BSc (Hons) Mathematics and Physics Q77
Thank you for your interest in our BSc (Hons) Mathematics and Physics.
This fact sheet gives an overview of what you’ll study at
Stages 1, 2 and 3 of the qualification, and provides links
to more detailed module descriptions.
Studying mathematics and physics to degree level will change
the way you think about the world. Discoveries being made
now in mathematics and physics have the potential to
transform our lives – and this course enables you to take
part in the intellectual adventure.
You’ll develop knowledge and
understanding of key physical
concepts and their underpinning
mathematical theory, learn how to
use essential methods and relevant
software, and acquire skills in
communicating arguments and
conclusions clearly and concisely.
In this course you’ll explore the concepts of
modern physics, including Newtonian
mechanics, special relativity, electromagnetism
and quantum mechanics. You’ll also have the
opportunity to get plenty of practice with the
tools of applied mathematics, including
mathematical methods, mathematical
modelling and numerical analysis.
As this qualification includes a substantial
amount of mathematics, we strongly advise
you to visit our MathsChoices website at
mathschoices.open.ac.uk for advice on how to revise and refresh your mathematical knowledge.
www.open.ac.uk
Career relevance and employability
Graduates of this degree are well placed to
enter both scientific and non-scientific jobs.
The logical, reasoned approach needed for
science study is relevant to a wide range of
financial, business and public sector
employment, so science graduates –
particularly those who have good
communication and interpersonal skills –
are in demand. Graduates of this joint honours
degree will also be able to demonstrate that
they are multiskilled and adaptable, with the
capability to work effectively in a
multidisciplinary environment.
The degree will help you develop a variety of
transferable skills that are highly valued in the
labour market, such as analytical, numerical
and communication skills, teamwork, problem
solving and proficiency in using computers.
This qualification can also help you gain
membership of the Institute of Mathematics
and its Applications (IMA) and associate
membership of the Institute of Physics (IOP).
Key facts
Start date
Oct 2016 (registration closes 08 Sep 2016)
Feb 2017 (registration closes 05 Jan 2017)
Course code
Q77
Credits
360
How long it takes
Part time – 6-8 years
Full time – 3 years
Time limit – 16 years
Course cost
See Fees and funding
Entry requirements
See Am I ready?
Page 1 of 3
BSc (Hons) Mathematics and Physics Q77
What you will study
Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 3
120 credits required
120 credits required
120 credits required
Stage 1 lays the foundation for the specialist
studies in physics and applied mathematics that
you’ll begin at Stage 2.
This stage builds on the broad introduction to
science and mathematics you met at Stage 1.
It begins focusing on core topics in physics
(classical mechanics, electrical and gravitational
fields and potentials, electromagnetism and
relativity, waves and optics, thermal and
statistical physics, and quantum physics, with
some applications to solids, atoms and nuclei)
and applied mathematics (advanced calculus,
linear algebra, numerical methods, and
mathematical modelling).
At Stage 3 you will start with your first choice
from the physics options and progress through
the stage alternating between your choice of
physics and mathematics modules.
You’ll start with a wide-ranging and absorbing
introductory science module, Questions in
science (S111), which encompasses astronomy
and planetary science; biology; chemistry;
Earth and environmental science; and physics.
Essential mathematics 1 (MST124) covers the
fundamentals of pure and applied mathematics
including calculus, vectors, matrices, sequences
and functions. Essential mathematics 2
(MST125) introduces topics essential for
successful study of higher-level mathematics,
such as geometric transformations,
eigenvalues, mechanics and proof.
www.open.ac.uk
Page 2 of 3
BSc (Hons) Mathematics and Physics Q77
Module summary
Click on module titles for detailed module descriptions.
Qualification structure and module availability is subject to change.
Stage 1 module summary
Stage 2 module summary
Stage 3 module summary
120 credits required
120 credits required
120 credits required
Module name
CREDITS
CODE
Compulsory modules – 120 credits
Module name
CREDITS
CODE
Compulsory modules – 120 credits
Questions in science
60
S111
Essential mathematics 1
30
MST124
Essential mathematics 2
30
MST125
Module name
CREDITS
CODE
Optional physics modules – 60 credits
Select two from:
Physics: from
classical to quantum
60
S217
Mathematical methods,
models and modelling
60
MST210
Astrophysics
30
S382
Electromagnetism
30
SMT359
The quantum world
30
SM358
The relativistic Universe
30
S383
Optional mathematics modules – 60 credits
Select two from:
Applications of probability
30
M343
Complex analysis
30
M337
Deterministic and
stochastic dynamics
30
MS327
Graphs, networks
and design
30
MT365
Mathematical methods
and fluid mechanics
30
MST326
Optimization
30
M373
Page 3 of 3
FIND OUT MORE
Go to the online description to find out more
about how much time you need to study,
how to apply, and your fees and funding options.
www.open.ac.uk
+44 (0)300 303 5303
Student Recruitment Team
The Open University, PO Box 197
Milton Keynes, MK7 6BJ, United Kingdom
Copyright 2016 © The Open University