MATHS AND PHYSICS UNDERGRADUATE STUDY - University of Warwick
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MATHS AND PHYSICS UNDERGRADUATE STUDY 2021/22
MATHS AND
PHYSICS
Joint Honours
Courses
Mathematics and physics are a great
combination to study at university, and
provide the basis for a stimulating and
enjoyable education.
Mathematics and physics are complementary subjects. Often,
a way of thinking developed in one discipline leads to new
insights into the other. The advances in the mathematical theory
of dynamical systems and chaos are an example. Ideas from the
theory are now applied in the modelling of physical systems such
as the atmosphere, lasers and other complex systems.
In both subjects the emphasis is on learning how to recognise
the surprising and how to reason. So, although the joint degree
is the natural route into theoretical physics, the skills it teaches
are universal and can lead to many different careers. Our former
students have gone on to work in industry and in professions
such as business, journalism and the financial sector.
There are two variants of the degree course: the three-year BSc
and the four-year MMathPhys. You need to decide by the end of
your second year which degree to aim for. BSc courses should be
seen as part of a general rounded education, which should leave
you numerate articulate and employable. The four-year course
should appeal most to you if you intend to make direct use of
your knowledge of mathematics and physics after you graduate.
Neil Wilson
Head of Undergraduate Admissions
03
THE WARWICK DEGREE FIRST Year
GF13 BSc The first year is currently:
FG31 MMathPhys Maths
Mathematical Analysis (60 Lectures),
Mathematics is also concerned
with the generality of results. The
on astronomy illustrates this well.
Phenomena observed in the sun
process of figuring out the most and planets are governed by the
The Warwick joint degree course is among the best Sets and Numbers (30L), Linear
general form of some result from an laws of mechanics and are usually
Algebra (30L), Differential Equations
established in the country and the course includes a number (30L).
initial example is an important and closely related to phenomena,
rewarding part of the subject. It is which are familiar from the terrestrial
of modules from both contributing departments designed often what suggests new results and environment.
specifically for joint degree students. Each year around 75 can reveal connections with other
Physics
students start on this course. areas within mathematics. Most of the 1st year physics modules
Physics Foundations (30L), Electricity deal with familiar subjects, such
In the first year you take essential in computing or statistics, but also and Magnetism (30L), Classical The modules Linear Algebra, and as Newtonian mechanics and
(core) modules in both mathematics modules introducing secondary school Mechanics and Relativity (30L), Sets and Numbers, treat concepts thermodynamics. The possible
and physics. You also take at least one teaching or a modern language. Quantum Phenomena (15L). which you have met at school, but exceptions are the material on
additional module chosen from a list of There is also a Computing in a more abstract and general relativity and the module Quantum
options. At the end of the first year it is The optional fourth year continues to Workshop. way. Analysis is another word for Phenomena. These deal with the
usually possible to change to either of cover the main areas of mathematics calculus but carries the implication breakdown of Newtonian physics at
the single honours courses, providing and physics. You can continue to study You choose at least one further that all results must have satisfactory velocities close to the speed of light
you satisfy certain requirements in the a broad spectrum of topics within both module from: proofs. Some of the material in the and at atomic length scales.
end of year examinations. subjects. Alternatively, you may choose Analysis module should be familiar
to concentrate on one or two areas. from A level, but it will be presented Computers are increasingly
In the second and third years, there This can give time to take in and reflect Options with the emphasis on proof. The important in all of mathematics
is considerable freedom to choose on some of the recent developments Abstract Algebra (15L), Astronomy Differential Equations module deals and theoretical physics. The
modules. By then you will have a good in these areas. (15L), Geometry (15L), Particle with the methods for solving the Programming Workshop teaches
idea of your main interests and be Physics (15L), Probability (30L), differential equations of motion, Python programming and how to
well placed to decide which areas of Our research is strong in a number Programming for Scientists (30L). which describe the behaviour of solve numerically the mathematical
mathematics and physics to study in of branches of mathematics and various physical systems. models of physical systems. In
greater depth. In effect you design physics, and we are well placed to offer Mathematics at university addition, you can opt to take the
your own degree. Some modules may authoritative and coherent accounts emphasises the importance of The central theme in physics is module Programming for Scientists.
also be taken from outside of both of those recent developments likely proof. All sciences test the validity to identify the (relatively few) This is a Java-based module,
mathematics and physics. to be of most interest to you as a joint of ideas and conjectures, usually by fundamental laws and show how which teaches object-oriented
degree student. comparing with reality as seen in they may be invoked to explain programming and algorithms.
