Mathematics

Durham University

This BSc offers the opportunity to study a broad range of topics in pure and applied mathematics and statistics, developing your analytic and problem-solving skills and preparing you for a career in a wide variety of sectors. Mathematics is all around us. From accounting to architecture, engineering to software development, mathematics plays a central role in our data-driven world. The study of maths develops the analytical, critical thinking, reasoning and problem-solving skills that are valued by employers and form the basis for a wide range of careers. When you choose maths you’ll be taught by a team of mathematicians with a passion for sharing the beauty of mathematics and a wealth of experience in research across the spectrum of pure and applied mathematics and statistics. And with many of the teaching team actively involved at the forefront of research, the degree is designed to link learning to research in distinctive and creative ways. The BSc Mathematics is housed in a brand-new facility, purpose-built to meet the learning, teaching and study needs of students from the Department. You can also apply to add a placement year or a year abroad to your degree, increasing the course from three years to four.The first year of the course begins with a broad-based introduction to pure and applied mathematics, statistics and probability and provides a sound foundation for in-depth study in subsequent years. As you move into the second year the structure offers more flexibility, enabling you to shape your degree around one specific area or continue developing your skills across a wide range of subjects. During the final year the range of optional modules expands further with a choice of around 20 different areas. The degree culminates in a project that gives you the opportunity to investigate a mathematical topic of interest in depth.Course structureYear 1 modulesCore modules:Calculus builds on ideas of differentiation and integration in A level mathematics, beginning with functions of a single variable and moving on to functions of several variables. Topics include methods of solving ordinary and partial differential equations, and an introduction to Fourier Series and Fourier transforms.Linear Algebra presents mathematical ideas, techniques in linear algebra and develops the geometric intuition and familiarity with vector methods in preparation for more challenging material later in the course.Analysis aims to provide an understanding of real and complex number systems, and to develop rigorously the calculus of functions of a single variable from basic principles.Programming is taught via lectures and practical sessions that introduce basic principles and basic competence in computer programming. You will also study control structures; floating point arithmetic; and lists, strings and introduction to objects.Dynamics develops an understanding of elementary classical Newtonian dynamics as well as an ability to formulate and solve basic problems in dynamics.Probability introduces mathematics ideas on probability in preparation for more demanding material later in the course. The module presents a mathematical subject of key importance to the real-world (applied) that is based on rigorous mathematical foundations (pure).Statistics introduces frequentist and Bayesian statistics and demonstrates the relevance of these principles and procedures to real problems. This module lays the foundations for all subsequent study of statistics.Year 2 modulesCore modules:Complex Analysis introduces the theory of complex analysis through the study of complex differentiation; conformal mappings; metric spaces; series and uniform convergence; contour integrals and calculus of residues; and applications.Analysis in Many Variables provides an understanding of calculus in more than one dimension, together with an understanding of, and facility with, the methods of vector calculus.