Undergraduate brochure - Royal Holloway, University of London

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Degree optionsSingle HonoursG103 Mathematics MSci (four-year)G100 Mathematics BSc (three-year)Specialist DegreeG1G3 Mathematics with StatisticsMathematics as a Major Subject (75%)G1R1 Mathematics with FrenchG1R2 Mathematics with GermanG1R3 Mathematics with ItalianG1N2 Mathematics with ManagementG1V5 Mathematics with PhilosophyG1R4 Mathematics with SpanishJoint Degrees (50%)GG41 Computer Science & MathematicsLG11 Economics & MathematicsNG31 Finance & MathematicsGN12 Mathematics & ManagementGW13 Mathematics & MusicGFC3 Mathematics & Physics MSci (four-year)GF13 Mathematics & Physics BSc (three-year)Mathematics as a Minor Subject (25%)R1G1 French with MathematicsN2G1 Management with MathematicsMathematics is a subject that can be studied on its own, orfruitfully combined with a large variety of other academicsubjects. It is sometimes difficult to know which combinationto choose, and we provide as much flexibility as we can in theearly stages of our programmes. We give here a few words aboutvarious combinations that are possible at Royal Holloway. If youwould like further advice about any particular option, then doplease contact our Admissions Tutor.G100 Mathematics BSc (three-year)G103 Mathematics MSci (four-year)Mathematics is unique – at the same time it is both a beautifuland fascinating world of abstract structures and ideas and adown-to-earth, practical subject at the heart of modern scienceand technology. Much of its attraction comes from studying therelations between these aspects; for example an elegant theoremon complex functions also governs the lift on an aircraft wing,and apparently highly abstract algebraic results have importantconsequences in data security. Our degree courses aim to conveythe power, beauty and excitement of the subject.The MSci degree is primarily aimed at those who will continue touse Mathematics at a high level after graduation – for example incommerce, industry or research – while the BSc is aimed at thosewho will use mathematical skills in areas such as administration,management, accountancy and teaching. We realize that onentry, most students will not have decided on a career, so theBSc and the MSci programmes have a common first year, andthe choice between them is made at the start of the second year.Therefore it does not matter which degree you register for initially.G1G3 Mathematics with StatisticsIt was said of Florence Nightingale that ‘the study of statisticswas for her a religious duty’. She realized that to create and run anorganization efficiently, data on its operation must be collected andmade use of when making decisions. Today this view is universallyagreed, although the approach to decision-making is much moresophisticated. In fact, statistics is based on Mathematics, not onlybecause the data used are usually numerical, but because thefundamental concepts of probability theory are closely linked topure mathematics. Therefore, there is a great need for graduateswith a good understanding of Mathematics who can use statisticalmethods correctly, and this course aims to produce such graduates.G1N2 Mathematics with ManagementAll business organizations face problems which are basicallyquantitative, and managers must make decisions on, for example,the allocation or acquisition of resources. Over the last 50 years,mathematical techniques have been applied with great successto routine problems, leaving more time for managers to tacklemore difficult situations. Now, year by year, more powerful andsophisticated techniques are being introduced, so that messy,complicated, ill-posed managerial problems can be handled.Most managers do not have the mathematical backgroundto understand these techniques, while the consultants usedtoo often do not understand the background to the problems.The aim of these degree courses is to fill the gap and providegraduates with some understanding of business, as well as athorough grasp of the appropriate branches of Mathematics.G1R1 Mathematics with FrenchG1R2 Mathematics with GermanG1R3 Mathematics with ItalianG1R4 Mathematics with SpanishGalileo described the universe as a book written in themathematical language, and the concept of Mathematics as auniversal language is a powerful one. Like other languages, it canbe studied for its own sake, and also as a vehicle for transmittingideas. So it is logical to study Mathematics with a foreignlanguage – and this option also opens up a wide range of careers.These programmes combine most of the specialist MathematicsBSc degree with a study of the spoken and written appropriatelanguage. Note that these are three-year degrees and do notinclude a year abroad.G1V5 Mathematics with PhilosophyPhilosophy addresses fundamental questions about knowledge,reasoning, our view of the universe, and their impact onpeople’s lives. Many questions such as, ‘what is a number?’or, ‘is Mathematics discovered or invented?’ are basicallyphilosophical, and Greek philosophers introduced the idea ofapplying Mathematics to describing the universe. The philosophycourses in this programme include Greek and Roman Philosophy,Modern European Philosophy, and the Philosophy of Politics.8 Department of Mathematics
