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Regulations MMathPhys

Students are required to take the core modules. Enough options have to be taken in order to raise the total load to at least 120 CATS credits. At least 45 CATS credits must be taken from the lists of optional modules with at least 15 credits from List A. External options may also be chosen subject to approval by the Head of the Department of Physics. The maximum load is 150 CATS credits.

Core Modules Weeks CATS Credit
MA3D1 Fluid Dynamics 15-24 15
PX3A2 Quantum Physics of Atoms 1-10 10
PX3A3 Electrodynamics 1-10 10
PX442 Laboratory for Maths/Physics Students 15-24 15
PX449 Kinetic Theory 15-24 10
Option List A    
MA359 Measure Theory 1-10 15
MA390 Topics in Mathematical Biology 1-10 15
MA3B8 Complex Analysis 1-10 15
MA3G1 Theory of PDEs 15-24 15
MA3G7 Functional Analysis I: Applied Analysis 1-10 15
Option List B    
PX385 Condensed Matter Physics 15-24 15
PX390 Scientific Computing 1-10, 15-19 15
PX399 The Earth and its Atmosphere 1-10 15
PX3A4 Plasma Physics and Fusion 15-24 15
PX3A5 The Standard Model 15-24 15
PX3A6 Galaxies and Cosmology 1-10 15
PX3A7 Statistical Physics 1-10 15
PX3A8 Physics of Life and Medicine 15-24 15

Third Year Modules

Where the timetable permits this and subject to availability of places, you may take most other MA3xx or PX3xx modules (not already taken) not listed above. However you may NOT take PX3A0/PX3A1 Project, PX376 Communicating Science, PX424/PX450 Group Project or PX448 Mathematical Methods for Physicists III.

Load

Where options are taken, so that the load exceeds the normal load, the marks for all modules attempted will appear on your University transcript. The overall year mark will be calculated as the arithmetic mean of the subset of whole modules, weighted according to their credit weighting, which satisfies the course regulations and results in the highest mark.

You should take extra modules only if they interest you. Your Tutor will advise on option choices if asked. Please note that registering for modules and then not attempting the examination may be considered an abuse of the system and could lead to sanctions.

Unusual Options

You may take as unusual options second year mathematics modules you did not take last year.

The modules listed in the formal regulations are the ones that you will automatically be permitted to register for. If you wish to take an unusual option you should consult our document on unusual options. It is our experience that for most students the normal load is the most appropriate load, and only in exceptional circumstances should students take an overload of more than 15 CATS credits. Before contemplating an overload you should discuss it with your personal tutor. We will be monitoring your registrations and you may be asked to discuss the situation with the director of studies.

Progression

Please read the rules concerning progression to the fourth year.

Aims

  • To illustrate the role of mathematics in describing and analysing phenomena observed in nature
  • To offer students the chance to continue their study of pure mathematics
  • To cover the application of quantum and statistical mechanics to describe phenomena in condensed matter and nuclei
  • To expand students' understanding and knowledge of fundamental physics, particularly quantum and statistical physics, and electromagnetism
  • To develop students' ability to work independently and to communicate well

Objectives

At the end of the third year, you should

  1. Have a good understanding of the methodology and techniques of applied mathematics, particularly fluid mechanics
  2. Have an understanding of how quantum and classical mechanics, electromagnetism, and statistical physics can be used to explain phenomena observed in some of: the atmosphere, plasmas, stars and condensed matter
  3. Have worked as a member of a team to complete an experiment and report on its results

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