UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES

Department of Mathematics

U N I V E R S I T Y O F L E I C E S T E R

ContentsIntroduction 2

Welcome to the Department of Mathematics 2

Single subject courses 3

The Programmes available 3

Joint degree courses 4

Your learning experience 5

Learning Activities 6

The Mathematics 6

Mathematics at Leicester 8

The University 9

The City of Leicester 9

Space odyssey 10

Nightlife - A night on the town 10

Student support 11

Study abroad courses 11

Typical entry requirements 11

General Requirements 11

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IntroductionMathematics graduates have never before enjoyed such a breadth of career opportunities nor have

they been so sought after by employers as they are today. Our graduates go on to rewarding

careers in areas as diverse as Finance, Industry, Mathematical and Scientific Research, Teaching, IT

and Management and our degrees are constructed to reflect the central role contemporary maths

plays in society, ranging from the most pure science to the most applied industry and banking.

Welcome to the Department of MathematicsThe University of Leicester Mathematics Department is characterised by its small class sizes and its

exceptionally good staff-student numbers, its strong levels of student support and the internationally

recognised quality of both its teaching and research.

There is a wide variety of learning and assessment methods which means that students can make

choices about their own learning experience and the way their degree will be assessed. With students

frequently working with individual staff or in small groups, this adds up to high success rates at

graduation and beyond.

The degree courses themselves are highly flexible: not only can you specialise according to your own

interests as your degree progresses, but you can frequently change the degree you are on (within the

Mathematics Department) if your interests change.

We are especially proud of the positive and supportive learning environment created by staff and

students. Close ties between our students and our staff mean that Leicester students graduate having

shared in one of the most vibrant and internationally acclaimed scientific research environments.

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Single subject coursesBSc Mathematics (G100 BSc/Ma): This is a three year degree in Mathematics which provides a

solid background in contemporary mathematics and its applications. You have the opportunity to

follow either a general curriculum or specialise in areas such as pure mathematics, applied

mathematics or statistics.

BA Mathematics (G102 BA/Math): This is a three year degree in Mathematics similar in style to

the BSc degree, but gives additional opportunities for students to enhance their language skills in

a modern language such as French or German.

BSc Computational Mathematics (G170 BSc/Com/Mat): This is a three year degree which

aims to produce graduates who are capable of working as designers and developers of

mathematical software for use in such diverse areas as the trading houses of merchant banks, the

mathematical services departments of large multinational companies, specialist software

development companies and government research laboratories.

MMath Mathematics (G105 MMath/Mat4): This is a four year Mathematics degree. The first

two years are similar to those for the BSc Mathematics degree. In the third and fourth years, you

study some third year BSc modules, together with some additional modules available only to

MMath students; these would include an extended project module individually supervised by a

member of staff and tailored to your own interests.

MMath Computational Mathematics (G171 MMath/ComM): This is a four year degree

combining the aims of the BSc Computational Mathematics degree with the depth and structure

of the MMath Mathematics degree.

The ProgrammesavailableThere are a number of single-subject and joint -subject degreecourses available. Many areavailable with options to spend ayear abroad, either in a Europeanor American university; many arealso available in versions leadingto either a Bachelor’s degree(BSc or BA) or the higher levelMaster’s degree (MMath). For more details visit:http://www.math.le.ac.uk/undergrad.html

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Joint degree coursesBSc and MMath Mathematics with Astronomy (G1F5 BSc/MaAst): This is a three/four year

degree taught jointly by the Maths Department and by the astronomers and space scientists at

the Department of Physics and Astronomy. There is flexibility as to the amount of your time you

spend on each subject, and there is the opportunity for substantial project work both in

astronomy and in applied mathematics. The majority of graduates pursue the same variety of

careers as other maths graduates, but some go on to postgraduate research in astronomy or

space science.

BSc Mathematics and Computer Science (GG15 BSc/MaCS): This is a three year degree

combining modules from both the Mathematics and the Computer Science degrees. If you chose

this degree course you would have the opportunity in the second and third years either to study

both subjects equally, or to specialise more in one than the other.

BSc Mathematics with Management (G1N1 BSc/MwM): This three year degree aims to

develop the critical thinking and problem solving skills much prized in graduates of any

mathematics degree, but it also exposes you to the realities of management in both the public

and private sectors. Furthermore, students gain an appreciation of the relevance of theory for the

solution of specific management problems.

"Working for Citigroup, at theheart of global finance, providesmany opportunities formathematicians; particularlythose that can bring together agood grounding in thefundamental techniques and anopen, adaptable approach tomathematical modelling."

