Mathematics (Climate Science) MSci

Program Overview

---

The MSci Mathematics (Climate Science) program at the University of Exeter combines mathematical modelling, fluid dynamics, and statistics to provide students with an in-depth understanding of climate science. The program prepares graduates for careers in climate-related fields, research and development, and other sectors requiring strong mathematical skills. It also offers opportunities for paid work experience, study abroad, and proficiency in a second subject.

Program Outline

---

MSci Mathematics (Climate Science) - University of Exeter

---

Degree Overview:

This program is designed for students passionate about mathematics and its applications in climate modeling.

---

Key Features:

• Focus on Climate Science: The program emphasizes the application of mathematics to climate modeling, a crucial aspect of understanding and addressing global climate change.
• Chartered Mathematician Designation: The program is accredited by the Institute of Mathematics, meeting the educational requirements for the Chartered Mathematician designation.
• Practical Experience: Students have the option to take the "Commercial and Industrial Experience" module during the vacation before their third year, allowing them to gain paid work experience in a commercial setting while earning credits towards their degree.

---

Outline:

---

Year 1:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Mathematical Structures (MTH1001):
Introduces fundamental mathematical structures and concepts.
• Mathematical Methods (MTH1002): Covers essential mathematical methods and techniques.
• Mathematical Modelling (MTH1003): Explores the application of mathematical models to real-world problems.
• Probability, Statistics and Data (MTH1004): Introduces probability theory, statistical methods, and data analysis.
• Foundations (MTH1000): Provides support for background knowledge from A-level, particularly for students who did not take Further Mathematics.

---

Year 2:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Differential Equations (MTH2003):
Covers the theory and applications of differential equations.
• Vector Calculus and Applications (MTH2004): Explores vector calculus and its applications in various fields.
• Optional Modules:
• Real Analysis (MTH2008):
Delves into the rigorous study of real numbers and functions.
• Complex Analysis (MTH2009): Explores the theory of complex numbers and functions.
• Groups, Rings and Fields (MTH2010): Introduces abstract algebra concepts like groups, rings, and fields.
• Linear Algebra (MTH2011): Covers the theory and applications of linear algebra.
• Modelling: Theory and Practice (MTH2005): Provides a deeper understanding of mathematical modeling techniques.
• Statistical Modelling and Inference (MTH2006): Focuses on statistical modeling and inference methods.
• Free Choice (XXXXXX): Students can choose up to 30 credits from any discipline in the University, subject to approval, prerequisites, timetabling, and availability.

---

Year 3:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Fluid Dynamics (MTH3007):
Explores the principles and applications of fluid dynamics.
• Mathematics of Climate Change (MTH3030): Focuses on the mathematical aspects of climate change.
• Computational Nonlinear Dynamics (MTH3039): Introduces computational methods for analyzing nonlinear systems.
• Research in Mathematical Sciences (MTHM036): Provides an introduction to research methods in mathematics.
• Theory of Weather and Climate (MTH3001): Covers the theoretical foundations of weather and climate.
• Optional Modules:
• Number Theory (MTH3004):
Explores the properties of integers and their relationships.
• Mathematical Biology and Ecology (MTH3006): Applies mathematical methods to biological and ecological problems.
• Partial Differential Equations (MTH3008): Covers the theory and applications of partial differential equations.
• Nonlinear Systems and Control (MTH3011): Explores the analysis and control of nonlinear systems.
• Applied Differential Geometry (MTH3013): Introduces differential geometry and its applications.
• Mathematics: History and Culture (MTH3019): Explores the historical and cultural context of mathematics.
• Graphs, Networks and Algorithms (MTH3022): Covers graph theory, network analysis, and algorithms.
• Stochastic Processes (MTH3024): Introduces the theory and applications of stochastic processes.
• Cryptography (MTH3026): Explores the mathematical principles behind cryptography.
• Statistical Inference: Theory and Practice (MTH3028): Focuses on statistical inference methods and their applications.
• Galois Theory (MTH3038): Covers Galois theory and its applications in algebra.
• Topology and Metric Spaces (MTH3040): Introduces topological concepts and metric spaces.
• Bayesian statistics, Philosophy and Practice (MTH3041): Explores Bayesian statistics and its philosophical foundations.
• Integral Equations (MTH3042): Covers the theory and applications of integral equations.
• Bayesian Data Modelling (MTH3044): Introduces Bayesian methods for data modeling.
• Statistical Computing (MTH3045): Covers computational methods for statistical analysis.
• Functional Analysis (MTH3050): Explores the theory of functional analysis.
• Commercial and Industrial Experience (EMP3001): Provides an opportunity for paid work experience in a commercial setting.
• Free Choice (XXXXXXX): Students can choose up to 30 credits from any discipline in the University, subject to approval, prerequisites, timetabling, and availability.
• Aerosols, Clouds and Climate (NSC3009): Explores the role of aerosols and clouds in climate.

