Teaching and assessment for Mathematics and Physics BSc (Hons)

Mathematics 1A is an introductory mathematics module.

It covers fundamental concepts such as algebra, calculus, and geometry.

The topics covered provide a solid foundation for more advanced studies. Skills covered include:

• learning to solve equations
• understand functions
• analyse graphs

Algebra involves manipulating expressions and solving equations.

Calculus focuses on change and motion, with methods to analyse rates of change and calculate areas under curves.

This module provides a refresh of the maths taught at high school. This will give you the best chance of success with university mathematics.

Mathematics 1B builds on the foundational concepts introduced in Mathematics 1A. You will be introduced to matrices. You will learn about the use of vectors in 3D geometry, integral calculus, and basic differential equations. It ensures you are well-prepared for future studies in a maths or other numerate degree courses.

This module introduces you to statistics and probability. Statistics is the science of collecting, analysing, and interpreting data, and is used to draw conclusions from data. Probability is the study of chance and randomness which can be used to predict the likelihood of an event occurring.

This module helps you develop the practical skills needed as a physics student and future professional physicist. It also provides an insight into cutting-edge research problems and the industrial value of physics. It explores the definition of physics itself, and what makes science distinct from opinion.

Starting university is a big step and we’re here to help you make the most of it.

No matter what subject you’re studying, there are important life and study skills that will help you succeed now and in the future.

Previously seen concepts such as linear independence, basis and null spaces are explored. This will be in the context of matrix algebra.

Concepts such as determinants and eigenvalues will be introduced.

Learn about partial derivatives and their properties.

Study integration of multi-variable functions including techniques such as change of variables.

Electromagnetism and light describes the physics of electric and magnetic fields and how they they are connected. This module explores electricity, electromagnetism, and light to provide you with an understanding of the physics underpinning most technology.

The microscopic and sub-atomic world is described by quantum mechanics, and nuclear and particle physics.

This module explores how materials behave in thermal physics and condensed matter physics.

Now that you’ve settled into university life, it’s time to build on the foundations you set in your first year.

This second-year module is all about helping you take your development to the next level. This will cover this from a personal, academic, and professional perspective.

This module explores vector calculus, which is an area of mathematics that combines 3D geometry with calculus. Vector calculus is concerned with differentiation and integration of functions in 3D space. It can apply to either scalar-valued functions or vector-valued functions.

Scientific computing offers tools, techniques, and theories that enable computer-assisted solutions to complex problems.

This introductory module explores numerical linear algebra and how computations work in practice. You will use MATLAB to develop algorithms for the numerical solution of important scientific problems.

Learn about the behaviour of matter and energy at the atomic and subatomic levels.

This module is the first in a series. It will help you build a fundamental understanding of quantum mechanics.

Investigate fundamental aspects of electricity and magnetism, including Maxwell’s equations. Study currents and charges, and how electric and magnetic fields interact and propagate.

Apply your quantum mechanics knowledge to study atomic and molecular structure. In this module, you will build on the understanding you will gain in PH31005 Quantum Mechanics I.

This module allows you to undertake a supervised but independent project that is laboratory-based, computational, or theoretical. You will develop your reasoning, time management, and research skills.

Your project will be embedded in an active research group. Project topics include medical physics, microscopy, astrophysics, condensed matter physics, and computational biophysics.

Mathematical Statistics is the application of probability theory to statistics. This is an important area, providing useful connections to other areas of Mathematics. Mathematical Statistics has applications across the sciences, business, government, and more. It is a core topic in the growing area of Data Science.