Part B Projects

Introduction to Part B Projects

In Part B, students may choose a project on either a mathematical topic (BSP) or a topic related to mathematics (BOE). BSP - Structured Projects - count as a 'mathematical option,' while BOE projects are classified as "Other subject Essays." Both BSP and BOE projects involve writing an extended essay, with a limit of no more than 7,500 words for BOE essays and a limit of no more than 35 pages for BSP projects, though these are more typically 25-30 pages long and not more than 7500 words, depending on the use of figures and tables.

There are two types of BSP project: (i) the project is pre-allocated and (ii) the project is student-led, where the student selects the topic, subject to supervisor agreement and a formal approval process. The BOE essay is also tudent-led.

The most comprehensive source of information about these projects is the Part B Projects Guidance 2024-25.pdf

However, some key information and links to other useful sources of information are given below.

Timetable for Projects

Week 4, Trinity term	Options Fair - Lecture on project options
June - July July - August 15th September	Provisional course registration form circulated, students wanting to do a BSP or a BOE project must state their preference. Students wanting to do a student-led BSP or BOE project are advised to start contacting prospective supervisors BSP pre-allocated projects students are contacted with their project allocation. BSP student-led projects and BOE projects deadline for making initial contact with your proposed supervisor.
12noon Friday, week 0, Michaelmas term	Deadline for applying for approval of an extended essay topic (BOE) or student-led BSP topic.
Week 2, Michaelmas term	Students applying for approval of an essay notified of outcome of application.
Weeks 6–8, Hilary term	BOE Suggested time for oral presentations to take place.
Monday, Week 10, Hilary term	BSP submission of written report
Easter vacation	BSP peer review
Monday, week 1, Trinity term	BOE submission deadline
Week 1, Trinity Term	BSP oral presentations

Choosing a Topic, Finding a Supervisor and Submitting your Application

Sections 2.3 and 2.4 of the Part B Projects Guidance 2024-25 outlines the process for choosing a BSP topic. Students can either take pre-approved topics with proposals set by members of faculty, or propose their own student-led topic. The latter option requires students to find their own supervisor and to complete and submit an application form (form.tex, form.pdf). Forms should be emailed to the Undergraduate Studies Administrator at @email by 12noon on Friday of week 0, Michaelmas term.

Section 3.3 of the provides advice on choosing a topic and finding a supervisor for a BOE project. You cannot have a DPhil student supervise your essay. Once you have found a supervisor and agreed on your project proposal you need to complete and submit an application form (form.tex, form.pdf). Forms should be emailed to the Undergraduate Studies Administrator at @email by 12noon on Friday of week 0, Michaelmas term.

Presentations

For both the BOE and BSP, students offering a project are required to give a presentation to their supervisor and at least one other person.

For the BOE, the presentation is not part of the final assessment of the project but provides an opportunity to develop presentation skills. It is recommended that the presentation takes place towards the end of Hilary term.

The template presentation below can be downloaded and used to help prepare a presentation in latex. Further information can be found at the IT help page on Producing Slides and Presentations with Latex.

Presentation Template (tex)

Example Presentation (PDF)

Example Presentation (tex)

For the BSP students will be expected to give a 20-minute presentation of their work to a non-specialist audience. Each presentation will be marked against a details list of criteria and will count towards the final assessment of the project.

Key Sources of Information

Application form:

form.pdf

form.tex