Overview

Develop your passion for mathematics within this important field of research that is crucial to our understanding of living systems
See how the complexity of living systems can inspire the development of new mathematical approaches
Learn from and engage with current research being undertaken within the department
Accredited by the Institute of Mathematics as meeting the educational requirements of the Chartered Mathematician designation
Optional to take the ‘Commercial and Industrial Experience’ module during the vacation before your third year, allowing you to gain paid work experience in a commercial setting while earning credits towards your degree

Learning and teaching

All our degrees involve a combination of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, examples classes, workshops and tutorials. Most modules in mathematics involve three one-hour lectures per week, so you typically have 12 lectures per week. In the first year there are tutorial classes for each module every fortnight, except for modules involving computing or project work. Thus in the first year you would typically have around 16 contact hours per week. In the first term, the ‘Foundations’ module helps you with the transition from A level to university mathematics.

Private study and support

In addition to lectures and seminars, you should spend about 20 hours per week in private study. Working through examples and solving problems is a vital part of learning mathematics, and we advise you attempt all coursework problems, whether formally assessed or not. You will be allocated a personal tutor who will be happy to advise or put you in touch with support services and you are encouraged to discuss mathematical problems or questions with tutors and lecturers who advertise regular office hours. Extra support is available, for example through lunchtime mathematics surgeries or our peer mentor scheme, and we have an active student-staff liaison committee.

Assessment

Assessment for all degrees is through a combination of examinations and coursework. Examinations are the more important part of the process, but the coursework helps you to work steadily throughout your degree. This is particularly important in Mathematics where the subject matter develops logically as the degree progresses. Written examinations for mathematics modules are held in January and May/June of the first and second years and in May/June of each subsequent year. Some modules have tests, essays, presentations and/or project reports that contribute to the assessment.