GG41 Computer Science & MathematicsThere is an obvious connection between Computer Scienceand Mathematics – many of the subjects studied by computerscientists are basically mathematical, and there is no branch ofMathematics which has not been radically altered by computertechniques. A degree course in Computer Science & Mathematicswill show that Computer Science is a serious intellectualdiscipline and Mathematics is a relevant and useful subject. Thiscombination opens up a very wide range of career opportunities.LG11 Economics & MathematicsEconomic analysis relies more and more on mathematicalfoundations. Optimal individual behaviour is found throughthe use of calculus, the dynamic properties of economies arestudied with difference and differential equations, and importantresults in welfare economics are established from topologicalproperties. In areas of management consulting and in financialinstitutions, advanced mathematics and computing are vital indetermining the best strategy for the firm and for investing indifferent assets. The Economics courses consider the analysis ofindividual behaviour and markets, with options in financial andindustrial economics and numerous other fields; econometricanalysis shows how to analyse data. The Mathematics coursesconsider the fundamental properties of the Mathematicsused, from calculus to probability and statistics, mathematicalprogramming and game theory.NG31 Finance & MathematicsJust as physical quantities such as distance and time aredescribed numerically, and the laws of physics use mathematics,money is quantitative, and the study of finance needs a goodknowledge of mathematics. This programme provides themathematical skills and the economic background needed, andgives insight into ideas such as risk and return, volatility andthe sophisticated mechanisms observed in financial markets.Graduates from this programme will be well placed to find jobs inthe City, in banking and in financial consultancy.GW13 Mathematics & MusicBoth Mathematics and Music are concerned with the creation,understanding and analysis of abstract patterns. In the 6thcenturyBC Pythagoras and his followers developed a unifiedtheory of arithmetic, geometry and music, based on ideas ofproportion and harmony.This was the μάθημα, or ‘what should be learnt’, from whichthe name Mathematics comes. Though the link betweenMathematics and Music is not so close now, it is still well worthcombining these two subjects.GFC3 Mathematics & Physics MSci (four-year)GF13 Mathematics & Physics BSc (three-year)Mathematics and Physics are two branches of knowledge whichhave formed a fruitful partnership for centuries, enabling us toexplain and predict the behaviour of the universe. They form anatural combination for a degree course. The compulsory core ofthe course contains the fundamental ideas of Physics, the usefulideas and techniques of Mathematics, and the wide range ofoptions available allows you to follow your own interests.The MSci degree is aimed at those who wish to develop anadvanced understanding of how mathematics can describe andpredict the physical universe, and a wide range of transferableskills. It is aimed primarily at those who will continue to usemathematics and physics at a high level after graduation, forexample in research or industry.We realize that on entry most students will not have decided ona career, so the BSc and the MSci programmes have a commonfirst year, and the choice between them is made at the start ofthe second year. Therefore it does not matter which degree youregister for initially.GN12 Mathematics & ManagementManagers in any business are faced with varied and usuallycomplex situations. There are always issues of finance, logistics,inventory control, scheduling and so on – and the skillsdeveloped in a Mathematics degree are just the ones needed.Combine these with a study of Management and Accounting,and you will be well equipped when you graduate.“Our Mathematics department building McCrea, that isreminiscent of a Lego construction, houses the officesof our friendly lecturers and support stuff. They, alongwith my lovely classmates and friends, made studyingthe difficult but interesting subject of Mathematics andcoping with all the highs and lows during the three yearsat Royal Holloway, a smoother journey. The office hoursystem is one to take advantage of – if you tried yourbest and still need help, just go ask for it! “Sharon Wan, BSc Mathematics with ManagementDepartment of Mathematics9
Page 1 and 2: UndergraduateStudiesMathematics
Page 3 and 4: MathematicsContentsThe Department o
Page 5 and 6: Why choose Mathematics at Royal Hol
Page 7: Degree structureAt the centre of ou
Page 11 and 12: Other informationFacilitiesThe Depa
Page 13 and 14: Graduate ProfileAlumna:Dr Helen War
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