5. After First Year

 

In the second and third year of your course many options are available. These vary a little from year to year depending on faculty interests and current research interests. This research-informed teaching means that faculty can use their current research to enhance the lecture courses.

The list of courses currently being taught in the third year can be found at https://courses.maths.ox.ac.uk/. You will receive information on the options, year by year, when it becomes available.

5.1 The Second Year (Part A)

The second year course consists of three compulsory subjects (core material):

  • Linear Algebra (16 lectures),
  • Differential Equations 1 (16 lectures),
  • Metric Spaces and Complex Analysis (32 lectures)

followed by a number of long options (16 lectures each):

  • Rings and Modules
  • Integration
  • Topology
  • Differential Equations 2
  • Numerical Analysis
  • Probability
  • Statistics
  • Fluids and Waves
  • Quantum Theory
  • Geometry

and short options (8 lectures each):

  • Number Theory
  • Group Theory
  • Integral Transforms
  • Calculus of Variations
  • Graph Theory
  • Mathematical Modelling in Biology.

The compulsory core is studied in Michaelmas term, alongside some options. The options are mostly studied in Hilary, and the first half of Trinity term. Each student shall be required to offer 9 written examination papers. These will include 3 papers on the core subjects, 5 papers from the long options and 1 paper on the short options (of which students are recommended to take three). Students may opt to offer an additional paper from the long options and so do 10 examinations in total. Students considering taking an additional long option are advised to discuss this with their college tutors.

The Mathematical Institute is responsible for the delivery of all units except for those on Probability and Statistics, which are the responsibility of the Department of Statistics.

5.2 The Third Year (Part B)

You will take the equivalent of eight 16-hour units in the third year from the schedule of Part B units. Options are available to take double unit extended essays or structured projects. See section 4.9 for further details.

5.3 The Fourth Year (Part C)

If you continue to the fourth year, also known as Part C you will be jointly taught with the OMMS (MSc in Mathematical Sciences) students, you will take the equivalent of a minimum of eight up to a maximum of ten 16-hour units in the fourth year from the schedule of Part C units. Two of these units are a compulsory dissertation. See section 4.9 for further details. Students considering taking more than eight units are advised to discuss this with their college tutors. For further information relating to Part C please refer to the MSc in Mathematical Sciences (OMMS) and MMath in Mathematics (Part C) Handbook: https://courses.maths.ox.ac.uk/mod/book/view.php?id=65591 

5.4 Mathematical and Theoretical Physics (MMathPhys)

Oxford Physics and Oxford Mathematics jointly offer a masters level course in Mathematical and Theoretical Physics. Oxford MMath students will be able to apply for transfer to the MMathPhys mode of the course after their third year and study mathematical and theoretical physics in their fourth year, instead of following the fourth year of their original degree course. The MMathPhys course provides a high-level, internationally competitive training in mathematical and theoretical physics, right up to the level of modern research.

It covers the four main areas: 

  • Quantum Field Theory, Particle Physics and String Theory.
  • Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics.
  • Theoretical Astrophysics, Plasma Physics and Physics of Continuous Media.
  • Mathematical Foundations of Theoretical Physics.

The programme offers considerable flexibility and freedom to design individual pathways. For example, students can aim for a broad theoretical education across subject areas or, alternatively, focus on one of the subject areas above. Studies can be pursued with stronger emphasis on mathematical or on physical aspects.

MMathPhys students will graduate with a Master of Mathematical and Theoretical Physics with a double classification, a BA degree class for the first three years of their study in their original subject and a MMathPhys degree class for their fourth year. For full details see the course website https://mmathphys.physics.ox.ac.uk/.