HENRY WAYNE

MMATH AND PHD UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER

COUNTERPARTY RISK ANALYST CITIGROUP

"As an overseas student fromthe African continent, it was atough decision for myself aswell as my family to study herefrom so far, however I wasdeeply impressed with theUniversity's website. I feel thesupport and usefulinformation given by the MathsDepartment has helped mesettle down very quickly intothe culture and system here."

DHARTI BHIKHA

3RD YEAR

BSC MATHEMATICS

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Your learning experienceYour learning experience at Leicester is particularly characterised by its small class sizes, the

excellent staff-student ratio and a wide range of opportunities for getting friendly and relaxed

help.

Your first year will consist of about 9 – 10 hours of lectures a week with 3 – 5 hours of small

group meetings and workshops. Your time in the Mathematics Department is greatly

enhanced by a number of support systems. Surgery hours and drop-in sessions with tutors

allow you to talk through any problems or queries about the mathematics that you are

learning and a unique system of peer support means that second year students can provide

guidance in student self help sessions.

In later years the pattern is similar. Classes tend to become smaller as students choose to

specialise in particular areas of mathematics. By the final year classes might range between

about 10 and 35 students.

As the degree courses progress there is more variety in assessment methods, and greater

choice in the topics you can study.

Assessment varies from one module to another, and ranges between a mixture of coursework

and examination in some modules to others that are 100% coursework or project based.

"Yes is the answer. The Question? Has going tothe University of Leicesterenabled me to gain a careeras a Process ImplementationManager at the largestcomputing firm in the World?

How? I think there are threeelements to this: (i) Greatcourse with great tutors. (ii)Great social sphere, and (iii)Belief in its students." DIMPLE SHAH, BSC MATHS&COMPSCI.,

IBM GLOBAL SERVICES

"Help is available in peersupport sessions which aregiven by second and thirdyears to first years. The ideais that as well as providingacademic help, the secondand third years can alsorelate to the first yearshaving been in a similarboat themselves."

ADAM MCNANEY4TH YEAR

MMATH MATHEMATICS

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Learning ActivitiesWe offer a wide variety of learning opportunities. The main activities are:

• Lectures: the main source of information, delivered in a variety of interactive and

enthusiastic styles.

• Tutorials: here you meet in small groups to solve homework problems and discuss the

material in lectures.

• Surgeries: optional drop-in sessions where you can talk over any problems you are having

with your work and get guidance on solving particular problems.

• Peer Support: more experienced students share their experiences with you, developing

your study skills and helping you develop more effective solution strategies.

• Examples Classes: your opportunity to check your learning and reflect on particular

examples with the aid of an experienced mathematician.

• Workshops: working in small groups you explore new problems and develop your ideas in

a more project-based learning style.

The MathematicsYour first year falls into three streams of study. Two of them form the common core mathematical

content for all the degrees, while the third stream offers a lot of options: here you can choose to

study more maths projects on a range of topics such as Modelling, Chaos and Fractals, Geometry

or Pure Maths at Work, or else you can chose to spend your time studying a different subject

altogether. Some students choose this time to learn a little about topics such as Archaeology,

Psychology, Economics, Astronomy, Politics, a modern language, and so on. If you are studying a

"The Open Day that I came towas really friendly. All themaths lecturers were in oneroom and as well as us askingthem questions, they asked usmaths questions which reallygot you involved and engaged.It was better than being toldwhat you would be doing.Usually it's daunting going touniversities with goodreputations, but Leicesterwasn't snobby at all."

AVREET SALH

3RD YEAR

MMATH MATHEMATICS

"I really enjoy life at Leicester- there's loads to do - footballand rugby matches to watchas well as the cinema complexclose by to campus. There'sloads of pubs with differentatmospheres - depending onyour mood and what youlike."

TOM MILLGATE2ND YEAR

BSC MATHEMATICS

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joint degree or the Computational Maths degree, you study the other topic of your degree

during this time.

‘Applied Maths’ Stream: a continuation of the maths you may have seen at A-level, and a time to

fill in on topics your A-level may not have covered. Here you look at calculus, differential

equations, dynamics and probability.

‘Pure Maths’ Stream: this will mostly be a completely new stream of mathematical ideas that

seeks to understand the basic language of mathematics and its need for precision. It then uses

these ideas to study fundamental questions about the nature of numbers and geometry.

‘Third’ Stream: here you study either more mathematics modules, or optional topics in other

subjects, or you spend the time on your chosen subject for a joint degree.

