Mathematics (Geophysical and Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics) MSci

Program Overview

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The MSci Mathematics (Geophysical and Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics) program at the University of Exeter combines mathematical modeling with applications in geophysical and astrophysical phenomena. The program provides students with advanced mathematical modelling skills and knowledge of fluid flows, waves, and instabilities, preparing them for careers in fields such as meteorology, atmospheric science, and oceanography.

Program Outline

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MSci Mathematics (Geophysical and Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics) - University of Exeter

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Degree Overview:

• Combine your passion for mathematics with current applications in the field of fluid dynamics.

• Explore the diverse field of fluid dynamics and study its applications in describing geophysical and astrophysical phenomena.

• Learn from and engage with current research being undertaken within the department.
• Option to take the ‘Commercial and Industrial Experience’ module during the vacation before your third year, allowing you to gain paid work experience in a commercial setting while earning credits towards your degree.

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Outline:

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Year 1:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Foundations of Mathematics (MTH1000):
This module helps students transition from A-level to university-level mathematics.
• Mathematical Structures (MTH1001): This module introduces students to the fundamental concepts of mathematical structures.
• Mathematical Methods (MTH1002): This module covers various mathematical methods used in different fields.
• Mathematical Modelling (MTH1003): This module focuses on the application of mathematical models to real-world problems.
• Probability, Statistics and Data (MTH1004): This module introduces students to the concepts of probability, statistics, and data analysis.

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Year 2:

• Modelling: Theory and Practice (MTH2005): This module explores the theory and practice of mathematical modelling.
• Optional Modules:
• Real Analysis (MTH2008):
This module covers the theory of real analysis.
• Complex Analysis (MTH2009): This module focuses on the theory of complex analysis.
• Groups, Rings and Fields (MTH2010): This module introduces students to the concepts of groups, rings, and fields.
• Linear Algebra (MTH2011): This module covers the theory and applications of linear algebra.
• Statistical Modelling and Inference (MTH2006): This module focuses on statistical modelling and inference.
• Free Choice Modules (up to 30 credits): Students can choose modules from any discipline in the university, subject to approval, prerequisites, timetabling, and availability.

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Year 3:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Fluid Dynamics (MTH3007):
This module introduces students to the fundamental concepts of fluid dynamics.
• Partial Differential Equations (MTH3008): This module covers the theory and applications of partial differential equations.
• Computational Nonlinear Dynamics (MTH3039): This module focuses on the computational methods used to study nonlinear dynamics.
• Research in Mathematical Sciences (MTHM036): This module provides students with an introduction to research in mathematical sciences.
• Optional Modules:
• Theory of Weather and Climate (MTH3001):
This module explores the theory of weather and climate.
• Number Theory (MTH3004): This module covers the theory of number theory.
• Nonlinear Systems and Control (MTH3011): This module covers the theory and applications of nonlinear systems and control.
• Applied Differential Geometry (MTH3013): This module focuses on the application of differential geometry to various fields.
• Mathematics: History and Culture (MTH3019): This module explores the history and culture of mathematics.
• Graphs, Networks and Algorithms (MTH3022): This module covers the theory and applications of graphs, networks, and algorithms.
• Stochastic Processes (MTH3024): This module focuses on the theory of stochastic processes.
• Cryptography (MTH3026): This module covers the theory and applications of cryptography.
• Statistical Inference: Theory and Practice (MTH3028): This module focuses on the theory and practice of statistical inference.
• Mathematics of Climate Change (MTH3030): This module explores the mathematics of climate change.
• Galois Theory (MTH3038): This module covers the theory of Galois theory.
• Topology and Metric Spaces (MTH3040): This module introduces students to the concepts of topology and metric spaces.
• Bayesian statistics, Philosophy and Practice (MTH3041): This module focuses on the philosophy and practice of Bayesian statistics.
• Integral Equations (MTH3042): This module covers the theory and applications of integral equations.
• Statistical Computing (MTH3045): This module covers the use of computers in statistical analysis.
• Functional Analysis (MTH3050): This module covers the theory of functional analysis.
• Commercial and Industrial Experience (EMP3001): This module provides students with the opportunity to gain paid work experience in a commercial setting.
• Free Choice Modules (up to 30 credits): Students can choose modules from any discipline in the university, subject to approval, prerequisites, timetabling, and availability.
• Aerosols, Clouds and Climate (NSC3009): This module explores the role of aerosols, clouds, and climate.

