MatheMatics& statisticsWithPLYMOUthUNiVeRsitYUNDERGRADUATE

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MatheMatics& statisticsOur degrees allow you to choose to study from a wide range of exciting topics in pure and applied mathematics, statistics, theoretical physics and high performance computing. We have two emphases: understanding and proving results mathematically and using them to solve real world problems. We are very proud of the support that we offer our students and the facilities available to them. Our lecturers are experts in their research areas and we consistently score very highly for student satisfaction in the National Student Survey. Mathematics teaches people to think clearly and our graduates have excellent career opportunities.

SPECIAL FEATURES• All our courses provide a balance of

knowledge and skills, delivered and developed through lectures, tutorials, practical sessions and a variety of assessment methods.

• Students have the opportunity to work independently and in groups on a number of project-based tasks and can develop their ability to communicate technical mathematics clearly in oral, visual and written forms.

• An optional paid placement year between the second and final years of the degree can be spent in industry.

• As a mathematics graduate you will have expertise in computer software and programming. This includes the numerical computing software Matlab, the computer algebra system Maple, and the professional statistical computing and graphics environment R.

• All of our degrees feature approximately 18 hours of contact per week over six modules each year.

• You will be taught by leading mathematicians: in the UK 2014 Research Excellence Framework 11% of our research papers were classified as World Leading, 57% as Internationally Excellent and 30% as Internationally Recognised.

• Our personal tutor system supports your personal development through individual and small group meetings. Your personal tutor will be one of your lecturers whom you will regularly meet in classes.

• A mathematics degree requires hard work: we have an open door policy and provide excellent support to our students. A well equipped student common room gives students a place to study, discuss and practise presentations. In the latest National Student Survey we gained 97% for “Overall I am satisfied with the quality of the course”.

• An intense, introductory module for the first four weeks enables a smooth transition to university mathematics.

• As you will take at most three modules at any one time, you can focus on the new material.

• A common first year across our degrees gives a sound basis for future years and flexibility to move between courses as your interests develop.

• We use technology to support your learning. Our students receive an individual Apple iPad mini. This is used to access our library of podcasts, online videos, ebooks and electronic copies of lecture notes, as well as enabling instant in-class feedback and interactivity.

• Examples of some of these materials are available via our You Tube mathematics collection. To find out more visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/maths.

• Our mathematics and statistics drop-in centre in the library, SUM:UP, is open from 10am till 4pm Monday to Friday during teaching periods. This is staffed by lecturers, support staff, post-doctoral researchers and PhD students.

• Students are given software and copies of lecture notes.

• Mathematics and Statistics Entrance Scholarships worth up to £1000 are available for those who excel in their A levels and accept our conditional or unconditional offer before the 1st of August 2015. To find out more visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/maths

• Overseas exchanges are offered on all courses and are organised in conjunction with academic staff. Exchanges inside Europe are partially funded by the EU’s Erasmus scheme.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS The standard requirement for our mathematics degrees is 320 points from a minimum of two A levels including grade A in mathematics A level or an equivalent qualification.

“I found the mathematics degree at Plymouth University challenging but very rewarding. The lecturers are friendly, approachable and very supportive. The course exposed me to a wide range of mathematics and I was able to direct my study based on my prospective career path using the knowledge and skills built up over the degree.”

Dan Hodges - Financial AnalystLegal & General

“My best memory of university is meeting loads of new people, all of whom had a passion for mathematics. The Plymouth courses are very practical and give lots of opportunities to gain the academic and personal skills required to succeed in industry.”

Kay Johnson – Project Manager, IBM

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time studying Mathematics at Plymouth University. All the different branches of mathematics that you study help you learn to follow logical patterns to get from the problem to the solution. This has really helped me have a very interesting and fulfilling career.”

Dominic Klee – Portfolio Manager, State Street Global Advisors

We are very proud of the support offered to our students.

Bsc (hons) MatheMaticsThis course covers the main themes of pure and applied mathematics. It develops your problem solving and analytic skills. The degree contains a range of stimulating and exciting concepts which you will use to solve problems from industry, finance and science. Final year modules include applied topics such as partial differential equations and pure material such as topology and abstract algebra.

