Undergraduate Course
BSc Mathematics with Physics
Overview
The details
Mathematics with Physics
G1F3
October 2019
Full-time
Interactions between maths and physics have led to a range of weird and wonderful advances in the sciences, from elementary particle theory to general relativity and non-Euclidean geometry, to the understanding of chaos. At Essex, your ways of thinking will be shifted as we teach you about the cosmos, the symmetries of quarks and the complexities of quantum physics.
On our BSc Mathematics with Physics, you can gain the knowledge and skills that are in demand across both the mathematically and scientifically oriented sectors. You study topics that cross both mathematics and physics, including:
- Relativity, quantum physics, atoms and light
- The making of modern physics, from Galileo to the present day
- Calculus
- Computing, electronics and mechanics
- Mathematical biology
We educate you in mathematical physics, pure mathematics, applied mathematics and statistics, and show you how to develop computational simulations and build electronic circuits.
This course can lead to employment opportunities within business, commerce, education, engineering, government service, industry and research as well as from the wider economy.
Why we're great.
- Our students love studying with us - we receive consistently high student satisfaction scores.
- As well as being world-class academics and researchers, we are award-winning lecturers.
- We are ranked top 15 in the UK for mathematics (Guardian University Guide 2019).
Study abroad
Your education extends beyond the university campus. We support you in expanding your education through offering the opportunity to spend a year or a term studying abroad at one of our partner universities. The four-year version of our degree allows you to spend the third year abroad or employed on a placement abroad, while otherwise remaining identical to the three-year course.
Studying abroad allows you to experience other cultures and languages, to broaden your degree socially and academically, and to demonstrate to employers that you are mature, adaptable, and organised.
If you spend a full year abroad you'll only pay 15% of your usual tuition fee to Essex for that year. You won't pay any tuition fees to your host university
Placement year
Alternatively, you can spend your third year on a placement year with an external organisation, where you learn about a particular sector, company or job role, apply your academic knowledge in a practical working environment, and receive inspiration for future career pathways. You will be responsible for finding your placement, but with support and guidance provided by both your department and our Employability and Careers Centre.
If you complete a placement year you'll only pay 20% of your usual tuition fee to Essex for that year.
Our expert staff
As well as being world-class academics, our staff are award-winning teachers. Many of our academics have won national or regional awards for lecturing, and many of them are qualified and accredited teachers – something which is very rare at a university.
Specialist facilities
- Unique to Essex is our renowned Maths Support Centre, which offers help to students, staff and local businesses on a range of mathematical problems. Throughout term-time, we can chat through mathematical problems either on a one-to-one or small group basis.
- We have our own computer labs for the exclusive use of students in the Department of Mathematical Sciences – in addition to your core maths modules, you gain computing knowledge of software including Matlab and Maple
- We host regular events and seminars throughout the year
- Our students run a lively Mathematics Society, an active and social group where you can explore your interest in your subject with other students
Your future
Clear thinkers are required in every profession, so the successful mathematician has an extensive choice of potential careers.
Mathematics students are in demand from a wide range of employers in a host of occupations, including financial analysis, management, public administration and accountancy. The Council for Mathematical Sciences offers further information on careers in mathematics.
Our recent graduates have gone on to work in a wide range of high-profile roles including:
- Chartered accountancy
- Investment consultants
- Accounts technicians
- Stock lending analysts
We also work with the university’s Employability and Careers Centre to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.
“Essex is one of the best universities in the UK for the quality of its teaching and research and, it was an easy decision to study here. Upon graduating, I secured an internship with the European Bioinformatics Institute, and Pfizer, the world’s largest research-based pharmaceutical company. The high standards of teaching at Essex guaranteed that I’ll have the skills and knowledge needed to be successful.”
Madalina Ghita, BSc Mathematics, 2011
Entry requirements
UK entry requirements
A-levels: BBB, including Mathematics and Physics
Please note we are unable to accept A-level Use of Mathematics in place of A-level Mathematics
IB: 30 points, including Higher Level Mathematics and Physics grade 5. We are also happy to consider a combination of separate IB Diploma Programmes at both Higher and Standard Level.
Exact offer levels will vary depending on the range of subjects being taken at higher and standard level, and the course applied for. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for more information.International & EU entry requirements
We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries. Get in touch with any questions you may have about the qualifications we accept. Remember to tell us about the qualifications you have already completed or are currently taking.
Sorry, the entry requirements for the country that you have selected are not available here.Please select your country page where you'll find this information.
English language requirements
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall. Different requirements apply for second year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK.
Other English language qualifications may be acceptable so please contact us for further details. If we accept the English component of an international qualification then it will be included in the information given about the academic levels listed above. Please note that date restrictions may apply to some English language qualifications
If you are an international student requiring a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.
If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.
Structure
Example structure
We offer a flexible course structure with a mixture of compulsory and optional modules chosen from lists. Below is just one example structure from the current academic year of a combination of modules you could take. Your course structure could differ based on the modules you choose.
