Mathematics (3 years) BSc (Hons)

Durham University

The three-year BSc Mathematics course gives you the opportunity to study a wide range of mathematics topics, with a particularly large choice of modules in your final year. It will prepare you for many graduate jobs as well as for further study including the PGCE and many MSc courses in mathematics or related subjects.

Our degree covers pure, applied, statistics and probability. You will cover the background to all areas in the first year, while in the second year you can begin to specialise if you want, allowing you to choose to fully specialise in one area, or to choose a broader range of modules in the third year. In your final year, you will develop your research and communication skills in the module Project III.

Specific module availability may change slightly but currently the structure is as follows.

Year 1

The first year consists of 100 compulsory Mathematics credits:

• Analysis (20)
• Linear Algebra (20)
• Calculus (20)
• Programming (10)
• Dynamics (10)
• Probability (10)
• Statistics (10)

Together with a further 20 credits which can be chosen from:

• Discrete Mathematics (20)
• Any other available Sciences, Arts and Social Sciences modules (subject to prerequisites and timetabling).

In the Mathematics modules, topics that may be familiar from A level (or equivalent) are expanded and developed to help you adjust to university life, providing a sound foundation for your Mathematics degree and enabling you to make informed choices when picking modules from second year onwards.

Year 2

In the second year you will choose six Maths modules.

You will take two compulsory modules:

• Complex Analysis
• Analysis in Many Variables

Together with modules from a range which includes:

• Numerical Analysis
• Statistical Concepts
• Mathematical Physics
• Algebra
• A combination of two shorter courses on a wide range of mathematical topics – Elementary Number Theory, Probability, Mathematical Modelling, Geometric Topology, Monte Carlo, Actuarial Mathematics, and Special Relativity and Electromagnetism.

At this stage you can begin to specialise in areas of pure mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics and probability although you can also maintain a wide range of options for the third year.

Year 3

In the third year you take Project III and also choose four taught modules from a wide choice of around 20 modules covering a variety of topics in areas such as algebra, geometry, topology, applied mathematics, mathematical physics, statistics and probability, together with options including Mathematical Finance and Mathematical Biology. Many of these topics are closely linked to and informed by current research. The Mathematics Teaching module involves studying issues related to school mathematics education, observing lessons in a secondary school, and also includes a project.

Project III is a more in-depth double module. The projects give you the opportunity to investigate a mathematical topic of interest, and you will produce a written report and give a short presentation. This develops your research and communication skills which are important for future employment or postgraduate studies.

Placement Year