SPECIAL FEATURES• In the first year we build upon A level

but also introduce completely new topics such as number theory, group theory and geometry.

• In the second year new techniques such as vector calculus and transform theory are developed to prepare for our varied final year options such as fluid mechanics and dynamical systems. There is also a project module that allows students to pursue an interest in depth.

• Small group tutorials and presentations allow you to develop your communication skills and to strengthen your understanding of the underlying mathematics.

LEARNING OUTCOMES As well as helping our students appreciate the great beauty of mathematics, we equip our graduates with skills to make them extremely employable. We aim to nurture graduates into critical and creative thinkers with the confidence to achieve their aspirations.

Graduates will possess a good level of skill in deploying methods, techniques and results from a range of major areas of mathematics. This includes a systematic understanding of the importance of logical argument, the

processes and pitfalls of numerical computation and the need to solve problems rigorously and in generality. They will appreciate the process of mathematical thinking and be aware of the assumptions made in their analyses.

Graduates will be able to learn independently using a variety of media including books, journals and the internet. They will be able to transfer skills and apply them in new contexts.

RESEARCHOur students are taught by internationally recognised researchers based in our Centre for the Mathematical Sciences. Major research themes in mathematics include: • Applied mathematics such as fluid dynamics, carbon sequestration, numerical analysis and engineering applications such as modelling wave-structure interactions• Environmental modelling and

dynamical systems (the study of the evolution of systems described by differential equations with application to mathematical biology, chaos and neural systems)

• Pure mathematics including knot theory, combinatorics and differential algebra.

• Computational mathematics including large scale simulations of quantum field theories both on our own high performance cluster and on supercomputers around the world

• Cryptography, including the decoding of MI9 messages from World War 2

• Our industrial links include collaborations on supercomputing with IBM, automotive research with the Mahle group and work with Research Instruments on heat flow in biological tissue.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Choosing to study mathematics will open up a very wide range of well-paid careers. A mathematics degree from Plymouth is highly respected by employers. Recent destinations of our mathematics graduates include Babcock International, GCHQ, Ernst and Young, KPMG, Lloyds TSB, the Met Office, Misys and Techmodal Ltd. We run dedicated careers events for our students who are also introduced to our Careers Gateway in year one. Talks from our alumni and various professional organisations also help our students to form their career objectives.

“The course provided good coverage of pure and applied mathematics, with plenty of options to choose from. I particularly enjoyed the final year project, choosing a particular area of mathematics to explore in more detail with some independent study. This was a very rewarding part of the course. As well as the mathematics knowledge gained from the degree, other skills such as writing, presenting and researching have been particularly useful. Since completing the degree I have been required to call upon various aspects of mathematics covered by the course, including the programming skills gained through the numerical analysis modules.”

Louise Duncan – Oceanographer

“My degree from Plymouth University gave me an essential introduction to numerical mathematics and mathematical programming – and these are the basis of modern applied mathematics in all industries. As well as delivering superb teaching, the maths lecturers were very supportive of their students and ensured that the courses were not only educational, but enjoyable.”

Peter Jermey – Data Assimilation Scientist, The Met Office

Soap films help visualise minimal surfaces in Vector Calculus in the second year.

Bsc (hons) MatheMatics & statisticsStatisticians and data scientists have excellent career prospects. Their highly transferable skills are applicable in fields ranging from medicine to finance and even journalism. Graduates of this degree are distinguished by their sound training in mathematics and professional skills in statistics.

SPECIAL FEATURES• This course includes high level

mathematical and statistical theory with a wide range of real world applications.

• In the first year we build upon A level but also introduce completely new topics such as analysis and the statistical computing and graphics environment R. This software is becoming the industry standard and is used by companies such as Expedia and Facebook.

• In the second year new techniques such as regression modelling and Monte-Carlo methods for probabilistic simulations are developed. The final year offers a wide choice of topics including time series and financial applications, medical statistics, multivariate analysis and partial differential equations.

