Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Physics

at University of Bristol - Clifton Campus United Kingdom

If you love the challenge of thinking through a maths question and the satisfaction of having solved a difficult problem, but also want to think about a broad range of intellectual questions in a rigorous way, this course is for you.

Linked by the formal study of logic, the two components of the course complement each other. You will develop rigorous analysis and argument distinctive to the analytic philosophical tradition, while developing mathematical maturity to reason through subtle ideas in abstract mathematics.

There is also the opportunity to use your mathematical knowledge in the study of the philosophy of biology, economics and physics.

In your first year you will take 80 credit points of mathematics units in common with all other first-year maths students, for example linear algebra, topics in calculus and differential equations, analysis and an introduction to the ideas of proof and group theory. In philosophy you will take 40 credit points in two mandatory introduction to philosophy units.

In your second year a unit in realism and normativity is compulsory, leaving much scope to tailor the rest of your year to your own interests. This continues in the third year, which allows you to choose a variety of units in both mathematics and philosophy. You will complete a philosophy project in your third year.

If you love the challenge of thinking through a maths question and the satisfaction of having solved a difficult problem, but also want to think about a broad range of intellectual questions in a rigorous way, this four-year course is for you.

Linked by the formal study of logic, the two components of the course complement each other. You will develop rigorous analysis and argument distinctive of the analytic philosophical tradition, while developing mathematical maturity to reason through subtle ideas in abstract mathematics.

There is also the opportunity to use your mathematical knowledge in the study of the philosophy of biology, economics and physics.

The fourth year of the course allows you to explore mathematics and philosophy in depth, taking advantage of our research-inspired, specialist units.

This course immerses you in groundbreaking research and gives you the opportunity to contribute to work that could have a significant impact on future generations. It offers a breadth of topics, allowing you to choose your specialism while developing your knowledge and research skills.

In your first two years you will supplement your study of biochemistry with units relevant to medicine, such as pharmacology, physiology and molecular pathology. Your third year focuses on medically relevant aspects of biochemistry, such as those relating to cancer, cardiovascular disease and drug design.

Your final-year research project will involve collaboration with internationally renowned scientists on pioneering work. Previously, students have collaborated on the development of a technique for the manufacture of red blood cells from human stem cells, and on the molecular modification of an antibiotic, increasing the range of infections it can treat.

We prepare you for your future career with subject-specific employability and enterprise sessions and the chance to gain additional research experience in a summer studentship.

At a critical time in history, our LLM in Labour Law and Corporate Governance is distinctive. It presents you with an exciting opportunity to develop a deep understanding of employment and company law (and their interaction) from an economic and socio-political perspective – and graduate to meet the growing demand for specialist lawyers in these fields.

Our LLM Programmes, including the LLM in Labour Law and Corporate Governance, are well-respected by leading law firms*. This LLM provides an in-depth, intensive study of domestic and international legal frameworks, trade, employment and human rights, offering both practical and theoretical perspectives. It also offers an opportunity to explore specialist units in areas such as migration, gender and international law.

If you love the challenge of thinking through a maths question and the satisfaction of having solved a difficult problem, but also appreciate the applications of mathematics in areas of physics and want access to the exciting and specialised subjects offered by the School of Physics, then this joint honours course can offer you both.

Your mathematics study will focus on the areas of applied mathematics that are most linked to physics, such as the mathematical modelling of physical problems, quantum mechanics and random matrix theory. You will also cover a range of topics in physics, such as special relativity, electromagnetism and superconductors.

In the first and second years of this course the units are fixed so as to provide a balanced exploration of mathematics and physics and the connection between them.

In your third year you will have freedom to select from a wide variety of relevant units to focus your studies on what interests you most. You can also choose from a physics project or dissertation in one of our cutting-edge research areas, a group project with an industrial partner, or an educational project with a local school.

MSci Chemistry with Industrial Experience will deepen your understanding of the subject and prepare you for a variety of career options, especially in the chemical industry. It is also a good pathway into postgraduate study.

The first two years are common to all of our degree courses. You will study fundamental concepts in inorganic, organic and physical chemistry and applications in areas such as analytical, environmental, materials and theoretical chemistry.

You will develop your ability to design experiments and interpret results and learn key skills through our chemistry-specific communications and mathematics units.

In your third year you will gain invaluable experience in industry working in a paid position for a major chemical company. Our students have worked for AstraZeneca, Bayer Crop Science, Croda, GlaxoSmithKline and Johnson Matthey in recent years.

Working in industry will allow you to develop real-world expertise and specialise in an area of science that you find interesting. The transferable skills that you gain will prove invaluable in helping to shape your future career.

Your final year includes a 20-week research project in which you will work with an academic member of staff and their research team on a current challenge in chemistry.

Develop an understanding of the evolution of life on this planet through the study of geology and biology.

Learn from experts, with interests ranging from dinosaurs to plants to the origin of life, and become fully immersed in hands-on palaeontology from the start.

One third of the first year is dedicated to biology and two thirds to earth science. After the first year you will take core units from both disciplines.

In the third year you will carry out a research project and take a range of specialist palaeontology units. Examples of current units include: Marine Micropalaeontology, where you will learn to use microfossils to reconstruct past climates and understand their impact on ecosystems; Macroevolution, where you will learn cutting-edge techniques for analysing the large-scale patterns in the evolution of life; and Vertebrate Palaeobiology and Biomechanics, where you will study the evolution of the vertebrates from fish-like creatures to humans. You will also select from a range of optional units to pursue your own interests.

The course involves fieldwork, including dedicated palaeontology field courses, the cost of which is included in your tuition fee.

If you are curious about our planet and interested in finding solutions to global problems, this course is for you. Learn about the physics, chemistry and history of the Earth through hands-on examination of earth materials such as rocks, minerals and fossils, and use remote sensing techniques to explore the structure and chemistry of its inaccessible areas.

Learn with experts whose research feeds directly into your studies at the cutting edge of scientific developments. Recent options have included Volcanic Hazards, Global Tectonics, Mineral Resources and Hydrogeology.

MSci courses allow you to study advanced material in greater depth during the additional year, giving you a career boost through investing in your skills development or preparing you for further research.

We have a large geology collection and the ability to measure unique geochemical reactions, giving you an insight into geology in practice.

Field trips are a huge part of why our community is so tight knit, and you’ll get to know your course mates while honing your practical skills. You will gain plenty of hands-on experience, with over 40 days of fieldwork both in the UK and overseas, the cost of which is included in your tuition fee.

The skills developed throughout your studies are highly valued by employers, from scientific and technical skills including coding, modelling, lab skills and data analysis, to transferable skills such as communication, creativity and resilience.