MATHS AND PHYSICS UNDERGRADUATE STUDY 2020/21 - University of Warwick
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MATHS AND PHYSICS UNDERGRADUATE STUDY 2020/21
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
www.warwick.ac.uk/physics 03
THE WARWICK DEGREE
GF13 BSc
FG31 MMathPhys
The Warwick joint degree course is among the best
established in the country and the course includes a number
of modules from both contributing departments designed
specifically for joint degree students. Each year around 65
students start on this course.
In the first year you take essential in computing or statistics, but also
(core) modules in both mathematics modules introducing secondary school
and physics. You also take at least one teaching or a modern language.
additional module chosen from a list
of options. At the end of the first year The optional fourth year continues to
it is possible to change to either of the cover the main areas of mathematics
single honours courses, providing you and physics. You can continue to study
satisfy certain requirements in the end a broad spectrum of topics within both
of year examinations. subjects. However you may choose to
concentrate on one or two areas. This
In the second and third years, there can give time to take in and reflect on
is considerable freedom to choose some of the recent developments in
modules. By then you will have a good these areas.
idea of your main interests and be
well placed to decide which areas of Our research is strong in a number
mathematics and physics to study in of branches of mathematics and
greater depth. In effect you design physics, and we are well placed to offer
your own degree. Some modules may authoritative and coherent accounts
also be taken from outside of both of those recent developments likely
mathematics and physics. to be of most interest to you as a joint
degree student.
We encourage you not only to
consider the ‘obvious’ outside modules
04 MATHS AND PHYSICS | UNDERGRADUATE STUDY 2020/21
FIRST Year
The first year is currently:
Maths Mathematics is also concerned on astronomy illustrates this well.
with the generality of results. The Phenomena observed in the sun
Mathematical Analysis (60 Lectures),
process of figuring out the most and planets are governed by the
Sets and Numbers (30L), Linear
general form of some result from an laws of mechanics and are usually
Algebra (30L), Differential Equations
initial example is an important and closely related to phenomena,
(30L).
rewarding part of the subject. It is which are familiar from the terrestrial
often what suggests new results and environment.
can reveal connections with other
Physics
areas within mathematics. Most of the 1st year physics modules
Physics Foundations (30L), Electricity deal with familiar subjects, such
and Magnetism (30L), Classical The modules Linear Algebra, and as Newtonian mechanics and
Mechanics and Relativity (30L), Sets and Numbers, treat concepts thermodynamics. The possible
Quantum Phenomena (15L). which you have met at school, but exceptions are the material on
There is also a Computing in a more abstract and general relativity and the module Quantum
Workshop. way. Analysis is another word for Phenomena. These deal with the
calculus but carries the implication breakdown of Newtonian physics at
You choose at least one further that all results must have satisfactory velocities close to the speed of light
module from: proofs. Some of the material in the and at atomic length scales.
Analysis module should be familiar
from A level, but it will be presented Computers are increasingly
Options with the emphasis on proof. The important in all of mathematics
Abstract Algebra (15L), Astronomy Differential Equations module deals and theoretical physics. The
(15L), Geometry (15L), Particle with the methods for solving the Programming Workshop teaches
Physics (15L), Probability (30L), differential equations of motion, Python programming and how to
Programming for Scientists (30L). which describe the behaviour of solve numerically the mathematical
various physical systems. models of physical systems. In
Mathematics at university addition, you can opt to take the
emphasises the importance of The central theme in physics is module Programming for Scientists.
proof. All sciences test the validity to identify the (relatively few) This is a Java-based module,
of ideas and conjectures, usually by fundamental laws and show how which teaches object-oriented
comparing with reality as seen in they may be invoked to explain programming and algorithms.
experiment. In mathematics, there many natural phenomena. A good (The module assumes no prior
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
www.warwick.ac.uk/physics 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
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
Monday Sets and Numbers Mathematical
Analysis
Tuesday Physics Foundations Differential
Equations
Wednesday Classical Mechanics Intro to Geometry Physics Foundations
and Relativity
Thursday Differential Intro to Geometry
Equations
Friday Differential Physics Tutorial Intro to Geometry
Equations
First Year timetable (weeks 1-5) - afternoons
13:05 - 13:55 14:05 - 14:55 15:05 - 15:55 16:05 - 16:55
Monday Physics Maths Classical Mechanics
Foundations Supervision and Relativity
Tuesday Classical Mechanics Intro to Geometry
and Relativity
Wednesday
Thursday Mathematical Sets and Numbers
Analysis
Friday Sets and Numbers Mathematical
Analysis
06 MATHS AND PHYSICS | UNDERGRADUATE STUDY 2020/21
SECOND Year
In the second year there are core modules taken by everybody.