• The excellence of our statistics teaching is attested to by the award of two National Teaching Fellowships in statistics in recent years and our hosting the International Centre for Statistical Education (ICSE).

LEARNING OUTCOMES As well as possessing high levels of numeracy and other subject-specific skills, a typical graduate will have developed a range of more general expertise. These include the use of specialist software such as R and Simul8 and the ability to communicate effectively orally, visually and in written form.

One of the main aims of this degree is for graduates to be able to identify the essentials of a problem, formulate and solve it and evaluate the limitations of the analysis. They are also able to present arguments and conclusions effectively and accurately.

RESEARCHIn addition to the research themes mentioned for BSc (Hons) Mathematics, statistics research at Plymouth includes medical statistics (such as running a large study of dental health management across the UK, screening and epidemiology), spatial statistics (used for mapping crimes and diseases), image analysis (reconstructing degraded images with bio-medical and industrial applications), Bayesian small area modelling (to produce detailed disease burden maps) and financial statistics (including risk management).

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES As well as the many careers open to mathematicians, this degree gives you the highly practical skills of a statistician. In the modern world with ever increasing access to large amounts of data statistical methods are essential and the ability to spot patterns and extract information and meaning is very powerful.

Statisticians are in extremely high demand across all sectors of employment. For example, they are very much needed in medicine (such as running clinical trials) and in finance (for example as an actuary estimating financial risk). Other applications of statistics include modelling electricity and gas pricing or deciding the odds of sports events. Some of our graduates each year proceed to funded places on MSc programmes in statistics.

Employers of our graduates from this degree include: the Drug Safety Research Unit, Glory Global Solutions, KPMG, London & County Mortgages, Nomura Holdings, PAREXEL International, Sparx - Illuminating Learning and Towers Watson.

“Studying at Plymouth was the right decision I made for a career in statistics. I wouldn’t be where I am now if it was not for the high level of support I received and the wide variety of topics I learnt during my undergraduate studies. I really appreciated the open door policy among members of staff in the department as it enabled more contact time in areas I found challenging. My degree gave me a firm foundation for my postgraduate studies and career prospects. The department provided up to date information on different career paths, which meant that my next step was a result of making an informed decision.”

Milensu Shanyinde – Medical Statistician, Oxford Clinical Trials Unit

“The most important features of the modules were that they all included applied real-life problems to convey the subject matter and offered the flexibility to bring in information on the latest techniques and approaches. In terms of the courses themselves, the mathematical modelling, statistical modelling, operational research and numerical analysis have all constantly been drawn upon in my career.”

David Yearling – Head of Data Analysis and Knowledge Discovery, BT Retail

Dr Paul Hewson, our second National Teaching Fellow in Statistics. Dr Hewson’s teaching focus is on statistical reasoning. He is regularly invited to lecture overseas and has recently given guest lectures at the University of Bologna, Italy, and the African Institute of Mathematical Sciences.

Bsc (hons) MatheMatics With edUcatiONThis course gives you a solid foundation in mathematics with a strong link to education in the final year, providing students with a smooth transition to a teacher training course such as a PGCE. You will have opportunities to work on educational projects and outreach work. The strong emphasis on mathematics means that, while you get the opportunity to taste teaching, all other mathematical careers are open to you.

SPECIAL FEATURES• A final year school placement module

lets you work in a secondary or primary school for a morning a week for two terms supporting mathematics teaching.

• Your individual final year project allows you to explore an area of mathematics education in depth and prepares you for PGCE type assignments in the future.

• The mathematics education team brings a wide range of expertise to the degree and leads the Further Mathematics Support Programme in the South West.

• There is a great deal of mathematics outreach work in Plymouth which students are encouraged to be involved in.

LEARNING OUTCOMES As well as helping our students appreciate the great beauty and power of mathematics, we aim to prepare graduates of this degree for a career in mathematics teaching. Graduates will have the opportunity to gain experience of mathematics education and be ready to start professional training as a teacher. The high level mathematical skills on the degree also help graduates obtain good jobs in other fields should they so choose.

