Undergraduate study

• High success rates
• Sympathetic tutorial support system
• Excellent staff-student ratio
• Mathematics ranked 6th in the UK in the 2011 National Student Survey for overall satisfaction

In modern society there are very few areas of knowledge and practice in which mathematics does not play a part. Applications are well-established in commerce, science and technology, but mathematics is contributing increasingly to areas affecting quality of life such as health and the environment. Consequently, as a subject of study, mathematics possesses great diversity, and it offers a wide range of opportunities to identify areas that relate to our own interests, concerns, and aspirations.

The Keele course is designed to cover many different types of mathematical thinking and to illustrate its applicability in a range of practical contexts. As students progress, they will be able to select modules that reflect their personal interests and aptitudes. Students arrive from a range of mathematical backgrounds. To ensure that all new students are suitably prepared, we offer diagnostic testing facilities. Moreover, within the tutoring system, support is available to consolidate mathematical capability and to facilitate successful progression through the course. Although many students will have studied some statistics or mechanics at A-level, specific knowledge of either area is not assumed.

IT is having a profound impact on the teaching, learning and practice of Mathematics. We are equipped with our own computing laboratory incorporating sophisticated mathematical software which stimulates and motivates both insight and understanding. Support is available during the first year to bring you to a level of competence which will enable them, throughout their undergraduate programme, to take maximum advantage of our IT facilities.

Mathematics is particularly proud of its reputation for both the academic and pastoral care of its students. Staff members are concerned for, and responsive to, the needs of their students. An active Staff-Student Liaison Committee provides a regular forum for constructive debate on how we can continually improve the quality of our teaching.

The modules in the first two years provide a broad-based foundation for more specialised studies in the third year.

First year

The first year modules include two modules on Calculus, which cover  essential techniques and results  in an explanation orientated way, in contrast to A-level. There are also two modules on Algebra, the first of which introduces the need for rigour in Mathematics and develops the ability to construct logical arguments, and the second of which covers linear algebra and linear programming.  The Calculus modules are supported by a computer-based component that provides on-line tutorials and further practice on essential techniques.

Second year

The modules that follow in the second year build on first year modules and cover key ideas in pure and applicable mathematics. Students are able to choose optional modules, depending on their particular interests.

In the Autumn Semester, the modules are:

Differential Equations

Plus one module from:

Abstract Algebra
Linear Algebra
Operational Research II
Numerical Methods
Probability

The Spring Semester modules are:

Complex Variable and Vector Calculus

Plus one module from:

Analysis
Dynamics
Stochastic Processes
Mathematical Modelling
Linear Models

Third year

There is considerable choice, subject to timetabling and prerequisite constraints. Dual Honours students study four option modules according to their mathematical interests. The topics available vary from year to year but are likely to include modules on:

Graph Theory
Group Theory
Logic
Coding and Cryptography
Non-linear Differential Equations
Partial Differential Equations
Fluids
Waves
Complex Variable
Relativity
Numerical Analysis
Mathematical Biology
Number Theory
Ring and Field Theory
Probability
Models
Medical Statistics

One final year module may also take the form of a dissertation on an approved topic.

Students may transfer to Single Honours Mathematics up until the end of the first semester.

Dual Honours Course can be combined with:

Major and Foundation courses available:

Dual Honours students take four Mathematics modules in each of their three years.  In the first two years, each module involves three lectures and a problem-solving class, every week; delivery of third year modules is more flexible, owing to the smaller size of the groups, but normally involves three contact hours per week. We pay careful attention to the attendance and individual progress of our students. In the first year, there are class tests which usually countr for 30% of the final module mark. In the second and third years, regular assignments typically count for 20% of the final module mark. In most cases, a two-hour examination counts for 80% in second and third year modules, and for 60% in first year modules, there being some credit given for participation in first year problem-solving classes.

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As well as the specific expertise and skills relating to course content, students will continually be developing the kind of logical and analytical thinking which characterises the discipline of Mathematics. It is this quality which marks out the Mathematics graduate, not only as a skilled practical scientist, but also as a potential strategic planner and decision-maker in any complex situation. Therefore there are many opportunities open to well-qualified mathematicians in industry, commerce, finance, education and research, and our graduates have very high employment rates.

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Mathematics and Economics or Finance

Mathematics is an ideal subject to take alongside Economics or Finance: either combination provides an excellent preparation for postgraduate study, or careers in the City, commerce, accountancy, actuarial work or the financial sector. Many areas of both Economics and Finance are highly quantitative in nature; for example, linear algebra is the main tool used in the study of macroeconomics, and calculus is used extensively in the study of microeconomics. In Finance, an important application of Mathematics is in the trading of derivatives, made famous in recent years by the Black-Scholes equation. Mathematics students may, if they wish, choose from statistical options in their final year; currently these options are: Probability Models and Medical Statistics. In addition, students may undertake a final year dissertation that can be in any agreed area of Mathematics. Examples of dissertations include: ‘Regression and Time Series Analysis of Economic Data’; ‘Financial Modelling’; and ‘The Knapsack Problem and its Applications in Industry and Commerce’.

Mathematics and Physics

Mathematics contains a strong research group in Applied Mathematics and this is reflected in the courses available, particularly in the final year. Students currently have the option of choosing from Mathematics modules in: Non-Linear Differential Equations; Partial Differential Equations; Fluid Mechanics; Relativity; Waves; and Numerical Analysis. In addition, students may undertake a final year dissertation that can be in any agreed area of Mathematics. Expertise exists within the Mathematics staff in most areas of Applied Mathematics and theoretical mechanics and hence a wide range of dissertations have been completed, including: ‘Reflection, Transmission and Radiation of Waves in One and Two Dimensions’; ‘The Problem of Three Bodies’; ‘Theoretical and Computational Analysis of the Inverted Forced Pendulum Equation’; ‘The Interaction Between Two Self-Oscillating Systems’; ‘Active Control of Sound and Vibrations’; Creating a Mathematical Model for Architectural Acoustics’; ‘Chaos in a Non-linear Electronic Circuit’; and ‘The Dirac soliton’.

Mathematics ranked 6th in the UK in the 2011 National Student Survey for overall satisfaction.