermath and local courses
at the UvA. Most courses are given weekly during a single semester, which means September to
December and February to May, with exams in January and June. If you register for a course, at the
UvA you are automatically registered for the exam and you do not have to register separately for the
retake. To navigate more easily through the large amount of available courses, the mini manual can
provide basic assistance in choosing courses. Also your programme coordinator can help you in
choosing the right programme.
7More information: student.uva.nl > [select programme] > click on A-Z
Courses from Mastermath
The mathematical departments of the Dutch universities have combined their effort to enhance
their master programmes in mathematics by offering a wide variety of joint courses. Courses are
mainly taught at the Science Park 904 location of the UvA, the VU and the University of Utrecht at
location de Uithof. Course descriptions, course registration and other information can be found in
the electronic learning environment of mastermath.
Local courses from the UvA
You can get closer to the modern research by following local courses. Local researchers at the KdVI
offer a variety of local master courses, such as “signature” courses for the different specializations,
and advanced courses about their field of expertise. Also every specialization has a local master
seminar, where students and KdVI members present and discuss various mathematical topics, where
the second year master students give their midterm presentations about their master thesis, and
where there alumni and potential employers inform you about your future possibilities. You can find
a description of the local UvA courses in the UvA Course Catalogue. Registration for the local UvA
courses in the first semester is conducted via special enrolment in UvA Datanose at latest on the
second of September. This is only the case for the first semester of the first year because the regular
enrolment for the first semester – which is conducted via the UvA student administration system SIS
- already closes at the end of June. Enrolment for the second semester closes at the end of
December.
Course timetable and study progress
You can find your personal timetable and study progress by logging in on UvA Datanose . Your
personal timetable should display the courses you are enrolled at from the UvA and mastermath. If
not, you can always add courses to your timetable in datanose.
8More information: student.uva.nl > [select programme] > click on A-Z
4. Finishing your Master’s: Research Project and Graduation
The Research Project
The research project is a substantial part of the programme with a size of 36 EC, taking place in the
second year of the study programme. In principle the project is supervised at the Korteweg-de Vries
Institute for Mathematics, the mathematical research institute of the UvA, but it is also possible to
do the project combined with an external internship. Before you can start your research project, you
need approval by your supervisor and the programme coordinator. You present your plan by
completing the form that can be found in Datanose. Be aware that only examiners of the
programme (see the list in Datanose) are automatically allowed as supervisor for the master project,
otherwise prior approval by the Examinations Board is required. After uploading the form, both
your supervisor and the programme coordinator evaluate your proposal.
Upon approval of your research proposal, you can schedule your midterm presentation. This
presentation has to be given in the seminar of your specialization, approximately three months after
the start of the master project. Halfway into the project, the progress of the project may be
evaluated by means of an midterm-assessment; this is not compulsory but it is strongly
recommended. The research project is concluded by writing a thesis and giving a final presentation.
For the ins and outs of the research project, consult the mathematical masters canvas page.
Graduation
After completing all curriculum components from your Examinations Board approved study plan you
can apply for graduation to receive the Master’s degree. Be sure that your thesis is uploaded in
Datanose first and that your supervisor has handed in the assessment form at the ESC service desk.
You can apply for your diploma at the ESC (make sure to bring a passport or ID-card).
9More information: student.uva.nl > [select programme] > click on A-Z
5. Educational organisation and support
Where to go for help?
- Programme coordinator
If you have any questions about the content of your study programme, you can discuss them with
your programme coordinator. The programme coordinator for the master SFM is Peter Spreij, the
programme coordinator for the master Mathematics is Hessel Posthuma.
The programme coordinator can help you with
• study guidance tailored to your personal interests
• give you advice on choice of courses and research project
• help you filling in your study plan
- Study adviser
The study adviser Marije Kaan (m.m.kaan@uva.nl) can give you advice on subjects as:
• Study planning/delay
• Personal circumstances
• Facilities for students with disabilities
• Doubts about your study
• Regulations and procedures
• Complaints
• Career prospects
Education Service Centre (ESC)
The practical and administrative issues concerning your study are organized by the Education Service
Centre. Also, the International Team, the Secretariat of the Examinations Board, the administrative
programme coordinators and the academic counsellors are at the ESC.
The ESC Service Desk is located on the 1st floor of Science Park 904. It is open every working day
between 9am - 5pm.
020 525 7100 / servicedesk-esc-science@uva.nl
Examinations Board
Each discipline has an Examinations Board. The Examinations Board mathematics is responsible for
the quality of examinations and for the issue of degrees of the Bachelor's and Master's programmes.
Study plans need to be approved by the Examinations Board. In addition, the Examinations Board
assesses other study requests and handles all complaints concerning the Teaching and Examination
Regulations. examew-science@uva.nl
Programme Committee (Dutch: opleidingscommissie)
Each discipline has a Programme committee (PC) with both student members as members of the
teaching staff. The PC is responsible for monitoring the teaching quality of the programme and acts
as an advisory board to the programme director on all educational matters. If you have any
comment on the quality of your programme, you can contact the PC. You might also consider joining
the PC as a student member.
Study association NSA
The NSA organizes both social and study related activities, like symposia, drinks, career events and
trips. Every student in physics and mathematics, bachelor as well as master level, can become a
member. More information can be found on the nsaweb (only in Dutch).
10More information: student.uva.nl > [select programme] > click on A-Z
Important Websites
• Canvas
The electronic learning environment of the UvA is Canvas. For local courses it is often used
by teachers to upload exercises and literature or to do course-wide announcements.
• Student.uva.nl
The faculty wide information website, containing in particular the A-Z list. For the page of
MSc Mathematics, click here. For the one of SFM, click here.
• UvA Course Catalogue
Information on most courses within the Mathematical Master’s programmes will be
published in the UvA course catalogue.
• On UvA Datanose you can find your personal timetable and study progress.
• Visit the Mastermath ELO for more information on Mastermath and their courses.
• Surfspot
Website where students can buy software on a discount.
11More information: student.uva.nl > [select programme] > click on A-Z
6. Contact Information
Please contact
• your programme coordinator (Hessel Posthuma - Mathematics, Peter Spreij - SFM) for questions
regarding your programme, electives, choosing a thesis supervisor or internship and
constructing your study plan
• The academic study adviser Marije Kaan (m.m.kaan@uva.nl) for advice, counselling, or a
confidential conversation regarding your study progress, personal circumstances or doubts.
• The mastermath coordinator (Eva Boerboom-Schuurmans) for mastermath affairs
• The programme director (Jan Brandts) for comments and suggestions regarding the
master programmes, mastermath, and the university administration.
• The Examinations Board ('examencommissie') for formal requests regarding examination;
approval of your study plan, second examiner etcetera.
12More information: student.uva.nl > [select programme] > click on A-Z
Colofon
Design: April Design
Photography: Jorn van Eck, Fred van Diem, Hanne Nijhuis, Riechelle van der Valk
University of Amsterdam, June 2020
No rights can be derived from the contents of this brochure.
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