We encourage you not only to experiment. In mathematics, there many natural phenomena. A good (The module assumes no prior
consider the ‘obvious’ outside modules are no experiments, so it is important example is provided by Electricity knowledge of programming.)
to be able to construct watertight and Magnetism, which were
arguments or proofs. shown by Faraday, Maxwell and
others to be manifestations of the
same phenomenon – now called
electromagnetism. The module
04 05
TIMETABLE
The timetable for the first five weeks of the current first
year should give an idea of the typical weekly workload
of lectures and tutorials.
The tutorials involve smaller groups and a lecturer or postgraduate student. The idea is to
work through examples sheets handed out in the lectures and to discuss any problems
SECOND Year
with the material. Wednesday afternoons are kept free of classes, as Wednesday is the
main day for university activities such as sport, drama and music.
First Year timetable (weeks 1-5) - mornings
09:05 - 9:55 10:05 - 10:55 11:05 - 11:55 12:05 - 12:55 In the second year there are core modules taken by everybody.
Monday Sets and Numbers Mathematical These core modules complete the of functions of more than one Maths
Analysis
treatment of basic material assumed variable and of complex variables.
Geometry, Advanced Linear
Tuesday Physics Foundations Differential by subsequent modules. There is The module, Variational Principles,
Algebra, Groups and Rings, Theory
Equations then a broad range of modules is concerned with a surprising
of Ordinary Differential Equations,
covering all the main areas of and useful connection between
Wednesday Classical Mechanics Physics Foundations Introduction to Mathematical Biology,
and Relativity mathematics and physics from functions, which minimise the values
Norms Metrics and Topologies
which you choose a selection. of certain integrals, and many
Thursday Differential Intro to Geometry problems from physics.
Equations Currently the core modules are:
Physics
Friday Differential Physics Tutorial Intro to Geometry The field of fluids is one of the
Equations Maths richest in applied mathematics and Computational Physics,
physics. Although motions of fluids – Environmental Physics, Hamiltonian
Analysis III, Methods of Mathematical
water and air are two we meet every Mechanics, The Solar System, Stars
First Year timetable (weeks 1-5) - afternoons Physics, Multivariable Calculus,
day – are complicated, many flow
Partial Differential Equations,
patterns have simple and intuitively
13:05 - 13:55 14:05 - 14:55 15:05 - 15:55 16:05 - 16:55 17:05 - 17:55 Variational Principles
appealing explanations. You will Outside Options
Monday Physics Maths Classical Mechanics learn, for example, why power Interdisciplinary modules from WBS
Foundations Supervision and Relativity lines whistle in the wind and why (Warwick Business School), the
Physics
aeroplanes use their engines just Language Centre (Arabic, Chinese,
Tuesday Classical Mechanics Intro to Geometry
Electromagnetic Theory and before landing.
and Relativity French, German, Italian, Japanese,
Optics, Physics of Fluids, Quantum
Portuguese, Russian and Spanish),
Wednesday Mechanics and its Applications, You choose about eight further and the Centre for Education
Thermal Physics II modules (not all modules are the Studies (Introduction to Secondary
Thursday Physics Examples Mathematical Sets and Numbers
same length and may change over School Teaching).
Class Analysis Analysis III and Multivariable time) from:
Calculus extend ideas learnt in the
Friday Sets and Numbers Mathematical first year and introduce the analysis
Analysis
06 07
THIRD Year THIRD Year
BSc MMathPhys
In the third year of the BSc you take a Opting for the MMathPhys allows you more
module on Communicating Science. You time to explore the implications of what you
select modules from the lists of options, have already learnt.