---

Final Year:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Fluid Dynamics of Atmospheres and Oceans (MTHM019):
Focuses on the fluid dynamics of atmospheric and oceanic systems.
• Modelling the Weather and Climate (MTHM023): Covers advanced methods for modeling weather and climate.
• MSci Project (MTHM040): Students undertake an independent research project under the supervision of a faculty member.
• Optional Modules:
• Functional Analysis (MTHM001):
Covers advanced topics in functional analysis.
• Fractal Geometry (MTHM004): Explores the theory and applications of fractal geometry.
• Mathematical Theory of Option Pricing (MTHM006): Introduces mathematical models for option pricing.
• Advanced Topics in Mathematical & Computational Biology (MTHM009): Covers advanced topics in mathematical and computational biology.
• Representation Theory of Finite Groups (MTHM010): Explores the representation theory of finite groups.
• Advanced Topics in Statistics (MTHM017): Covers advanced topics in statistical theory and methods.
• Dynamical Systems and Chaos (MTHM018): Explores the theory and applications of dynamical systems and chaos.
• Algebraic Number Theory (MTHM028): Covers algebraic number theory and its applications.
• Algebraic Curves (MTHM029): Explores the theory of algebraic curves.
• Waves, Instabilities and Turbulence (MTHM030): Covers the theory and applications of waves, instabilities, and turbulence.
• Magnetic Fields and Fluid Flows (MTHM031): Explores the interaction between magnetic fields and fluid flows.
• Statistical Modelling in Space and Time (MTHM033): Covers statistical models for spatial and temporal data.
• Analytic Number Theory (MTHM041): Covers analytic number theory and its applications.
• Space Weather and Plasmas (MTHM045): Explores the physics of space weather and plasmas.
• Ergodic Theory (MTHM048): Covers ergodic theory and its applications.
• Mid-Latitude Weather Systems (MTHM052): Explores the dynamics of mid-latitude weather systems.
• Mathematical Modelling in Biology and Medicine (NSCM005): Applies mathematical models to biological and medical problems.
• Modules in Geography (GEOMXXX): Students can choose modules from the Geography department.
• Data-driven Analysis and Modelling of Dynamical Systems (MTHM062): Covers data-driven methods for analyzing and modeling dynamical systems.
• Uncertainty Quantification (MTHM063): Explores methods for quantifying uncertainty in mathematical models.
• Free Choice of Level M Module (XXXMXXX): Students can choose up to 30 credits from any level M module in the University.
• Free Choice of Level 3 Module (XXX3XXX): Students can choose up to 15 credits from any level 3 module in the University.

---

Assessment:

• Combination of Examinations and Coursework: Assessment is through a combination of examinations and coursework.
• Emphasis on Examinations: Examinations are the primary component of assessment.
• Coursework for Steady Progress: Coursework helps students to work steadily throughout the degree, particularly important in mathematics where the subject matter develops logically.
• Written Examinations: Written examinations are held in January and May/June of the first and second years and in May/June of each subsequent year.
• Other Assessment Methods: Some modules may include tests, essays, presentations, and/or project reports.

---

Teaching:

• Combination of Teaching Methods: The program utilizes a combination of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, examples classes, workshops, and tutorials.
• Lectures: Most modules involve three one-hour lectures per week.
• Tutorials: Tutorial classes are held every fortnight for most modules, except for those involving computing or project work.
• Private Study: Students are expected to spend about 20 hours per week in private study.
• Personal Tutors: Each student is assigned a personal tutor for guidance and support.
• Research and Practice-Led Culture: The program is taught by internationally recognized mathematicians, scientists, and practitioners active in various fields of pure and applied mathematics, statistics, and applications.
• Research Opportunities: Students have opportunities to become involved in research projects, including the independent research project in the final year.

---

Careers:

• Mathematical Modelling Skills: The program develops mathematical modeling skills that are highly sought after in various research and development roles.
• Climate-Related Careers: Graduates are well-suited for careers in companies concerned with climate, such as crop production, energy suppliers, and environmental consultants.
• Strong Employment Record: The University of Exeter has a strong employment record and graduates excel in specialist mathematical fields and across a broad range of other sectors.
• Employer Engagement: The university hosts events with local and national employers, including mock interviews, CV workshops, drop-ins, and lectures.
• Careers Service: The university's Careers Service provides support for career exploration and job searching.
• Professional Experience: Students can gain paid work experience in a commercial setting through the "Commercial and Industrial Experience" module.
• Career Paths: Graduates pursue careers in various fields, including:
• Accountant
• Actuary
• Analyst Programmer
• Business Analyst
• Credit Risk Analyst
• Data Science Developer
• Investment Analyst
• Software Engineer
• Statistician
• Tax Manager

---

Other:

• Study Abroad: Students have the opportunity to study abroad at partner universities in Europe, USA, Canada, Australia, and China.
• Supportive Department: The department prioritizes contact time between students and staff.
• Proficiency in a Second Subject: Students can gain proficiency in a second subject, such as a foreign language, data science, entrepreneurship, innovation, law, leadership, or social data science, by completing 60 credits in that subject.

---

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