RESEARCHOur Centre for Teaching Mathematics has a distinguished track record in research. There is special expertise in the use of technology in teaching, mechanics and student understanding of mathematics. Staff have experience in leading A level examinations and the design of the A level syllabus. The editor in chief of the International Journal for Technology in Mathematics Education is one of our lecturers as is the editor of Teaching Statistics: An International Journal for Teachers. The International Centre for Statistical Education is based in Plymouth and provides expertise and material for statistical education. The environment is further enriched through interactions with research students working towards an MPhil or PhD in mathematics education. Graduates of this degree are also able to register for these research degrees, once they have gained some teaching experience.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES The programme provides an excellent foundation for a career in teaching through the provision of the final year education modules alongside the mathematics core. The school based module helps students to decide if teaching is the right career for you. It also provides valuable experience which can be advantageous if considering progression onto a PGCE or alternative teacher training programmes. The high level mathematical content of this degree means that, should you decide teaching is not for you, you have a strong knowledge base to use for other careers.

Graduates of this degree are heads of mathematics departments, deputy heads, secondary mathematics teachers and primary school teachers. Non-education employers of graduates of this course include IBM and loyalty management company, Aimia Inc.

“The course at Plymouth was superb. I was able to consolidate and extend my mathematics skills whilst at the same time gaining enough experience in schools to decide if teaching was a career I wanted to pursue. The education side of the degree involved both the practical side of teaching and the theoretical aspects of the profession. I was able to go into a school on a regular basis, observe lessons and gradually build up to leading a class. At the same time I was also looking in detail at the theory behind how teachers teach and how pupils learn, a vital aspect of teaching.”

Nathan Riseborough – Head of Mathematics, Devonport High School for Girls

“I am now in my second year of teaching and have been given responsibility for Mathematics at Key Stage 5 in my school. The research carried out in my dissertation has given me greater insight into the dynamics of the classroom climate. The passion for teaching and learning, ignited through this research, allows me to frequently reflect on and improve my practice in my day-to-day teaching.”

Sara Henshall – Mathematics Teacher, Camborne Science & International Academy

Students have the opportunity on this degree to gain essential classroom experience.

Bsc (hons) MatheMatics With FiNaNceFinance is driven by mathematics whether you are working out the price of a financial instrument such as an option, measuring exposure to risk or auditing a company. This course equips you with high level mathematical and statistical skills to put you a step ahead in the financial world. Additionally you gain a solid understanding of the financial world and experience with professional software.

SPECIAL FEATURES• The degree includes high level

mathematical and statistical techniques from the core of our mathematics degree plus financial applications ranging from accountancy to financial markets and investment management.

• The degree is mostly taught by mathematics and statistics lecturers but there is also considerable input by staff from the Plymouth Business School.

• The final year includes stochastic calculus which is used for modelling fluctuating financial markets. Other important techniques for finance include statistical analysis and optimisation.

LEARNING OUTCOMES A main aim of this degree is to equip students with the ability to apply mathematical techniques which are central to financial applications with the objective of making them extremely employable. First year topics involve essential techniques such as calculus, matrices and vectors but also include an introduction to accountancy and finance. Students also develop their ability to solve problems numerically in mathematics and statistics. Understanding financial institutions and modelling financial markets are features

of the second year while the study of differential equations and advanced calculus gives students key tools. In the final year partial differential equations and stochastic calculus methods give our graduates the ability to work with sophisticated financial models. Other mathematical techniques important for the financial world include optimisation methods and the study of non-linear systems. Graduates can gain expertise in widely used software such as Bloomberg Professional service, R and writing macros in Excel. Our aim is to help our graduates approach real world problems with confidence in their analytical and technical skills.

RESEARCHThe principal research themes in financial mathematics and statistics include: statistical models for financial risks, extreme value theory, time series estimation and forecasting for economics and finance (for example exchange rate modelling) and stock market modelling through statistical field theory.

Lecturers based in Plymouth Business School, who teach on this degree, also carry out research on portfolio management, asset pricing, option

theory, interest rate modelling and volatility modelling.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Choosing to study Mathematics with Finance will open up a very wide range of well-paid careers such as actuarial work, investment banking, accountancy, credit risk management or financial analysis.

