External summary

Mathematics is one of mankind’s great intellectual adventures and although it started many thousands of years ago it has never been more active than it is now.  It is an essential tool in all Sciences, but has an especially long and fruitful association with Physics.  From the Ancient Greeks through Newton to Einstein and today’s Higgs boson, the two subjects have developed in tandem. Mathematics is the language in which Physics is expressed and problems from Physics have lead to the development of much of Mathematics.

Mathematics at university level is about having a thorough understanding of why things are true, why procedures achieve the results they do, what their limitations are.  With this, we develop the ability to generalise or otherwise adapt our knowledge to apply to new situations.  Mathematics is a subject where we start with basic truths, or clearly stated assumptions, and follow through to conclusions depending only on reasoning.  A fundamental idea is that of abstraction:  taking the fundamental mathematics from a situation and working out its consequences so that it can be applied in seemingly different areas that have the same underlying mathematical structure.

Educational aims of programme

We aim to use the world-class expertise in Mathematics and Physics at Ediburgh to offer students the opportunity to study a combination of the two subjects reflecting the latest research in both areas.

The programme aims to develop students in to mathematicians and physicists who have the knowledge and skills necessary to use the subjects in employment, further education, or in any appropriate situation where logical reasoning and analysis or understanding physical systems is required.  

The programme offers the following :

• Strong coverage of Mathematics and Physics as  intellectual endeavours and as a tool in applications.
• Training in the ways of thinking and practising of  professional mathematicians and physicists:  problem-solving, the axiomatic method, calculation and computing, scientific  and logical thinking.
• Development of communications skills in a scientific context: reading, writing and presenting technical material.
• The opportunity to do sustained work on a topic individually or as part of a group.
• Exposure to mathematics and physics and their applications in the modern world.
• An environment where students take responsibility for their learning and academic staff facilitate individual intellectual development.

Most courses involve lectures, tutorials and private study from books and other materials.  Most assessment is by examinations which are intended to test understanding and problem-solving based on the area of study.  Tutorials in the early years are generally in a studio environment that promotes teamwork and cooperation, guided by staff.  There are also a number of points in the programme where students do project work, normally assessed by a combination of a written report and an oral presentation.

Programme outcomes: Knowledge and understanding

Graduates will have studied a balanced curriculum of core mathematics in their early years, and have chosen to specialise in one or two areas, or to take advanced topics across a range of areas in their final years.  A typical graduate will have the following :

• Knowledge and understanding of core mathematics and physics.
• Knowledge and understanding of a selection of advanced topics in mathematics and physics.
• A good level of skill in calculation and manipulation.
• The ability to develop and evaluate mathematical arguments.
• The ability to approach problems scientifically.
• Skill in abstracting the essentials of problems, formulating them mathematically and obtaining solutions by appropriate methods.

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in research and enquiry

Typical graduates will be able to do the following :

• Research topics (particularly those which link to mathematics) using all appropriate sources of information.
• Approach sources of information with an open but critical mind, analysing them thoroughly and logically.
• Carry out sustained work requiring background research followed by further analysis.
• Analyse problems by reducing to essentials, by considering simplified models, considering boundary cases and counterexamples.
• Analyse arguments by identifying assumptions both explicit and implicit, and checking that the conclusions are fully supported by logic.
• Provide proper references and appropriate citation.

The research skills are developed during independent study of texts and other sources of information that feature in courses throughout the programme.  These skills are particularly developed and assessed during project-based work.

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in personal and intellectual autonomy

Typical graduates will be able to do the following :

• Think abstractly about structures and problems.
• Solve problems independently or as part of a group by logical analysis.
• Approach information in the spirit that it needs to be criticised, checked and understood, rather than simply believed.
• Notice and appreciate open problems and approach them in a spirit of adventure and enquiry.
• Understand that deep problems can be present even in seemingly elementary things.

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in communication

Typical graduates will be able to do the following :

• Communicate mathematical arguments and conclusions effectively and accurately.
• Communicate well on technical and non-technical subjects.
• Present logical arguments clearly in written and oral form.

We have a number of courses which develop skills in, and are assessed on the basis of, written and oral presentations.

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in personal effectiveness

Typical graduates will be able to do the following :

• Work constructively both individually and as part of a team.
• Plan and undertake and report on a substantial project.
• Reflect on their progress.

We promote communication from the early years, teaching in small groups in a 'studio' environment in which students are strongly encouraged to participate actively.

Group projects feature as part of courses in later years and the final year of the programme contains a substantial project or equivalent undertaking.

Programme outcomes: Technical/practical skills

The programme includes some training in computing which provides a sound basis for the application of IT in numerous areas.

Programme structure and features

The programme structure is full-time, four-year Scottish Bachelors with Honours with entry at first or second year level and is fully compliant with the University's Curriculum Framework and Scottish Qualification Framework.  Details of the Programme's requirements for any specific academic session are provided in the University of Edinburgh's Degree Regulations & Programmes of Study:  http://www.drps.ed.ac.uk/.

Teaching and learning methods and strategies

Most courses are delivered using lectures and tutorials.

Several early-years courses are delivered using Peer Instruction:  a technique where the class discusses multiple-choice questions set be the 'lecturer' and responds using electronic audience response systems, usually called 'clickers'.  This is part of a commitment in the School to introduce interactive engagement methods that promote deeper learning. 

Feedback is a vital aspect of learning and students have tutorials throughout the programme that provide opportunities for more personal teaching than lectures.  Lecturers, and indeed all members of staff, are available to help if students have problems.

Assessment methods and strategies

Most courses are examined mainly by examinations.  Many examinations are 'open book' so that notes and/or textbooks are permitted.  This reflects the principle that it is understanding which is important rather than just memorisation of facts.

Career opportunities

Mathematics and Physics graduates from the University of Edinburgh find a wide range of careers open to them.  The logical, analytical and practical problem-solving skills you learn during your degree are sought after by employers.  Many of our recent graduates have been employed by large firms in the financial and business sector, or have gone on to work in aircraft engineering, software engineering, investment analysis, transport logistics and teaching, to give but a few examples.  Others pursue further study at Masters of Doctoral level in the UK or overseas.

Other items

Personal Tutors

Each student is assigned a Personal Tutor who provides both academic and pastoral guidance.  Throughout a student's time at the University, the Personal Tutor guides the student in his/her choice of courses and provides general support.  Courses are administered and run through the Mathematics Teaching Organisation.  Detailed online course information is provided through the University's Degree Regulations & Programmes of Study pages, and also through 'Learn' software for students enrolled on a course.  Students also have access to a Mathematics Student Learning Advisor who provides support and study advice, particularly in early years.

Other Opportunities

We have a 'Mathematics Engagement Officer' who works on communicating our research and mathematics more generally to the outside world and students have opportunities to participate in this work as part of their development. 

Each summer, the School has a number of students working on 'Vacation Scholarships' where they undertake study and research beyond the usual curriculum under the guidance of a member of academic staff.

Equality and Diversity

The School of Mathematics is fully committed to the University of Edinburgh policies promoting equality and diversity.  See http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/equality-diversity.