which currently are:
The third year, like the second year, consists of compulsory
modules covering the material which will be assumed by “The overlap – using cool maths
Maths
many of the fourth year modules, and modules chosen from to explain the phenomena we see
Functional Applied Analysis, Complex Analysis, Fluid lists of options. The core modules are: around us – is what I am particularly
Dynamics, Measure Theory, Theory of PDEs, Topics in
Mathematical Biology interested in. I don’t just want to
Physics be told the answers though; being
Quantum Physics of Atoms, Kinetic Theory, Electrodynamics able to learn more deeply, and fully
Physics
understand these problems is much
Astrophysics, Condensed Matter Physics, Galaxies and
Cosmology, Electrodynamics, Nuclear Physics, Plasma Mathematics
more important to me. It has enabled
Electrodynamics, Physics in Medicine, Quantum Physics me to develop so many useful skills,
Fluid Dynamics
of Atoms, Scientific Computing, The Standard Model, alongside learning more about
Statistical Physics, The Earth and its Atmosphere
There is a Laboratory and Skills module. As a member of a my subjects.”
group of three students, you complete an experiment and a
computer-based simulation of a physical system.
Outside Options
Modules from WBS, the Language Centre, the You present your results both orally and in an extended Beth Kynman
Mathematics, and other, departments. written report. Civil Servant
2019 MMathPhys graduate
You can choose to carry out a research-style project Typically, you take a further six modules from the options
worth 30% of the year’s credit. A project brings you into listed for the third year of the BSc.
contact with a research group, where you work with and
alongside postgraduate students and research fellows.
It can give fresh insight into the way research scientists
work and think.
08 09
FOURTH Year
During the fourth year you join one of the research groups and
work with a partner on a research-style project.
The project work gives you Mathematics High Performance Computing in
experience of working more Physics, Neutrino Physics, Physics
Advanced Partial Differential
independently. This experience of Fusion Power, Planets Exo-
Equations, Dynamical Systems,
should be valuable to you in your planets and Life, Quantum Theory
Fourier Analysis, Linear Analysis,
subsequent career, whether you of Interacting Particles, Relativistic
Quantum Mechanics: Basic
choose to work as a scientist or not, Quantum Mechanics, Solar
Principles and Probabilistic Methods,
and can help you when you are Magnetohydrodynamics, Structure
Statistical Mechanics, Topics in
making decisions about possible and Dynamics of Solids.
Mathematical Biology.
careers.
You may also take modules from
Modules from the third year lists can
You also take between six and the third year which you have not
also be chosen.
twelve of the following modules (not already taken.
all modules are the same length)
choosing at least two from the list of Outside Options
Physics
physics modules and two from the
There is no formal list of outside
list of mathematics modules. The lists Advanced Particle Physics,
options. However, you can
are currently: Condensed Matter Physics II,
follow modules from outside the
Distant Universe, Gauge Theories of
department provided that the
Particle Physics, General Relativity,
timetable permits this.
INTERCALATED Year
You may also extend the BSc degree by inserting
an extra year (usually) between your second and
what would otherwise be your third year.
You would spend this ‘intercalated’ year studying
at a foreign university or working in a research
laboratory.
10 11
FIND OUT MORE
HOW TO APPLY STUDENT FEES AND FUNDING DISCOVER MORE
Applications are made through UCAS We want to ensure that, wherever To find out more about the
ucas.com possible, financial circumstances do University, including opportunities
not become a barrier to studying at to visit and engage with your
If you are made and accept an offer, Warwick. We provide extra financial department of choice, visit
and meet all conditions we will support for qualifying students from warwick.ac.uk/undergraduate/visits
confirm your place and look forward lower income families. warwick.ac.uk/
to warmly welcoming you at the start studentfunding
of your life here at Warwick.
ACCOMMODATION
For more detailed information Warwick Accommodation has around
about how we process applications 7000 rooms across a range of well-
please visit: warwick.ac.uk/study/ managed, self-catering residences.
undergraduate/apply We also have an excellent network
of support staff in the Residential Life
OVERSEAS APPLICANTS Team. warwick.ac.uk/accommodation
At Warwick, we welcome applications
from across the globe, and have
dedicated teams available to
advise and support, as well as a
global network of Agents and
Representatives. For more information
on applying from your country see:
warwick.ac.uk/io
Undergraduate Admissions warwick.ac.uk/physics Disclaimer: This course information was accurate at the time of
Department of Physics publication (May 2020). Our course and module content and schedule
The University of Warwick +44 (0) 24 7652 3965 is continually reviewed and updated to reflect the latest research
expertise at Warwick, so it is therefore very important that you check
Coventry the relevant course website for the latest information before you apply
CV4 7AL and when you accept an offer. For full terms and conditions, please visit
warwick.ac.uk/ugtermsandconditions
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