Our research-led teaching is continually evolving to address the latest challenges and breakthroughs in the field, therefore all modules listed are subject to change. To view the compulsory modules and full list of optional modules currently on offer, please view the programme specification via the link below.
Statistics I
How do you apply the addition rule of probability? Or construct appropriate diagrams to illustrate data sets? Learn the basics of probability (combinatorial analysis and axioms of probability), conditional probability and independence, and probability distributions. Understand how to handle data using descriptive statistics and gain experience of R software packages.
Linear Mathematics
Can you perform simple operations on matrices? How do you solve systems of linear equations using row operations? Can you calculate the determinant and inverse of a matrix? Understand the basics of linear algebra, with an emphasis on vectors and matrices.
Applied Mathematics
Want to understand Newtonian Dynamics? Interested in developing applications of mathematical ideas to study it? Enhance your skills and knowledge in the context of fundamental physical ideas that have been central to the development of mathematics. Analyse aspects of technology and gain experience in the use of computer packages.
Discrete Mathematics
This module will provide you with a foundation of knowledge on the mathematics of sets and relations, mainly to finite collects. You will develop an appreciation of mathematical proof techniques, including proof by induction.
Foundations of Electronics I
This module is one of two concerned with scientific and engineering foundations on which electronics is based. All electronics components are based on physical principles that relate voltage, current flow and the storage or loss of energy. All the theory we need to learn about how circuits behave is based on the fact that electric charge cannot be created or destroyed, and that the energy of each electron just depends on where it is, and how fast it is moving. How charges move in materials depends on their crystal structures. From basic ideas, the main principles of electronics are built up so that they can be used in the wider study of electronics to solve problems.
Calculus
At University of Essex, we are all about understanding and creating change. This module will allow you to study mathematical change and build your knowledge of differentiation and integration, how you can solve first and second order differential equations, Taylor Series and more.
Mathematics Careers and Employability
What skills do you need to succeed during your studies? And what about after university? How will you realise your career goals? Develop your transferable skills and experiences to create your personal profile. Reflect on and plan your ongoing personal development, with guidance from your personal advisor within the department.
View Mathematics Careers and Employability on our Module Directory
Numerical Methods and Computation
Are you always keen to solve a puzzle? This module introduces how to construct an algorithm, including automata and Turing machines and the basic numerical methods to see how they can be used to solve problems.
View Numerical Methods and Computation on our Module Directory
Linear Algebra
How do you prove simple properties of linear space from axioms? Can you check whether a set of vectors is a basis? How do you change a basis and recalculate the coordinates of vectors and the matrices of mapping? Study abstract linear algebra, learning to understand advanced abstract mathematical definitions.
Statistics II
Differential Equations
The subject of ordinary differential equations is a very important branch of Applied Mathematics. Many phenomena from Physics, Biology, Engineering, Chemistry, Finance, among others, may be described using ordinary differential equations. To understand the underlying processes, we have to find and interpret the solutions to these equations. The last part of the module is devoted to the study of nonlinear differential equations and stability. The course provides an overview of standard methods for solving single ordinary differential equations and systems of ordinary differential equations, with an introduction to the underlying theory.
Vector Calculus
How do you define gradient, divergence and curl? What do you know about Green’s Theorem? And about Stoke’s? Study the classical theory of vector calculus. Develop the two central theorems by outlining the proofs, then examining various applications and examples. Understand how to apply the ideas you have studied.
Classical Mechanics
Quantum Mechanics
University of Essex enjoy breaking away from tradition. In this module you will break from “classical physics” and gain a conceptual understanding in quantum physics. You will develop skills in solving quantum mechanical problems associated with atomic and molecular systems.
Real Analysis
What are the principles underlying proofs of basic theorems concerning limits, continuity and differentiability? How do you use quantifiers in analysis? Gain an understanding into real analysis, examining sequences and functions. Study relevant theorems (like Rolle’s and the Mean Value) and learn to reproduce elementary epsilon-delta arguments.
Linear Programming (Half Course)
Can you formulate an appropriate linear programming model? Are you able to solve a small linear programming problem using an appropriate version of the Simplex Algorithm? Can you use the MATLAB computer package to solve linear programming problems? Understand the methods of linear programming, including both theoretical and computational aspects.
View Linear Programming (Half Course) on our Module Directory
Mathematics Careers and Employability
What skills do you need to succeed during your studies? And what about after university? How will you realise your career goals? Develop your transferable skills and experiences to create your personal profile. Reflect on and plan your ongoing personal development, with guidance from your personal advisor within the department.
View Mathematics Careers and Employability on our Module Directory
Complex Variables and Applications
How do you express numbers in both Cartesian and polar forms? Can you identify curves and regions in the complex plane defined by simple formulae? How do you evaluate residues at pole singularities? Study complex analysis, learning to apply the Residue Theorem to the calculation of real integrals.
View Complex Variables and Applications on our Module Directory
Abstract Algebra
Nonlinear Programming
How do you apply an algorithm or numerical method to a problem? What are the advantages? And the limitations? Understand the theory and application of nonlinear programming. Learn the principles of good modelling and know how to design algorithms and numerical methods. Critically assess issues regarding computational algorithms.
