The school offers a number of scholarships to students who perform particularly well in their A levels (or equivalent). For further details please see http://www.ph.bham.ac.uk/prospective/und...
The close interdependence between mathematics and the physical world permeates much of our understanding of the world around us. If you are fascinated by using mathematics to describe the physical world, this exciting degree programme is for you.
Modern applied mathematics has provided many concepts that have revolutionised physical thought in unexpected directions. For example, the discovery of nonlinear wave pulses, ‘solitons’, originally in the context of water waves, led to dramatic progress in elementary particle physics.
The Birmingham degree is unique in recognising this close relationship. It has a carefully constructed combination of mathematics – including nonlinear equations required to describe shock waves – together with a solid education in classical and quantum theoretical physics.
In the first two years the course consists of roughly equal contributions from the Schools of Mathematics and Physics. In the later years of the programme (particularly for the MSci), you have considerable freedom to emphasise either mathematics or physics.The theoretical physics topics covered include quantum field theory and general relativity (which describes cosmology and black holes), while the diversity of applied mathematics modules is illustrated by Geophysical Fluid Dynamics and Financial Mathematics.
Institute of Physics accreditation
This programme has recently been accredited by the Institute of Physics. This accreditation is an independent, rigorous and valid assessment of our programmes, which has several advantages for our students. For example, holders of accredited degrees are eligible to follow a route to corporate membership of the Institute and to the CPhys professional qualification. There are also a number of IoP bursaries available (further information can be found at http://www.iop.org ).
Career opportunities
You graduate with excellent skills in the mathematical modelling of complicated situations – skills that are in great demand in industry. You also develop sharp oral and written presentation skills. You can opt for a career in both theoretical physics and applied mathematics. You can teach either mathematics or physics, or you can find employment in the financial sector, where good mathematical and numerical skills are vital.
Entry requirements
Other qualifications are considered – see the entry requirements section for full details
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