BSc (Honours) in Mathematics and Physics

Knowledge and understanding

On completion of this degree, you will have knowledge and understanding of

• The basic concepts of modern physics (for example Newtonian mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics and relativity)
• Core mathematical methods appropriate for the physical sciences (e.g. linear algebra, calculus and mathematical modelling).

Cognitive skills

On completion of this degree, you will have acquired the ability

• To apply judgment in selecting and applying a wide range of mathematical tools and techniques
• To apply qualitative and quantitative problem-solving skills
• To use and correctly apply knowledge and understanding of scientific facts, concepts, principles and theories in familiar and unfamiliar contexts
• To describe, critically analyse and interpret scientific information and data presented in a variety of ways, including texts, tables, graphs, diagrams and figures, numerical and mathematical descriptions and computer-based media
• To critically evaluate particular aspects of current scientific research.

Practical and/or professional skills

On completion of this degree, you will be able to demonstrate the following skills:

• Analyse and interpret data and report their significance in the light of the underlying theory
• Plan your own learning and be adept at time management and organisation so that you can work independently or with others in ways appropriate for continuing personal and professional development
• Be an independent learner, able to acquire further knowledge with little guidance or support.

Key skills

On completion of this degree, you will be able to demonstrate the following key skills:

• Read and/or listen to documents and discussions having mathematical or scientific content, with an appropriate level of understanding
• Communicate information having mathematical or scientific content accurately and effectively, using a format, structure and style that suits the purpose.
• Prepare mathematical or scientific content for a range of purposes, which may include writing for both specialist and non-specialist audiences; writing reports on mathematical or scientific experiments or models; producing and/or delivering a presentation on a mathematical or scientific topic. Preparation of some content may require working collaboratively with others on projects
• Exhibit a high level of numeracy, appropriate to a graduate of a numerate discipline
• Prepare, process, interpret and present data using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques
• Use information technology with confidence to acquire and present knowledge, to model and solve practical problems and to develop insight
• Locate scientific information from a variety of sources (e.g. textual, numerical, graphical, computer-based), including review and primary sources, and use it to address scientific problems.

This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.

• In Stage 1, you’ll study 120 credits from the standard start or basic mathematics start.
• In Stage 2, you’ll study two 60-credit modules.
• In Stage 3, you’ll choose two 30-credit physics modules and two 30-credit mathematics modules.

Stage 1 (120 credits)

You’ll study 120 credits from the standard or basic mathematics start.

Standard start

You'll study all three of the following:

• Questions in science (S111)
• Essential Mathematics 1 (MST124)
• Essential Mathematics 2 (MST125)

Basic mathematics start

You'll study all four of the following:

• Discovering mathematics (MU123)
• Essential Mathematics 1 (MST124)
• Essential Mathematics 2 (MST125)
• Physics and space (SM123)

Stage 2 (120 credits)

You'll study both of the following:

• Physics: from classical to quantum (S217)
• Mathematical methods, models and modelling (MST210)

Stage 3 (120 credits)

You’ll choose two 30-credit physics modules and two 30-credit mathematics modules.

• Astrophysics of stars and exoplanets (S384)
• Cosmology and the Distant Universe (S385)
• Electromagnetism (SM381)
• Quantum physics: fundamentals and applications (SM380)

You'll choose two from:

• Applications of probability (M343)
• Complex analysis (M337)
• Computational Applied Mathematics (MST374)
• Deterministic and stochastic dynamics (MS327)
• Graphs, games and designs (MST368)
• Mathematical methods and fluid mechanics (MST326)

Assessment

Our assessments are all designed to reinforce your learning and help you show your understanding of the topics. The mix of assessment methods will vary between modules.

Computer-Marked Assignments

• Usually, a series of online, multiple-choice questions.

Tutor-Marked Assignments

• You’ll have a number of these throughout each module, each with a submission deadline.
• They can be made up of essays, questions, experiments or something else to test your understanding of what you have learned.
• Your tutor will mark and return them to you with detailed feedback.

End-of-Module Assessments

• The final, marked piece of work on most modules.
• Modules with an end-of-module assessment won’t usually have an exam.

Exams

• Some modules end with an exam. You’ll be given time to revise and prepare.
• You’ll be given your exam date at least 5 months in advance.
• Most exams take place remotely, and you will complete them at home or at an alternative location.
• If a module requires you to take a face-to-face exam, this will be made clear in the module description, and you will be required to take your exam in person at one of our exam centres.

Skills for career development

Graduates of this combined degree course will be able to demonstrate that they are multi-skilled and adaptable, with the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary environment. The degree will help you develop a variety of transferable skills that are highly valued in the labour market, including analytical, numerical and communication skills, teamwork, problem-solving and proficiency in using relevant software.

Career relevance

Graduates of this degree are well-placed to enter both scientific and non-scientific jobs. The logical, reasoned approach needed for science study is relevant to a wide range of financial, business and public sector employment. For this reason, science graduates – particularly those who have good communication and interpersonal skills – are very much in demand.

Many graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline, particularly in business, finance, management consultancy and the public sector. Some careers may require further study, training and work experience beyond your degree.

With our unique approach to distance learning, you can study from home, work or on the move.

You’ll have some assessment deadlines to meet, but otherwise, you’ll be free to study at the times that suit you, fitting your learning around work, family, and social life.

For each of your modules, you’ll use either just online resources or a mix of online and printed materials.

Each module you study will have a module website with

• A week-by-week study planner, giving you a step-by-step guide through your studies
• Course materials such as reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities
• Module forums for discussions and collaborative activities with other students
• Details of each assignment and their due dates
• A tutorial booking system, online tutorial rooms, and your tutor’s contact details
• Online versions of some printed module materials and resources.