Master of Science in Physics with Scientific Computing

at University of Bristol - Clifton Campus United Kingdom

This course allows you to combine two historically interlinked disciplines and develop a breadth of skills across both economics and philosophy.

The economics part of the course is technically rigorous. You will build your analytical skills with mandatory units in macro- and microeconomics, mathematics, statistics and econometrics (the application of statistical methods to data to estimate economic models). These are complemented by units in philosophy, which will equip you with skills in textual analysis, written and verbal expression, logic and critical thinking.

As you progress through your degree you will be able to take an increasing number of optional units to specialise in the areas that interest you most.

Previously, economics options have included: History of Economic Thought; Environmental Economics; Current Economic Problems.

Previous philosophy options have included: Philosophy of Psychology; Evil, Deviance and Crime; Classical Chinese Philosophy.

We offer you the opportunity to extend your degree to four years and spend your third year studying economics in English at a top-ranking university in Europe or farther afield. You will return to Bristol for your final year. For further details of year abroad opportunities, visit Global Opportunities.

This course allows you to combine the challenging, broad academic content of our economics degree with an overseas dimension that reflects the international nature of the economy.

This MSc examines the physical processes governing the behaviour of volcanoes. The program is taught by leading scientists working at the cutting edge of research into volcanoes, and will provide you with a strong background for independent research to PhD level or for a career in industry, the public sector or a non-governmental organisation.

Increasing numbers of the global population being at risk means that volcano hazard prediction and mitigation is a fast-growing and competitive area of research that crosses the boundaries between traditional subject areas.

The program is designed to equip you with knowledge of the physical processes of volcanoes, including both sub-surface and surficial behaviour, insights into important historical eruptions, understanding of risk and risk mitigation, and instruction and experiential learning on data gathering, handling analysis and presentation to publishable standard.

You will develop a wide range of skills, such as quantitative and computational skills, including the application of basic mathematical descriptions of physical processes and the use of statistical and data handling software; proficiency in critical analysis of scientific material from a variety of sources, including primary research documents and original data; and the ability to synthesise concise and informative material produced for a variety of audiences. A familiarity with A-level mathematics (or international equivalent) is recommended.

In your first year you will gain a broad training in biomedical science and will begin to study the cellular and molecular basis of human diseases as well as basic biochemistry, cell biology, pathology and microbiology.

In your second year you will study molecular genetics and learn skills in recombinant DNA technology, which underpins research in many cutting-edge laboratories.

In the final year, you will choose options from approximately ten different units. You will also undertake a research project or scientific dissertation, working in a research group in the School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine or in one of the surrounding hospitals. These units and the research project reflect our research strengths in the areas of cancer biology, stem cell biology and regenerative medicine, and infection and immunology.

A four-year BSc Cellular and Molecular Medicine with Study in Industry is available by transfer after securing a placement during the second year.

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.

This course is ideal for students interested in learning more about how to use numbers and data within politics. It provides training in practical and analytical skills, which will enhance your career prospects and provide you with a strong platform for postgraduate study. No prior knowledge of statistical techniques is required.

About two thirds of your studies will follow the single honours BSc Politics and International Relations course where you will acquire core knowledge in your subject. You will study the politics of individual countries and governments and the relationships between countries, communities and individuals. You will become familiar with different views and methods of analysis, learning to apply and evaluate them.

The remaining third of your course will provide interdisciplinary training in quantitative methods. In year one of the quantitative pathway we discuss how numbers and data are used to tell convincing stories in the media and social research. We consider what is meant by segregation and how it can be mapped and measured. Year two offers practical classes in social statistics and applied data analysis, which will develop your skills in numeracy and analysis and enable you to undertake your own individual research project in an area of quantitative social science in year three.

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 examining 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. By your final year you’ll be conducting your own independent research and exploring the questions that matter most to you.

We have a large geology collection and the ability to measure unique geochemical reactions, giving you a real feel for geology in practice.

Field trips are a huge part of why our community is so tight knit, giving you the chance to get to know your course mates while honing your practical skills. 

This course is ideal for students interested in learning more about how to use numbers and data within geography. It provides training in practical and analytical skills, which will enhance your career prospects and provide you with a strong platform for postgraduate study. No prior knowledge of statistical techniques is required.

About two thirds of your studies will follow the single honours Geography course, where you will acquire core knowledge in your subject. You will develop a wide range of geographical and scientific skills, gaining an advanced overview of both human and physical geography in year one, and choosing from a wide range of specialist units in later years.

The remaining third of your course will provide interdisciplinary training in quantitative methods. In year one of the quantitative pathway we discuss how numbers and data are used to tell convincing stories in the media and social research. We consider what is meant by segregation and how it can be mapped and measured.

Year two offers practical classes in social statistics and applied data analysis, which will develop your skills in numeracy and analysis and enable you to undertake your own individual research project in an area of quantitative social science in year three.

In year four we offer training in more advanced quantitative methods suitable for postgraduate research.