Program Overview

Spectral Theory (MATH0071)

Key Information

• Faculty: Faculty of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
• Teaching department: Mathematics
• Credit value: 15
• Restrictions: This module is normally taken (at level 7 UG) by fourth year students on single or combined honours mathematics degrees, who have taken MATH0018 Functional Analysis and MATH0019 Multivariable Analysis and ideally also MATH0017 Measure Theory. It may also be taken (at level 7 PG) by students on the MSc in Mathematics.

Alternative Credit Options

There are no alternative credit options available for this module.

Description

Spectral theory came to prominence when quantum mechanics was introduced in modern physics. In quantum mechanics classical quantities (position, momentum etc) are represented by operators (bounded, unbounded, self-adjoint etc). The eigenvalues of these operators are the only precise measurements of the quantity. Without requiring knowledge of physics, this course introduces the fundamentals of such operators and the space of their eigenvalues, which is called the spectrum.

Module Deliveries for 2026/27 Academic Year

Intended Teaching Term: Term 2, Postgraduate (FHEQ Level 7)

Teaching and Assessment

• Mode of study: In person
• Methods of assessment:
  • 90% Exam
  • 10% Coursework
• Mark scheme: Numeric Marks

Other Information

• Number of students on module in previous year: 0
• Module leader: Dr Steven Flynn

Intended Teaching Term: Term 2, Undergraduate (FHEQ Level 7)

Teaching and Assessment

• Mode of study: In person
• Methods of assessment:
  • 90% Exam
  • 10% Coursework
• Mark scheme: Numeric Marks

Other Information

• Number of students on module in previous year: 0
• Module leader: Dr Steven Flynn

Last Updated

This module description was last updated on 10th March 2026.