Mathematics with Theoretical Physics, BSc (Hons), with industry placement

Course summary

Mathematics underpins all models of nature and the fundamental theories which describe our universe from microscopic to macroscopic scales. Whether you are fascinated by the wonder of quantum mechanics, the beauty of fluid dynamics or the elegance of relativity, our Mathematics with Theoretical Physics degree will provide you with powerful mathematical techniques to understand modern physics and give you first hand experience of current research. You will gain creative problem-solving skills that are highly valued by employers, allowing you to shape your future career in industry or progress to postgraduate studies. You will be taught by world renowned researchers with expertise in particle physics, the theory of quantum fields and numerical simulations, who work with CERN and the UK’s Central Laser Facility. A particular strength of this degree is the final-year project which involves you in cutting edge research in high performance computing, the next generation of intense laser facilities, the structure of our universe or emerging quantum technologies.· Obtain a deep understanding of the core mathematics needed in modern theoretical physics during your first and second year.· Choose a variety of research inspired modules, such as relativity and cosmology, quantum computing or fluid dynamics. Learn key modelling skills to describe complex physical phenomena or environmental systems in our Mathematics of Planet Earth module. · Carry out an in-depth final year project in theoretical physics on topics including black holes, quantum cryptography, chaotic dynamical systems or quarks and gluons, supervised by a world leading expert, or solve a problem set by our industrial partners.· Acquire the advanced programming skills that modern science relies on, mastering numerical modelling using Python, R and parallel programming on our high performance cluster. · Enhance your graduate career opportunities with an optional, paid, industry placement between the second and final years. Plymouth graduates have progressed to rewarding careers working at GCHQ, in finance, at the Met Office and in environmental sciences, and have excelled in postgraduate research.· Benefit from being part of the close-knit, collaborative and supportive family that is Mathematical Sciences at Plymouth. This includes small group tutorials, study space next to staff offices, our lecturers’ open-door policy, student-led learning sessions and the Maths Society.· Enjoy new facilities – state of the art lecture theatres, computer laboratories, study and social spaces – in our £50 million teaching and research building opening in 2023.· Core modules are shared with BSc Mathematics allowing the flexibility of easy transfer to our other mathematics degrees.

In year one, build strong mathematical foundations to support future investigations in theoretical physics. Topics include probability and randomness, which are key ideas in quantum theories, and tools such as group theory, which are used to describe fundamental symmetries in nature. Calculus and analysis plus linear algebra, essential for studying higher dimensional theories are also introduced along with an introduction to programming. In second year you will review the evidence for the existence of dark matter and describe Newtonian cosmology using vector calculus. Acquire the mathematical language of quantum mechanics by learning about real and complex analysis. A case studies module introduces the powerful Monte Carlo technique which lies at the heart of statistical mechanics and is used to extract precision results from the Standard Model of particle physics. In your final year the focus is on modern physics and you have a choice of modules. Topics include classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, electrodynamics and special relativity. The mathematical language of the core partial differential equations module is essential. You can conduct a final year theoretical physics project with a supervisor from our theoretical physics research group. Projects have included general relativity and black holes, the gravitational super highway, quantum algorithms, quantum field theory and the quark model. The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.