Plymouth graduates are currently employed in a large number of financial posts including international banks and the Big Four accountancy companies.

Financial employers of our graduates include the Audit Commission, Deloitte, KPMG, Legal & General, Lloyds Banking Group, NatWest, Capital One Bank, Ernst and Young , Rightmove and Wellers.

“Obtaining a Mathematics with Finance degree from Plymouth University opened many opportunities career wise and enabled me to think about many varied career paths. It has enabled me to see things from a different point of view and ask questions that other people wouldn’t think of. It improved my analytical skills and also basic skills such as organising time to fit in both a social and a work life, which is especially important now that I am studying as well as working full time.”

Sarah Rutter – Financial Analyst, Ricoh UK

“Whilst studying Mathematics with Finance, I found that the lecturers were very supportive and always available if you needed any help or advice. This, along with the fact that the university was very well resourced and the module content was interesting and stimulating, helped me a lot in obtaining my job.”

Charlotte Wells – Accounting/Auditing Assistant at Francis Clark LLP

Students can gain experience with industry standard Bloomberg terminals

Bsc (hons)MatheMatics With hiGh PeRFORMaNce cOMPUtiNGMathematical computer simulations have for many years been crucial to weather prediction, the design of novel materials, advanced engineering and many other applications. Indeed, computer simulations are regarded as being as important as experiments in testing and development. Such work requires the use of high performance computing (HPC) systems together with a rigorous understanding of the underlying mathematical theories. Experts in programming supercomputers, who have strong analytical skills, are in high demand in many industries including the analysis of big data.

SPECIAL FEATURES• You can master advanced

mathematical techniques such as Markov Chain Monte Carlo and areas such as fluid dynamics, graph theory and optimisation, where HPC skills are of great importance.

• In the first year learn to write programs in Matlab and the R programming language - used for big data analysis by companies such as Google.

• In the second year you will learn a modern object-oriented programming language and use a supercomputer.

• In the final year undertake a mathematics project using our parallel cluster, supervised by an expert researcher.

• Optional final year statistical modules give you expertise in data analysis and modelling.

LEARNING OUTCOMES Graduates will have high level skills so that they can model mathematical, statistical and scientific problems. They will also have studied the underlying algorithms required to frame such problems for HPC solutions.

Our graduates will be able to write computer programs in a modern object orientated language running on many cores. They will have experience of using our cluster to run their code.

Our graduates will know about different types of supercomputers, such as those based on a large number of cores, or using graphical processing units (GPU’s).

RESEARCHOur mathematical physics group use advanced high performance computers to study theoretical physics to high precision. In applied mathematics there are HPC studies of computational fluid dynamics and cryptanalysis and there are pure mathematics simulations in stochastic game theory. These research projects are computationally demanding and our lecturers have used large parallel computer systems around the world. There is also local statistical and operations research expertise in analysing large sets of health data and financial portfolio optimisation.

In our industrial collaborations we use HPC simulations in automotive and medical research.

We run a dedicated cluster of PC cores for research and teaching and are a recognised NVIDIA research centre as well as being an NVIDIA teaching centre.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES In today’s knowledge economy, the use of larger and faster computers is increasingly important. Graduates with excellent mathematical analysis skills coupled with expertise in high performance computing are highly sought after. Plymouth University graduates use computer systems in aeronautics, catastrophe modelling, data mining, financial systems engineering and web data analysis.

“Plymouth University’s School of Computing and Mathematics comprises a dedicated, supportive group of people, each of whom endeavours to give students all the help they need to achieve the best results possible. I found my final year project (Quantum Computing) a good way to show technical awareness and display a knowledge of the leading research in computing.”

Duane Appleby - Level 3 Support Team Lead, IBM

In my final year I worked on a project spanning thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, high-performance computing and Monte Carlo simulations. In doing so I was given the opportunity to work with the University’s super computer. I’ve been given the technical, logical and contextual framework necessary to forge a deep understanding of the new ideas I’ll meet throughout my career.