As the degrees progress many more subjects are introduced. Much of the curriculum is designed

to give you ‘pick and mix’ paths that lead you from the simple beginnings presented in the first

year to the mathematics relevant to the solution of important problems by the end of the

degree. Topics covered in the degree courses include such things as the mathematics behind the

prediction of complex physical processes like the weather or biological systems, the mathematics

of drawing accurate maps of the world around us, and the deep understanding of numbers that

allows you to tell whether a given equation can be solved or not.

Other streams of modules give you opportunities to understand the history of mathematics or

hone your skills at presenting your ideas and communicating your thoughts – skills vital to

almost every profession.

Full details can be found on our Departmental web pages http://www.maths.le.ac.uk/

The Mathematics continued

"At Leicester there's a goodrange of interesting modules.Another good thing is thatthere are several courseswhich are designed to teachyou about givingpresentations, writing reportsand surveying - all of whichmake you more rounded andemployable."

ADAM MCNANEY4TH YEAR

MMATH MATHEMATICS

"The peer support system thatI took part in, in my secondand third year reallyinspired me to help otherswhich is why I've decided toteach."

LOUISE URWIN

3RD YEAR

BSC MATHEMATICS

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Mathematics at LeicesterThe Department of Mathematics at Leicester is one of the leading centres for Mathematical

research in Europe. The success of many of its staff in creating new applications of

mathematics, or solving important current problems is one reason why the Department can

offer such a rich and well-staffed environment for its students.

You will be taught by top mathematicians who are currently leading research programmes

across a wide range of areas. Topics researched in Leicester include the mathematical

modelling of large molecules, such as those found in biological systems or used to develop

new medicines. Others use mathematics to allow the simulation of quantum mechanical

systems that may one day be used to build quantum computers.

Some staff have developed the methods of mathematical simulation needed for new

generation computer games while others have discovered powerful new geometrical

methods to understand regular but non-repeating patterns such as are needed for working

with new forms of metallic alloys, soon to be developed for many household or engineering

applications. Others are developing new algebra to describe unusual forms of symmetry.

There is also historical research in the development of Mechanics, and in the surprisingly

sophisticated mathematics used by the ancient Egyptian astronomers.

Leicester is host to the Centre for Mathematical Modelling, a unique initiative that brings

together Mathematicians with other scientists and engineers. This cuts across traditional

boundaries and the Centre has created one of the most vibrant environments for

mathematical research in the UK.

"The lecturers are veryapproachable. You can askthem what you think arestupid questions and not feelworried about it. Thelecturers are always willingto help if you have anyproblems and I have evenmanaged to get help duringthe holidays, they are alsovery patient andunderstanding of yourpersonal circumstances."

CATHERINE LLEWELLYN-JONES

4TH YEAR

MMATH MATHEMATICS

"You have to do your ownwork which gives youindependence - it's a differentway of learning - you aren'tspoon-fed like you are at ALevel - you have to think foryourself."

GEMMA BAKUNOWICZ2ND YEAR

BSC MATHS

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The UniversityThe University of Leicester is a prominent member of the international academic community with a

proud past and an exciting future. Our reputation is international and we welcome students from

over 100 different countries.

Leicester is a campus university. Close to the Mathematics Department and lectures you will find

coffee bars, restaurants, shops and bars all operated for students. Study facilities such as computer

rooms and libraries are on site as is our Students’ Union.

‘At Leicester wegenuinely believe weoffer an experiencethat is different andspecial amongstleading universities’

The City of LeicesterLeicester is a student city - during term-time 12% of Leicester’s population are students.

The range of cafes and restaurants in Leicester is extensive; but Leicester’s greatest culinary

strength is South Asian food – exciting thalis, Indian sweets and delicious fresh samosas are just

some of the cuisine on offer.

Leicester is a city for individuals and this is reflected in its shopping. The big brand names can all be

found in the city’s two large indoor shopping centres. For designer labels and original ideas the

small independent shops of St Martin’s and the Leicester Lanes are just the solution.

Leicester is famous for its sporting success. Seven of the World Cup winning England Rugby Squad

are from Leicester including England captain Martin Johnson.

"Out of all the otheruniversities I chose on myUCAS form, Leicester had thebest teaching reputation.When I came to visit Leicesterat the Open Day everybodywas so friendly and nice andit was the best Open Day thatI'd been to. I felt comfortablehere and I love the campus."

