Keele University Prospectus Undergraduate | 2016 | Page 152

COMPUTING AND MATHEMATICS

Mathematics and Physics
Overview

The interconnected disciplines of Mathematics and
Physics both involve high levels of abstraction and
conceptual sophistication yet can contribute to many
of the world’s most pressing needs. The influence
of the two areas is felt more broadly than ever with
new applications being found in medicine, finance,
communications, the internet, green technology
and the arts. Both subjects have long traditions with
well established roles in industry, science, computing
and engineering.
In mathematics there is a variety of modules
to choose from in pure, applied and statistical
mathematics, and there is the option to complete
individual and group project work. Several of the
mathematics staff are engaged in research that is
closely related to areas of theoretical physics such
as fluid mechanics and waves. In physics, as well as
investigating the key ideas of classical and modern
physics, you will have the opportunity to complete
research orientated modules and projects. There are
unique observatory facilities at Keele and numerous
optional astrophysics modules in the third year.

Course content
First year
The aim of the first year is to establish a foundation
of learning in the core areas of mathematics and
physics on which more advanced study can be built.

• Abstract Algebra
• Operational Research
In physics you will take the following four
modules which include laboratory work and an
experimental team project as well as further
mathematical methods.
• Quantum Mechanics
• Optics and Thermodynamics
• Statistical Mechanics and Solid State Physics
• Nuclear and Particle Physics
Third year
In your final year you will study more advanced
and focused material in both mathematics and
physics. You will choose four mathematics modules
from the list below, each of which covers an applied,
pure or statistical area of mathematics in some
depth. Some of the applied options relate closely
to theoretical physics.
• Partial Differential Equations
• Nonlinear Differential Equations
• Waves
• Fluid Mechanics

• Complex Variable II

• Mathematical Modelling
• Dynamics
• Numerical Methods

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• Linear Algebra

In physics you study modules in Mechanics, Gravity
and Relativity, The Nature of Matter, Oscillations
and Waves and Electricity and Magnetism. These
modules include mathematical methods and
laboratory work.

You will also choose two modules from the following:

U

• Analysis II

• Relativity

In mathematics you will study core modules in
Differential Equations and in Complex Variable
and Vector Calculus which are both very pertinent
to mathematical physics.

DU

• Analysis I

In mathematics you will take two modules in calculus
and two in algebra which together encompass
material on univariate and multivariate differential
and integral calculus, differential equations, sets,
functions and number systems, vectors and matrices
and optimisation. These ideas are developed in a
more rigorous style than at A-level.

Second year
With the foundations in place, the second year begins
the process of in depth study in many different
branches of the two disciplines.

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• Numerical Analysis
• Mathematical Biology
• Professional Mathematics
• Graph Theory
• Group Theory
• Logic
• Codes and Cryptography
• Ring