Combinatorial Optimisation
In this module you will not only learn what underpins the algorithms used where variables are integer, but also apply these algorithms to solve integer and mixed integer problems with cutting-plane algorithms.
Cryptography and Codes
How do standard coding techniques in computer security work? And how does RSA cryptography work? Examine the principles of cryptography and the mathematical principles of discrete coding. Analsye the concepts of error detection and correction. Understand the algebra and number theory used in modern cryptography and coding schemes.
Modelling Experimental Data
Can you calculate confidence intervals for parameters and prediction intervals for future observations? Represent a linear model in matrix form? Or adapt a model to fit growth curves? Learn to apply linear models to analyse data. Discuss underlying assumptions and standard approaches. Understand methods to design and analyse experiments.
Statistical Methods
This module will enable you to expand your knowledge on multiple statistical methods. You will learn the concepts of decision theory and how to apply them, have the chance to explore “Monte Carlo” simulation, and develop an understanding of Bayesian inference, and the basic concepts of a generalised linear model.
Partial Differential Equations
This module will cover partial differential equations (PDEs), which can describe a majority of physical processes and phenomena. You will learn the properties of first and second order PDEs, the concepts behind them and the methods for solving such equations.
Mathematics Careers and Employability
What skills do you need to succeed during your studies? And what about after university? How will you realise your career goals? Develop your transferable skills and experiences to create your personal profile. Reflect on and plan your ongoing personal development, with guidance from your personal advisor within the department.
View Mathematics Careers and Employability on our Module Directory
Year abroad
On your year abroad, you have the opportunity to experience other cultures and languages, to broaden your degree socially and academically, and to demonstrate to employers that you are mature, adaptable, and organised. The rest of your course remains identical to the three-year degree.
Teaching
- Teaching mainly takes the form of lectures – you study roughly two 50-minute lectures and one 50-minute class per week, per module
- Take a mathematics careers and employability module, where you compile a portfolio of skills and experience
Assessment
- Your final mark is a weighted combination of marks gained on coursework (eg homework problem sheets or tests) and your summer examinations
- Your first year of study does not count towards your final degree class
- Third-year students have the opportunity to complete a full-year or one-term project
Fees and funding
Home/EU fee
£9,250
International fee
£15,750
Fees will increase for each academic year of study.
What's next
Open Days
Our events are a great way to find out more about studying at Essex. We run a number of Open Days throughout the year which enable you to discover what our campus has to offer. You have the chance to:
- tour our campus and accommodation
- find out answers to your questions about our courses, student finance, graduate employability, student support and more
- meet our students and staff
Check out our Visit Us pages to find out more information about booking onto one of our events. And if the dates aren’t suitable for you, feel free to book a campus tour here.
2019 Open Days (Colchester Campus)
- Tuesday, February 19, 2019
- Thursday, April 11, 2019
Applying
Applications for our full-time undergraduate courses should be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Applications are online at: www.ucas.com. Full details on this process can be obtained from the UCAS website in the how to apply section.
Our UK students, and some of our EU and international students, who are still at school or college, can apply through their school. Your school will be able to check and then submit your completed application to UCAS. Our other international applicants (EU or worldwide) or independent applicants in the UK can also apply online through UCAS Apply.
The UCAS code for our University of Essex is ESSEX E70. The individual campus codes for our Loughton and Southend Campuses are ‘L’ and ‘S’ respectively.
Applicant Days and interviews
Resident in the UK? If your application is successful, we will invite you to attend one of our applicant days. These run from January to April and give you the chance to explore the campus, meet our students and really get a feel for life as an Essex student.
Some of our courses also hold interviews and if you’re invited to one, this will take place during your applicant day. Don’t panic, they’re nothing to worry about and it’s a great way for us to find out more about you and for you to find out more about the course. Some of our interviews are one-to-one with an academic, others are group activities, but we’ll send you all the information you need beforehand.
If you’re outside the UK and are planning a trip, feel free to email visit@essex.ac.uk so we can help you plan a visit to the University.
Visit Colchester Campus
Home to over 13,000 students from more than 130 countries, our Colchester Campus is the largest of our three sites, making us one of the most internationally diverse campuses on the planet - we like to think of ourselves as the world in one place.
The Campus is set within 200 acres of beautiful parkland, located two miles from the historic town centre of Colchester – England's oldest recorded town. Our Colchester Campus is also easily reached from London and Stansted Airport in under one hour.
Virtual tours
If you live too far away to come to Essex (or have a busy lifestyle), no problem. Our 360 degree virtual tours allows you to explore our University from the comfort of your home. Check out our Colchester virtual tour and Southend virtual tour to see accommodation options, facilities and social spaces.
Exhibitions
Our staff travel the world to speak to people about the courses on offer at Essex. Take a look at our list of exhibition dates to see if we’ll be near you in the future.
The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its course finder is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include a change of law or regulatory requirements, industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key personnel, change in government policy, or withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep prospective students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications.
The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.
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