Darren MooneyStatistical Analyst, IntelligentOptimisations

Dr Antonio Rago’s code is used by Fujitsu and IBM to benchmark their supercomputers

Bsc (hons)MatheMatics With theOReticaL PhYsicsAn insight into modern theories of nature is afforded only by a sound understanding of mathematics. In this course you will become fluent in mathematics as a language to describe, analyse and predict natural phenomena. Final year modules encompass Classical and Quantum Mechanics, Electrodynamics, Relativity, Fluid Dynamics and Partial Differential Equations.

SPECIAL FEATURES• The first year builds the mathematical

foundations. Material from A-level mathematics is extended and completely new topics such as number theory, graph theory and group theory are introduced.

• In the second year, new analytical techniques such as vector calculus and transform theory and new numerical techniques such as Monte Carlo methods and mathematical computing form the preparation for specialisation to theoretical physics.

• The final year includes modules on theoretical physics and the opportunity to perform an individual project to pursue an interest in depth, supported by a supervisor active in theoretical physics research.

• This degree is recognised by the Institute of Physics for the purposes of membership.

LEARNING OUTCOMES Why does E=mc2, why are we searching for dark matter and why can we never know a particle’s position and momentum at the same time? These questions and more will be covered in theoretical physics modules. In doing

so, students will appreciate the beauty of mathematics in describing nature from subatomic to intergalactic scales and on the way will master techniques that are extremely attractive for future employers.

Graduates will possess strong problem-solving skills, not only in abstract thinking, but particularly in applying mathematical methods to solving real-world challenges. Emphasis on theoretical physics develops an intuition of how to analyse and predict complicated systems wherever they occur and the ability to translate abstract concepts such as symmetry to physical principles.

RESEARCHThe understanding of theoretical physics ranges from sub-nuclear forces to the properties of matter under extreme conditions such as in the early universe or in high-power laser experiments.

• We use supercomputer simulations to study elusive states of matter and to predict previously undiscovered quantum physics.

• We explore the foundations of the quantum world including precision predictions from the Standard Model and describe quantum effects such as phase transitions and vacuum energies.

• Our research explains the behaviour of electromagnetic charges in the most intense laser fields, the seeding of electron-positron cascades and how lasers can manipulate the quantum vacuum.

The group benefits from strong links with CERN and the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES There are many career pathways open to mathematicians and a specialisation in theoretical physics demonstrates to potential employers an aptitude for being able to apply mathematics in a variety of contexts.

In addition to research in the natural sciences, methods from theoretical physics find application in finance (Black-Scholes equation), optimisation and logistics, meteorology (Navier-Stokes equation) and throughout engineering.

“One of the things that attracted me to the degree course at Plymouth was that it allowed me to study a mixture of pure and applied modules. The pure courses gave me a good grounding in the subject (and helped satisfy my curiosity) while the applied courses taught me about how maths is used in different areas. The lecturers operated an open door policy and were always willing to help.”

Chris Harvey – Postdoctoral researcher in Laser-Plasma Physics, Chalmers University, Sweden

“My background in mathematical methods has proved critical over the years, particularly as the analysis of X-ray diffraction data requires such a wide range of techniques. The “instinct” I have been able to build up on how algorithms should work has been particularly valuable, as this has often accelerated problem solving.”

Dr Graeme Winter - Scientist at Diamond Light Source

Mathematics is the basis of a fundamental understanding of nature

MatheMatics & statistics With FOUNdatiON YeaRThis course, taught by university lecturers, is ideal for students who wish to study a degree in mathematics or statistics but whose academic qualifications will not allow them to enter directly onto one of our degrees. Successful completion of the foundation year guarantees progression onto the first year of any of our mathematics courses.

SPECIAL FEATURES• The foundation year degree is taught

on campus by university lecturers, so you are part of the university from the start.

• We have over twenty years’ experience of teaching at foundation level, and will bring the best out of your abilities so that you are able to start on the first year of one of our degree programmes with confidence.

