BSc (Hons) Mathematics and Physics University of Lincoln

Taking joint honours in Mathematics and Physics at Lincoln allows students to explore the interplay between these two important disciplines, and the ways in which they co-exist and complement each other.

The degree aims to provide a broad education in mathematics. This includes pure and applied mathematics. This is alongside fundamental and applied physics, enabling students to develop the knowledge and problem-solving skills vital to modern science and technology.

This course is designed to provide a thorough foundation in analytical and numerical methods, practical scientific skills, and research techniques. It gives students the opportunity to develop a range of transferable skills, such as communication and problem-solving.

How You Study

In the first year, students can study modules including Algebra; Calculus; and Electricity, Magnetism, Thermal, and Quantum Physics. Second-year students progress onto modules which include Condensed Matter Physics, Scientific Computing, and Differential Equations, alongside the opportunity to complete a group project. In the third year, students can study Numerical Methods and Statistical Mechanics and have the opportunity to select from a range of optional modules.

The course is taught through lectures, problem-solving classes, computer-based classes, and seminars. In addition to lectures and problem-solving classes, first-year students in the School of Mathematics and Physics can benefit from weekly one-hour tutorial sessions in small groups.

Modules

First Year

• Algebra (Core)
• Calculus (Core)
• Computer Algebra and Technical Computing (Core)
• Electricity, Magnetism, Thermal and Quantum Physics (Core)
• Geometrical Optics, Waves and Mechanics (Core)
• Linear Algebra (Core)
• Probability and Statistics (Core)
• Professional Skills and Group Study (Core)

Second Year

• Algebraic Structures (Core)
• Condensed Matter Physics (Core)
• Differential Equations (Core)
• Electrodynamics (Core)
• Group Project (Core)
• Industrial and Financial Mathematics (Core)
• Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics (Core)
• Scientific Computing (Core)

Third Year

• Numerical Methods (Core)
• Project (Core)
• Quantum Mechanics (Core)
• Statistical Mechanics (Core)
• Advanced Topics of Mathematics and Mathematics Seminar (Option)†
• Advanced Topics of Physics and Physics Seminar (Option)†
• Fluid Dynamics (Option)†
• Group Theory (Option)†
• Mathematics Pedagogy (Option)†
• Methods of Mathematical Physics (Option)†
• Physics of the Universe (Option)†
• Physics Pedagogy (Option)†
• Tensor Analysis (Option)†

† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

Features

Research Informed

Teaching on this course is conducted by academic members of staff who are active researchers in their fields. This research informs teaching at all levels of the programme. Staff conduct cutting-edge research in fundamental and applied mathematics and physics, ranging from pure mathematics to applied nano-science at the interface between biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. The School collaborates with top research institutions in Germany, Japan, Norway, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, and the USA.

Visiting Speakers

The School of Mathematics and Physics regularly welcomes guest speakers from around the world. Recent visitors to the University of Lincoln have included former vice president of the Royal Astronomical Society Professor Don Kurtz, mathematician and author Professor Marcus du Sautoy OBE, and operations research specialist Ruth Kaufman OBE.

Placements

Students in this course are encouraged to obtain and undertake work placements independently in the UK or overseas during their studies, providing hands-on experience in the industry. These can range from a few weeks to a full year if students choose the sandwich year option. Placements may be conducted with external research institutions (which can be overseas). The option is subject to availability and selection criteria set by the industry or external institution. When undertaking optional placements, students will be required to cover their transport, accommodation, and general living costs.

Accreditations and Memberships

This programme currently meets the educational requirements of the Chartered Mathematician designation. This is awarded by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA), when it is followed by subsequent training and experience in employment to obtain equivalent competencies to those specified by the Quality Assurance Agency for taught Master’s degrees. The BSc (Hons) Mathematics and Physics programme is also accredited by the Institute of Physics (IOP).

How You Are Assessed

The course is assessed through a variety of means, including tests, coursework, examinations, written reports, and oral presentations.

Scholarships

For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. The University of Lincoln offers a variety of merit-based and subject-specific bursaries and scholarships

Entry Requirements 2023-24

United Kingdom

• A Level: BBB, to include a grade B from both A Level Maths and Physics (120 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 3 A Levels or equivalent qualifications).
• Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 120 UCAS Tariff points, including 40 points from 15 credits in Maths and 15 credits in Physics
• International Baccalaureate: 30 points overall, with Higher Level Grade 5 in Maths and Physics.
• BTEC qualifications may be considered with a grade B in A Level Maths and Physics. Please contact our Admissions team for further information ([email protected]).
• A combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTEC, EPQ, etc.
• Applicants will also need at least three GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, which must include English, Maths and Science. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may also be considered.

The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry. We will also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.

International

Non-UK Qualifications:

If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.

EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.

If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.

"There is a wealth of materials provided by lecturers for independent study, they also show you where to find information beyond the scope of the module if you are interested and want to learn more."



Margaret-Ann Withington, MPhys Mathematics and Physics student.

Career Opportunities

Graduates may choose to use their problem-solving and analytical skills to develop careers in areas such as research, IT, science, education, consultancy, finance, business, and industry in the UK and overseas. Some may go on to undertake further study at the postgraduate level. Additionally, transferable skills such as communication, problem-solving, and decision-making, which students are expected to develop throughout their studies, are valuable in many spheres of employment.