MSc in Mathematical Modelling and Scientific Computing Handbook (2025-26 Entry)

5. Skills and Learning Development

5.1 Academic Progress

Academic progress will be measured within the department. In each of the first two terms you should expect to meet at least twice with your supervisor and all supervisors will report on student progress at the end of term and at the end of the long vacation via GSR (Graduate Supervision Reporting). The Course Director will also monitor all students’ progress and, in particular, will have access to grades on all the problem sheets. The Course Director will also report on progress at the end of each term and the long vacation using GSR.

During the third term and the long vacation you should expect to meet regularly with your dissertation supervisor(s) (in person during term time, possibly via MS Teams or email during the long vacation). Your dissertation supervisor(s) will then assume responsibility for monitoring and reporting on your progress.

5.2 Learning Development and Skills

Throughout the course you will develop a variety of skills, both academic and transferable. The ways in which these will be developed are detailed in the table below.

Skill	Related teaching/learning method and assessment
Knowledge of core methods of applied mathematics and numerical analysis	Lectures and classes in MT and HT, written examinations in January and April.
Computer coding in Python	Introductory course on Python followed by Practical Numerical Analysis course in MT. Group work in Case Studies in Scientific Computing in HT assessed by individual written report.
Mathematical Modelling	Students work in small groups on a variety of case studies and give oral presentations in MT. Group work in Case Studies in Mathematical Modelling in HT assessed by group presentation and individual written report.
More advanced topics in Modelling, Methods and Numerical Analysis	About 20 special topic lecture courses are available and each student will follow 2 courses and write up a mini project for assessment.
A short research project in an area of applied mathematics and/or numerical analysis	Students work with a supervisor and write a thesis of about 50 pages. The thesis is assessed by the board of examiners who also examine the students viva voce.
Effective oral communication of mathematics	Presentation of work in modelling classes, discussions with supervisors and peers, viva voce examination.
Effective written communication of mathematics	Practised throughout the course on problem sheets, in written reports and in the dissertation.
Ability to learn independently	The dissertation and special topics require students to put together material from a number of sources including lectures, textbooks, and electronic sources, in their own time.
Independent time management	Requirement to produce substantial amounts of written work against class deadlines; necessity to balance academic and non-academic activities without continuous oversight.

5.3 Induction

The induction programme will take place in Week 0 of Michaelmas Term and will consist of an introduction to programming in Python, an introduction to the M.Sc. programme and the department and the related research groups. Several social activities will also take place.

5.4 Skills Training and Development

You will learn Python at the start of the course if you do not already know it. Your computing skills will be developed further in the Practical Numerical Analysis classes, the Mathematical Modelling classes, and the Case Studies.

During Michaelmas Term you will attend the Additional Skills classes. These sessions will provide information about how the course is assessed and advice about special topics as well as covering the use of LaTeX and the web, sources of numerical software, literature searches, communication and career development.

The Mathematical Institute runs a weekly seminar series "Fridays@4" with sessions on skills training, career development, and other topics. You are encouraged to attend any seminars you may find useful or interesting. For further details follow the Fridays@4 link on the seminars webpage. The department also runs a series "Fridays@2" for undergraduate and masters students with information about managing exams and writing mathematical reports as well as some general interest mathematical talks. For further details follow the Fridays@2 link on the seminars webpage. Again, you are encouraged to attend any seminars you may find useful or interesting.

A wide range of information and training materials are available to help you develop your academic skills including time management, research and library skills, referencing, revision skills and academic writing. This information can be accessed through the Oxford students study skills website.

You can also make use of the training opportunities offered, for example, by IT Services.

5.5 Opportunities to Engage in the Department Research Community

The dissertation provides an ideal chance to work on a research project with one or more members of the academic faculty within the Mathematical Institute. During this time your supervisor may encourage you to attend some of the research seminars where academics from outside Oxford present their recent research. You are welcome to attend these seminars earlier in the year, providing the course timetable allows this. There is an online list of such seminars.

There is a small amount of funding available to attend relevant seminars or courses outside of Oxford. Colleges may also have funding for this but you are encouraged to discuss your plans with the Course Director in the first instance.

5.6 Careers Information and Advice

A Jobs for Mathematicians Fair is held annually in November. This will give you the opportunity to find out about careers using maths as well as chance to talk to a wide variety of employers.

The Careers Service can advise students considering continuing studying for a DPhil or PhD as well as providing advice on careers. The Careers Service runs a range of sessions including lunchtime sessions on writing CVs and interview skills. Job vacancies are advertised on the Careers Service website.