Mathematics with Computer Science

Description

Mathematics is a fundamental subject that is constantly developing. Yes – it is a discipline in its own right. But it is also the thinking behind countless commercial, industrial and technological activities. Mathematical models underpin engineering, the applied sciences, computing and many aspects of management today. As a Mathematics student you will develop an outlook and high level study skills that will be hugely valuable whatever career path you follow after graduation.

Approximately two-thirds of this course is devoted to mathematical and statistical subjects and one-third to computer science.

The Mathematics course is wide-ranging and covers several application areas. These include finance, statistics, operational research (how Maths can be applied to commercial and industrial problems), numerical analysis and mechanics. You will have the opportunity to specialise at Level 3.

The Mathematics subjects focus particularly on aspects of modern algebra that relate to computer science, and also include a considerable amount of numerical analysis of mathematical problems. In later years, for example, you could specialise in modern encryption methods as used, for example, in Internet transactions. The advanced computing modules include databases and the construction of interactive systems.

Although theory is important, we place equal emphasis on best practice and real world applications.

Mathematics is one of the largest disciplines at Brunel and you will be taught by with staff internationally recognised for their state-of-the-art subject knowledge. In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), nearly 60% of our research in the department was rated ‘World Leading’ or ‘Internationally Excellent’. Within London, the Department of Mathematicss was ranked in the top three. The Department of Computer Science is ranked top in the country in its area in terms of ‘research power’.

Because Mathematics has links with many other disciplines, we offer an excitingly wide choice of courses, each with a different emphasis. These include modules in pure and applied Mathematics, operational research, computer science, finance, information technology and management studies. This structure means that most individual subject modules are not unique to any particular degree.

We are also very active at postgraduate level offering Mathematics MSc courses and research opportunities in many areas. External grants and contracts with industry and government establishments support much of our research – keeping us right at the ‘cutting edge’ and actively in contact with modern uses of Mathematics. The result is that our undergraduate courses are truly up-to-date. For example, you may undertake your major final year project in one of our research areas.

More than 50 academic staff teach our computer science courses, many of whom have a background in the computer industry. Practically all are involved in our applied computing research, which includes software technologies and modelling, people and interactivity, information systems development and evaluation. Many of our academics are nationally and internationally recognised for their work and also have hands-on practical experience. Our lecturers frequently act as consultants for companies who value their innovative insight and expertise.

Aims

We have designed this single honours course for committed mathematicians who also want to become skilled in modern day computing and information systems. Students gain the skills needed to develop their mathematical and statistical knowledge and apply these skills to solve problems in computing, business and other areas.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 14250 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

This course is aimed at those who wish to pursue a career in information technology within industry and commerce. On the Mathematics with Computer Science programme approximately two-thirds of the course is devoted to mathematical and statistical subjects and one third to computer science.

The mathematics element in these courses is wide-ranging, and is concerned in particular with aspects of modern algebra that are related to computer science. Although theory is important, we place equal emphasis on best practice and real world applications.

Typical modules

Level 1

• Linear Algebra

• Calculus and Numerical Methods

• Discrete Mathematics, Probability and Statistics

• Construction of Programs

Level 2 Core

• Linear and Numerical Methods

• Communication Skills and Operational Research

• Algebra and Discrete Mathematics

• Models of Computation and Systems

• Software Engineering Methods

Level 2 Options

• Vector Calculus and Applications

• Analysis

• Statistics

Level 3

• Major Project (core – see below for more)

• Statistics

• Numerical and Variational Methods for PDEs

• Complex Variable Methods and Applications

• Risk and Optimisation in Finance

• Differential and Integral Equations

• Encryption and Data Compression

• Stochastic Models and Mathematical Finance

• Database Systems: Design and Application

• Computer Algorithms and Applications

• Interactive Systems

Final year project

This is a very valuable feature of the Mathematics with Computer Science BSc course – a substantial piece of individual, course-related work personally supervised by a staff member. Projects are often connected to staff research areas and may also be in response to industry demands.

Work on the project accounts for about one-third of your final year study load. Explore in-depth a topic of particular interest to you or work on a practical problem – the choice is yours.

Although students who undertake a work placement year can choose to focus their final year project on their work experience, they may also select from the projects offered each year by the Mathematics staff. During 2010-2011 over 150 project titles were available to final year Mathematics undergraduates. These covered a very wide range of mathematical areas and applications including, for example:

• The very famous ’travelling salesman problem’ (also known as ’the lazy waiter’!)

• The discovery and identification of clustering behaviour in financial markets

• The Mathematics of complex networks such as the web, or even Facebook

• Applications of statistics to the premier league, police complaints data and global warming

• Investigating traffic flow (are traffic lights better than roundabouts?)

In addition to all of these topic areas, our students also have opportunities to study modern theories in quantitative finance, with particular emphasis on the Mathematics and computation underlying the powerful and influential financial derivatives (eg options) industry. Often termed the ‘Black-Scholes theory’, this is famous for winning its discoverers a Nobel prize, as well as for its misapplication often being blamed (rightly or wrongly) for the current worldwide financial crisis.

Most of our projects can be carried out in ways that suit the student's strengths and interests. For example, it is often possible to choose to emphasise concrete applications or abstract theory, and the project can be carried out using theoretical tools only, or computational tools only, or a mixture of both.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 CAE score : 60(Grade C)

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

• GCE A-level ABB, including grade A in Mathematics or Further Mathematics.
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma D*DD plus A-level Mathematics at Grade A.
• BTEC Level 3 Diploma DD in a related subject with an A-level Maths at grade A.
• BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma D in a related subject with A-evels grade AB including an A grade in Maths.
• International Baccalaureate Diploma 33 points, including 6 points in Higher Mathematics.
• Access to Higher EducationDiploma Complete and pass relevant Access course with 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher. Must have 15 Maths level 3 Maths units at Distinction. Applicants must also have an A-level in Maths grade A.

GCSE Mathematics grade C and GCSE English grade C are also required.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Brunel University.