LEARNING OUTCOMES On the foundation year, you will study mathematical methods, applied mathematics (mechanics), statistics, computer programming and also an advanced module designed to give you insight into the world of university level mathematics. The content equates to A level Mathematics plus some of the Further Mathematics syllabus.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Progression to the first year of any of our mathematics or statistics degrees is guaranteed if you achieve 50% or above on the foundation year.

“Returning to education after a 10-year break, I decided to enrol on the foundation year to bring my mathematics skills back up to speed. The foundation year not only boosted my knowledge and understanding, but also my confidence prior to starting my undergraduate studies. I successfully graduated with a first class honours degree.”

Andrew Bailey – Medical Statistician, Tamar Science Park

aPPLied statistics With MaNaGeMeNt scieNceStatisticians are some of the world’s best paid professionals. All businesses require high level statistical skills for analysis and modelling. This final year entry course is roughly two thirds applied statistics and one third management science. Applicants with a higher diploma or an associate degree in Statistics and some knowledge of business should apply directly and will be considered individually.

SPECIAL FEATURES• The statistics content covers practical

applications in areas including business, finance and management. The course also includes optimisation techniques.

• The management science content of this course may be chosen from one of the following pathways: quantitative finance or practical economic modelling.

• The course offers you experience in professional software and other technical skills in high demand by employers.

MODULES The year features the following three core themes:• Optimisation• Multivariate Statistics and

Experimental Design• Financial Mathematics and Time

Seriesplus one of • Individual project• Series of group mini-projectsone from

• Stochastic Models with Financial Applications

• Practical Economic Modellingand one from • Bayesian Statistics• Medical Statistics.

RESEARCHOur lecturers are at the forefront of their subjects and the degree is strongly informed by their research in statistics.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Many of our graduates have gone on to extremely successful careers in industry, finance and academia. Employers include BskyB, Central Bank of Seychelles, Everything Everywhere Ltd, KPMG, SPSS Hong Kong, HK Poly U and Tung Wah Eastern Hospital.

“The lecturers provided great support and also advice on our learning progress and career development. Compared with courses in Hong Kong it was more practical with many interesting modules that I could choose from.”Elegance Lam – Medical Statistician, University of Hong Kong

“Lots of our coursework and projects use real life data for analysis. Although that means it can be more difficult, this is the real life situation we will face after graduating. I prefer this way of learning more than just learning the knowledge but not knowing how to use it.”Juliet Chan – HK Census and Statistics Department

YEAR ONETopics include:• Single and multi-variable calculus• Linear algebra (vectors and matrices)• Complex numbers • Probability (using R)• Reasoning and analysis (with examples

from coding theory)• Programming and numerical methods

(using MATLAB and Maple)• Abstract algebra, topology and

geometry.

YEAR TWOTopics include:• Advanced calculus and vector calculus• Transform theory• Ordinary differential equations • Real and complex analysis• Operational research• Monte Carlo methods• Statistics and regression modelling• Mathematical computing.

FINAL YEARTopics include:• A project module• Partial differential equations• Financial mathematics and time series• Classical and quantum mechanics• Fluid dynamics• Electrodynamics and special relativity• Multivariate statistics and experimental

design

• Bayesian statistics• Medical statistics• Optimisation, networks and graphs• Algebra and geometry• Differential geometry• A school or industrial placement.

More detailed descriptions of modules are available via www.plymouth.ac.uk/maths

ACCREDITATION

BSc (Hons) Mathematics, Mathematics and Statistics, Mathematics with Education and Mathematics with Finance are approved to meet the educational requirements of the Chartered Mathematician designation awarded by the Institute of Mathematicsand its Applications.

Graduates of BSc (Hons) Mathematics and Statistics and of Applied Statistics with Management Science can, with appropriate professional training and experience, obtain Chartered Statistician status awarded by the Royal Statistical Society.

cONteNt OF OUR deGReesA common first year in our degrees allows students the flexibility to move between courses as their interests develop. There is a great deal of choice in the final year where you can choose between various project modules and also select from a large range of taught modules depending upon your interests and career plans.

“My role is to develop simulation models that help the rest of the team to experiment, plan and justify their decisions.”