These core modules complete the variable and of complex variables. Maths
treatment of basic material assumed The module, Variational Principles,
Geometry, Advanced Linear
by subsequent modules. There is concerned with a surprising
Algebra, Groups and Rings, Theory
is then a broad range of optional and useful connection between
of Ordinary Differential Equations,
modules covering all the main areas functions, which minimise the values
Introduction to Mathematical Biology,
of mathematics and physics. of certain integrals, and many
Norms Metrics and Topologies.
problems from physics.
Currently the core modules are:
The field of fluids is one of the
Physics
Maths richest in applied mathematics and
physics. Although motions of fluids – Hamiltonian Mechanics, Geophysics,
Analysis III, Methods of Mathematical
water and air are two we meet every The Solar System, Stars,
Physics, Multivariable Calculus,
day – are complicated, many flow Computational Physics, Physics of
Partial Differential Equations,
patterns have simple and intuitively Electrical Power Generation.
Variational Principles.
appealing explanations. You will
learn, for example, why power
lines whistle in the wind and why Outside Options
Physics
aeroplanes use their engines just Interdisciplinary modules like
Electromagnetic Theory and before landing. Challenges of Climate Change,
Optics, Physics of Fluids, Quantum
and modules from WBS (Warwick
Mechanics and its Applications, You choose about eight further Business School), the Language
Thermal Physics II. modules (not all modules are the Centre (Arabic, Chinese, French,
same length and may change over German, Italian, Japanese,
Analysis III and Multivariable time) from: Portuguese, Russian and Spanish),
Calculus extend ideas learnt in the
and the Centre for Education
first year and introduce the analysis
Studies (Introduction to Secondary
of functions of more than one
School Teaching).
www.warwick.ac.uk/physics 07
THIRD Year
BSc
In the third year of the BSc you take a
module on Communicating Science. You
select modules from the lists of options,
which currently are:
Maths
Applied Analysis, Complex Analysis, Fluid Dynamics,
Measure Theory, Theory of PDEs, Topics in
Mathematical Biology.
Physics
Astrophysics, Condensed Matter Physics, Cosmology,
Electrodynamics, Galaxies, Nuclear Physics, Plasma
Electrodynamics, Physics in Medicine, Quantum Physics
of Atoms, Scientific Computing, The Standard Model,
Statistical Physics, The Weather and the Environment.
Outside Options
Modules from WBS, the Language Centre, the
Mathematics, and other, departments.
You can choose to carry out a research-style project
worth 30% of the year’s credit. A project brings you into
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 MATHS AND PHYSICS | UNDERGRADUATE STUDY 2020/21
THIRD Year
MMathPhys
Opting for the MMathPhys allows you more
time to explore the implications of what you
have already learnt.
The third year, like the second year, consists of compulsory
modules covering the material which will be assumed by “The overlap – using cool maths
many of the fourth year modules, and modules chosen from to explain the phenomena we see
lists of options. The core modules are: around us – is what I am particularly
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
understand these problems is much
Mathematics
more important to me. It has enabled
me to develop so many useful skills,
Fluid Dynamics.
alongside learning more about
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.
You present your results both orally and in an extended
written report. Beth Kynman
4th Year MMathPhys
Typically, you take a further six modules from the options Mathematics and Physics
listed for the third year of the BSc.
www.warwick.ac.uk/physics 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 MATHS AND PHYSICS | UNDERGRADUATE STUDY 2020/21www.warwick.ac.uk/physics 11
FIND OUT MORE
HOW TO APPLY STUDENT FEES AND FUNDING VISIT US
Applications are made through UCAS We want to ensure that, wherever The university organise four open days
ucas.com possible, financial circumstances do in early summer and in autumn for
not become a barrier to studying at students wishing to visit the university,
If you are made and accept an offer, Warwick and therefore we provide extra including opportunities to visit the
and obtain the required grades in your financial support for qualifying students academic departments of your choice
exams we will confirm your place. We from lower income families. For more warwick.ac.uk/opendays
will look forward to welcoming you at information about fees and funding
the start of your life here at Warwick. for both home/EU and Overseas If you receive an offer from us, you
students see warwick.ac.uk/study/ will also be invited to one of our
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apply chance to learn more about the
ACCOMMODATION course and student life in the
OVERSEAS APPLICANTS Warwick Accommodation has over 6000 Department of Physics.
We welcome applications from rooms across a range of well-managed,
international students. Local advice self-catering residences. We also have
about the application procedure an excellent network of support staff in
is available from all British Council the Residential Life Team.
offices and Warwick representatives.
warwick.ac.uk/accommodation
warwick.ac.uk/study/international
Undergraduate Admissions warwick.ac.uk/physics This course information was accurate at the time of printing.
Department of Physics Our course and module content and schedule is continually reviewed
The University of Warwick +44 (0) 24 7652 3965 and updated to reflect the latest research expertise at Warwick, so it
is therefore very important that you check the website for the latest
Coventry information before you apply and when you accept an offer.
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