1. Introduction

1.7 Glossary

The University of Oxford and its colleges have a unique collection of terminology, many of which are listed in the University glossary

Other useful terminology includes:

Bodcard: An informal name for your student identification / University (library) card provided by your college

Bop: A large college party usually run in the bar or similar location. Undergraduate bops generally admit students from the college in question. Graduate bops are usually much larger and involve many colleges.

Candidate Number: Different to the student number, a unique number assigned to you specifically for assessments.

Classes: Each Part C and MTP lecture course is accompanied by a set of classes (called ‘intercollegiate classes’ if they are held at Part C and ‘classes’ if they are held in Physics.) For Maths courses, these will be run by a tutor and teaching assistant (TA), for Physics courses, these will be led by a TA, and will cover any problems that have arisen from the problem sheets. 

Consultation Sessions: Revision sessions which take place for courses run by the Maths Institute in Weeks 2-5 of Trinity term. 

Consultative Committee for Graduates (CCG): A committee consisting of postgraduate representatives from the Mathematical Institute and the Director of Graduate Studies (Research).

Course: This is used for individual components that mighe described as modules at other institutions. It can also be used to describe the overall MSc programme.  

Examination Schools: The building located on High Street where most in-person written examinations take place. 

GSR: Supervisors submit termly reports as part of Graduate Supervision Reporting.

JSC: Acronym for the Joint Supervisory Committee in Mathematical and Theoretical Physics, consisting of Maths and Physics academics who generally meet once per term to make decisions about the programme. Student representatives also attend these meetings.

MCF: Masters in Mathematical and Computational Finance. A Master’s course run by the Mathematical Institute. 

MFoCS: Masters in Mathematics and Foundations of Computer Science. An MSc course run jointly by the Mathematical Institute and the Department of Computer Science. 

MMSC: Masters in Mathematical Modelling and Scientific Computing. An MSc course run at the Mathematical Institute. 

MPLS: Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division. 

MTP: The acronym for your degree, Mathematical and Theoretical Physics. 

OMMS: Oxford Master’s course in Mathematical Sciences. 

Part C: The term given to the fourth-year undergraduate Maths courses. 

PhysSoc: Oxford University Physics Society 

Practicals: The MTP homework options are also known as practicals 

Proctors: The two Proctors (Senior and Junior) are elected each year by colleges in rotation to serve for one year. The statutes provide that they shall generally ensure that the statutes, regulations, customs, and privileges of the University are observed. They serve on the University’s main committees, and where not members of committees, may receive their papers and attend meetings but not vote. They have responsibilities under the statutes and regulations for aspects of student discipline, for ensuring the proper conduct of examinations and for dealing with complaints. They also carry out ceremonial duties, e.g. at degree ceremonies. 

Student number: The number assigned to your application to the University becomes your student number for the duration of your studies at Oxford. 

Student Self Service: Student Self Service provides access to your record and enables completion of tasks such as exam entry and viewing examination results.