Jake Andrews -Business Simulation Modeller, Babcock International Group

“As a result of my degree KPMG allocated me business modelling assignments and additional training to audit the clients’ IT systems.”

Gareth Tucker – Certified Accountant, KPMG

“One thing I found was that a mathematics degree is truly about as flexible a degree as there is.”

Mark Skipper – Trainee Scientist at Defence Engineering & Science Group

“As a student I never imagined that after my degree I would be referring to my course notes as often as I do now. It just goes to show how well my degree equipped me for the real world.”

Brad Metcalf – Medical Statistician, EarlyBird Diabetes Trust

“The School of Computing and Mathematics has a dedicated and enthusiastic group of staff willing to help any student achieve the highest possible grade.”

Amy Patch – Business Planning Analyst, Ocado

“The skills I’ve acquired help me understand both the logic behind the code and enable me to solve specific problems due to their mathematical content.”

Jacquiline Train - Junior Developer Misys

“When I left Plymouth University with my degree in Maths I was immediately offered a job with BAE Systems where I worked as a Systems Engineer for two years.”

Maria Leijerstam – Senior Business Improvement Consultant and owner of Multisport Wales“I decided upon actuarial work for a

variety of reasons; I would be working in a mathematics and statistics area, I would be able to use the computer modelling skills I had developed and there was a clear path of future development for me.”

James Bennett – Junior Actuarial Analyst, Lloyds Banking Group

“The course was very interactive and I was able to develop my ability in statistical modelling and analytical thinking.”

Gina Ally – Financial Analyst, Central Bank of Seychelles

“Plymouth gave me all the necessary skills to be successful and I am tremendously grateful.”

Aaron Loveridge – Relationship Manager, AES International, Brussels

caReeRsMathematics degrees equip graduates with skills highly sought after by potential employers, such as problem solving and logical thinking. Specific high-level skills such as those in statistical analysis or in IT are useful or essential for many jobs. Mathematics and Statistics graduates from Plymouth University can thus achieve a wide range of stimulating and well paid careers. Here are just some examples of what our graduates have done.

“I’m using the knowledge gained in my degree every day whilst setting up the odds for a particular tennis, football, rugby or even Korean basketball match! I also use maths when writing up the statistics at the end of each game. Without my degree I wouldn’t have been able to do this job, and without Plymouth University I wouldn’t have known this job existed!”

David Jones – Sports Trader, BetVictor, Gibraltar

“Applying for a job as a weather forecaster at the Met Office I found myself well qualified. My degree dissertation in atmospheric dynamics was probably the reason why I was initially shortlisted for the job.”

Clare Nasir – Weather Forecaster, ITV

PLaceMeNts

“It has been a brilliant experience that I would recommend to anyone, meeting a collection of skilled and like-minded people, and even landing a post-course job offer.”

Andrew Eastman – Placement with computer gaming company Jagex Ltd

“When I left Condé Nast, they advertised for a new intern but changed the job description to ask candidates to have a maths/statistics based degree with a good understanding of Excel. This was changed after I had worked with them and they now realise how much a mathematics graduate could bring to the company.”

Rebecca Whawell – Analyst Aimia Inc

Our students are helped to obtain a year-long placement both by the Faculty’s placement officers and by a dedicated member of the mathematics lecturing staff. This requires putting together the equivalent of a full job application. Placements are typically paid at least £17,000 per year. Recent placements have included pharmaceuticals giants Eli Lilly and Glaxo-Smith-Kline, the Department for Communities and Local Government in Whitehall, Vauxhall Motors, Hitachi UK, reinsurance company Swiss Re, VirginCare Ltd and automotive parts supply company Visteon Corporation. These 48 week long placements provide valuable experience and ensure your CV stand out in the eyes of prospective employers.

A placement or strategically chosen summer job is an excellent way of gaining work experience and insight into possible careers. Typically students taking a placement year develop their skills, knowledge and confidence and return better placed to meet the challenges of their final year.

Tag cloud of words in our students’ undergraduate project titles.

Mathematics students on a paid internship in local government.