ELIZABETH MORRIS2ND YEAR

BSC MATHS

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"A cosmopolitan &cultured atmosphere...Leicester is bursting withbars, clubs, pubs andrestaurants. The Cityattracts big name bands,DJs and classical musicperformances. Rich ingreen spaces. Studentsfind the City ideallysized"

THE TIMES GOOD

UNIVERSITY GUIDE 2004

Nightlife - A night on the townFrom spacious conversions of former factories to cosy and kitsch café bars, Leicester’s bars and

pubs provide something for every individual. With over a hundred it is difficult to give credit to the

range. So whether you want the latest dance music, independent artists or prefer to dress up in a

seventies wig and flares you will find something for you in Leicester.

Space odysseyAs a student you cannot spend your time in Leicester without at least one visit to the UK’s National

Space Centre. The centre won national Specialist Visitor Attraction of the year in 2003 and provides

a spectacular voyage of space and our attempts to understand and traverse it. The centre is also a

research base for University staff from our Space Research Centre and was “mission control” for the

UK’s first mission to another planet – the Beagle 2 Mars Probe.

The City of Leicester continued

"The project work that you domeans that you research yourtopic then have to study andanalyse it and work with it toproduce something of your own- that's your own idea. I reallylove learning new things in thisway and thinking for myself."

RICHARD BERENBRINCK3RD YEAR

MMATH COMPUTATIONALMATHEMATICS

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Student support We place a great emphasis on supporting the students we admit to

our degree course. Every student has a specific member of staff

appointed as their Personal Tutor and our teaching is organised to

give as much opportunity as possible for providing support. Our

friendly environment and integrated learning activities lead to a

very high success rate for our students.

We – including our current students – shall be pleased to tell you

more about all these systems if you come to one of our Visitors

Days. (See back cover)

For students who are admitted by the beginning of the September

their course begins, the University guarantees accommodation.

Study abroad coursesWe offer a number of degrees that give you the option of

spending a year at an overseas university. These degrees are no

different from the standard degrees upon which they are based;

however they offer you the opportunity to live and work abroad.

LEA grants are extended to take account of the additional

expenses involved.

In the case of a (USA) degree, you spend the second year of your

studies in one of our partner US institutions. In a (Europe)

degree you spend an additional year between your second and

third years at one of our partner institutions in France, Germany,

Italy or Denmark.

For more details about these degrees, please see the

Departmental web pages http://www/math.le.ac.uk/ or contact

the department directly.

The following (USA) and (Europe) versions of our degrees are

currently available.

MMath Mathematics (USA) (G107 MMath/MUS4)

BSc Mathematics (Europe) (G101 BSc/MaEur)

BSc Mathematics (USA) (G103 BSc/MaUSA)

BSc Mathematics and Computer Science (Europe) (GG1MBSc/MaCSEC)

BSc Mathematics with Astronomy (Europe) (G1GM BSc/MaAsEC)

Typical entry requirementsTypical offers to study for our degrees are 300 points (eg ABC) for

the BSc degrees and 320 points (eg ABB) for the MMath degrees,

with a grade A in Mathematics for any of the degrees. If you apply

for an MMath degree you will automatically be considered also for

the corresponding BSc degree should you fail to get the necessary

grades at A-level. For the Mathematics with Astronomy degree you

must also have A-level Physics.

General Requirements:A/AS Levels: Two or three A levels considered, and must include a

subject containing Pure Mathematics. Two AS levels welcomed

instead of a third A level. General Studies may be accepted.

GCSE: No specific requirements.

Other Qualifications: International or European Baccalaureate,

OU, BTEC, AGNVQ and overseas qualifications welcomed. Mature

students welcomed: alternative qualifications e.g. Access courses

considered. Direct entry into the second year for all except the

USA degrees is possible with suitable advanced qualifications.

For further information please contactThe Admissions SecretaryDepartment of Mathematics . University of LeicesterUniversity Road . Leicester . LE1 7RH

Telephone . 0116 252 3896 Fax . 0116 252 3915E-mail . admit@mcs.le.ac.uk Web . http://www.math.le.ac.uk/

We have a number of Visitor Open Days during the year to which you arevery welcome (see the website for details:www.le.ac.uk/admissions/aoopen.html). If you apply for one of ourundergraduate degree courses you will be invited to attend one of our visitordays for applicants. Other, individual visits can be made by arrangement.

You are very welcome to bring a friend or family member on any visit, andwe are always happy to answer any queries on the phone or by email.

University of Leicester · Leicester LE1 7RHUnited Kingdom