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Final Year:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Fluid Dynamics of Atmospheres and Oceans (MTHM019):
This module focuses on the fluid dynamics of atmospheres and oceans.
• Waves, Instabilities and Turbulence (MTHM030): This module covers the theory and applications of waves, instabilities, and turbulence.
• Magnetic Fields and Fluid Flows (MTHM031): This module explores the interaction between magnetic fields and fluid flows.
• MSci Project (MTHM040): This module involves an independent research project supervised by a member of academic staff.
• Optional Modules:
• Functional Analysis (MTHM001):
This module covers the theory of functional analysis.
• Fractal Geometry (MTHM004): This module focuses on the theory of fractal geometry.
• Mathematical Theory of Option Pricing (MTHM006): This module covers the mathematical theory of option pricing.
• Advanced Topics in Mathematical & Computational Biology (MTHM009): This module focuses on advanced topics in mathematical and computational biology.
• Representation Theory of Finite Groups (MTHM010): This module covers the representation theory of finite groups.
• Advanced Topics in Statistics (MTHM017): This module covers advanced topics in statistics.
• Dynamical Systems and Chaos (MTHM018): This module focuses on the theory of dynamical systems and chaos.
• Modelling the Weather and Climate (MTHM023): This module explores the mathematical models used to study weather and climate.
• Algebraic Number Theory (MTHM028): This module covers the theory of algebraic number theory.
• Algebraic Curves (MTHM029): This module focuses on the theory of algebraic curves.
• Statistical Modelling in Space and Time (MTHM033): This module covers the theory and applications of statistical modelling in space and time.
• Analytic Number Theory (MTHM041): This module covers the theory of analytic number theory.
• Space Weather and Plasmas (MTHM045): This module explores the physics of space weather and plasmas.
• Ergodic Theory (MTHM048): This module covers the theory of ergodic theory.
• Mid-Latitude Weather Systems (MTHM052): This module focuses on the dynamics of mid-latitude weather systems.
• Mathematical Modelling in Biology and Medicine (NSCM005): This module explores the application of mathematics to biology and medicine.
• Data-driven Analysis and Modelling of Dynamical Systems (MTHM062): This module focuses on data-driven analysis and modelling of dynamical systems.
• Uncertainty Quantification (MTHM063): This module covers the theory and applications of uncertainty quantification.
• Module in Physics (PHYMXXX): Students can choose a module from the Physics department.
• Free Choice Modules (up to 15 credits): Students can choose modules from any discipline in the university, subject to approval, prerequisites, timetabling, and availability.
• Free Choice Modules (up to 30 credits): Students can choose modules from any discipline in the university, subject to approval, prerequisites, timetabling, and availability.

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Assessment:

• Assessment for all degrees is through a combination of examinations and coursework.

• Examinations are the more important part of the process, but the coursework helps you to work steadily throughout your degree.

• This is particularly important in Mathematics where the subject matter develops logically as the degree progresses.

• Written examinations for mathematics modules are held in January and May/June of the first and second years and in May/June of each subsequent year.

• Some modules have tests, essays, presentations and/or project reports that contribute to the assessment.

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Teaching:

• All our degrees involve a combination of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, examples classes, workshops and tutorials.

• Most modules in mathematics involve three one-hour lectures per week, so you typically have 12 lectures per week.

• In the first year there are tutorial classes for each module every fortnight, except for modules involving computing or project work.

• Thus in the first year you would typically have around 16 contact hours per week.

• In the first term, the ‘Foundations’ module helps you with the transition from A level to university mathematics.

• You will benefit from teaching by academic staff comprising internationally-recognised mathematicians, scientists and practitioners active across a wide range of topics in pure and applied mathematics, statistics and applications.

• As you progress through your degree, you will hear about the latest mathematical research and have opportunities (for example, the independent research project) to become actively involved in a research project yourself.

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Careers:

• The MSci Mathematics (Geophysical and Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics) provides advanced mathematical modelling skills, an understanding of the interplay between analytical and numerical methods, and knowledge of the physics of fluid flows, waves and instabilities.

• Such applied mathematics expertise is of great importance to commerce and society and this programme is suitable for careers including meteorology atmospheric science and oceanography.

• Exeter has an excellent reputation with graduate recruiters and a strong employment record.

• Our Careers Service also host a wealth of employer activity, such as Careers Fairs, so you’ll never be short of chances to network with potential employers.

• You have the choice to take an optional ‘Commercial and Industrial Experience’ module during the vacation before your third year.

• This opportunity allows you to gain paid work experience in a commercial setting while earning credits towards your degree programme.

• Professional experience not only develops your CV but helps you to determine your career aspirations.

• The broad-based skills acquired during your degree will give you an excellent grounding for a wide variety of careers, not only those related to Mathematics but also in wider fields.

• Examples of roles recent graduates are now working as include:
• Accountant
• Actuary
• Analyst Programmer
• Business Analyst
• Credit Risk Analyst
• Data Science Developer
• Investment Analyst
• Software Engineer
• Statistician

• Supportive department prioritising contact time between students and staff.

• If you complete 60 credits of modules in one of the subjects below, you may have the words 'with proficiency in [e.g.
Social Data Science]' added to your degree title when you graduate.

• A Foreign Language
• Data Science
• Entrepreneurship
• Innovation
• Law
• Leadership
• Social Data Science
• 72% say staff value students views and opinions about the course.

• 84% of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well.

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UK students: £9,250 per year International students: £27,000 per year