BSc Mathematics and Physics
Entry requirements
A level: A*A*A including Physics, Mathematics and Further Mathematics at A Level, or including A*A* in Physics and Mathematics at A Level plus A in AS Further Mathematics for students unable to take A Level Further Mathematics. IB: 38 points overall including 7 in Mathematics (maths analysis & approaches), 7 in Higher Level Physics and 6 in a further Higher Level subject
About this course
BSc (Hons) Mathematics and Physics is a Natural Sciences degree combining the study of physical theory with the mathematical methods used to describe it. Core topics include programming, data analysis, mathematical modelling and laboratory techniques. A common first year allows transfer at its end onto the MSci Mathematics and Physics, BSc Physics or BSc Natural Sciences. Theoretical physics modules are taught by the physics department, while mathematical physics and applied mathematics options come from the mathematics department. The first year establishes foundations through Calculus I, Linear Algebra I, Analysis I and Foundations of Physics I; Discovery Skills in Physics adds laboratory practice, data handling and programming. Second-year compulsory work spans Complex Analysis II, Mathematical Methods II, Foundations of Physics 2A and Foundations of Physics 2B, covering complex integration, vector calculus, quantum mechanics and electromagnetism. Students also choose between Methods of Mathematical Physics 2 and Theoretical Physics 2, the latter joining Hamiltonian and Lagrangian mechanics to a mathematical treatment of quantum mechanics. Optional second-year modules include Stars and Galaxies, Algebra II and Computational Mathematics. The third year centres on Capstone Project(s), in which students investigate a problem in mathematical physics or prepare a research funding proposal through Science Enterprise, alongside Foundations of Physics 3A and Theoretical Physics 3. Optional final-year modules include Analysis and Topology, Differential Geometry, Quantum Computing and General Relativity.
Modules
- Calculus I
- Linear Algebra I
- Analysis I
- Foundations of Physics I
- Discovery Skills in Physics
- Complex Analysis II
- Mathematical Methods II
- Foundations of Physics 2A
- Foundations of Physics 2B
- Choose one of the following two modules:
- EITHER Methods of Mathematical Physics 2
- OR Theoretical Physics 2
- Example optional modules
- Capstone Project(s)
- Foundations of Physics 3A
- Theoretical Physics 3
- Example optional modules