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MSc in Mathematical Modelling and Scientific Computing

Applications are still being accepted for the M.Sc. in Mathematical Modelling and Scientific Computing for admission in October 2012. Closing date for applications: Friday 29th June 2012.

Summary

Oxford's M.Sc. in Mathematical Modelling and Scientific Computing aims to train graduates with a strong mathematical background to develop and apply their skills to the solution of real problems. By the end of the course students should be able to formulate a well posed problem in mathematical terms from a possibly sketchy verbal description, carry out appropriate mathematical analysis, select or develop an appropriate numerical method, write a computer program which gives sensible answers to the problem, and present and interpret these results for a possible client. Particular emphasis is placed on the need for all these parts in the problem solving process, and on the fact that they frequently interact and cannot be carried out sequentially.

Requirements

[MT, HT, TT = Michaelmas, Hilary, Trinity Term]

To complete this course a student must complete 13 units, counted as follows:

  • Core courses (1 unit each): normally 24 lectures + classes + exam. There are four core courses: one on Mathematical Methods and one on Numerical Analysis in each of MT and HT. Each course will be assessed by a written examination on Thursday of Week 0 of the following term. Every student must complete the core courses. [The only exception is that a student who has already completed one of these courses as an Oxford undergraduate may arrange (with the Course Organiser in Week 0 of MT or HT) to take an extra special topic or case study instead.]
  • Special topics (1 unit each): normally 12-16 lectures + mini-project. There are about twenty special topics to choose from spread over all three terms. Each student must do at least one special topic in the area of Modelling (M) and one in the area of Computation (C).
  • Case Studies in Modelling and in Scientific Computing (1 unit each): normally 4 weeks of group work + oral presentation + report (HT). Each student must do at least one modelling case study and at least one scientific computing case study.
  • Dissertation (4 units): ~50 pages, not necessarily original. Here is a list of recent dissertation titles. Since there is another M.Sc. course in Mathematical and Computational Finance, students on the M.Sc. in Mathematical Modelling and Scientific Computing are not permitted to undertake a dissertation in the field of mathematical finance.

Students will normally accumulate 4 units for core courses + 3 units for special topics + 2 units for case studies + 4 units for dissertation.

In addition all students must attend:

General Information

The Course Director is Dr Andreas Münch (OCIAM) and the Course Organiser is Dr Kathryn Gillow (NA Group). A supervisor will be appointed for each student who will discuss their progress with them and who can advise on what options are suitable.

The course lasts almost twelve months, from the beginning of October to the end of the following September. Although the lecture courses are given during the three University terms, the examinations will take place on the Thursdays of the weeks preceding both Hilary and Trinity terms. Additionally, much other work is carried out in the vacations, and students should expect to spend most of the year in Oxford. There will be no time for long holidays.

For the academic year 2011-2012, the course will begin with a week of introductory material based at the Mathematical Institute, 24-29 St Giles', beginning at 9.30am on the morning of Monday 3rd October 2011.

The dates of the University Full Terms for the Academic Year 2011-2012 are:

  • MT = Michaelmas Term 2011: Sunday, 9th October 2011 - Saturday, 3rd December 2011
  • HT = Hilary Term 2012: Sunday, 15th January 2012 - Saturday, 10th March 2012
  • TT = Trinity Term 2012: Sunday, 22nd April 2012 - Saturday, 16th June 2012

Here is the TT2012 timetable. The MT 2011 and HT 2012 timetables are available for information at MT2011 and HT2012.

Funding and Application Procedure

For the academic year 2012-13, at least two studentships are available to cover fees and a living allowance for students of any nationality (overseas fees can be covered) supported by OCCAM. All applicants who are offered a place on the course are automatically considered for these awards although these will usually be allocated by April. The University provides some information about fees and scholarships for international students. Students who undertake an industrial project suggested by a sponsor will receive a small additional bursary.

In addition, the M.Sc. Sponsorship Scheme provides a number of bursaries each year. These will not provide complete support, but are intended to help to meet the cost of attending the course. Applicants who wish to be considered for an industrial bursary must indicate this on the application form and briefly give their particular reasons for requiring extra funds. Generally only a few bursaries are considered each year. All such cases will be assessed by the Admissions Committee on the basis of academic merit and financial need.

In 2010-2011 the course was sponsored by NAG, Rolls Royce, and Thales Underwater Systems. All these companies suggested topics for student dissertations.

Funding is also available from the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies. The scholarships provide £11,500 living expenses as well as College and University fees and are available to UK applicants who are Muslim and also to people who are nationals of certain developing countries in Asia and Africa. Applicants should state why the course of study is of relevance to the Muslim world and apply by application deadline 2. For more details see The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies scholarships profile.

Here are the Admissions Criteria. It is possible to download information about deadline dates and application forms. Enquiries about the course should be directed to the Course Organiser, e-mail: kathryn [dot] gillow [-at-] maths [dot] ox [dot] ac [dot] uk.

Prerequisites

The usual background is a good undergraduate degree (for UK applicants this means a 2.1 or higher) in a subject with significant mathematical content.

A reasonable level of competency in mathematical analysis and linear algebra is required for this course. The speed at which the course proceeds does not allow any time to catch up on basic material. A detailed list of the minimally required basic knowledge is given in prerequisites.

Frequently Asked Questions

The links below give answers to some frequently asked questions:

Checklist for Discussion with Supervisor and Course Organiser

Print this checklist and discuss it with your supervisor and the course organiser. The checklist should be returned to the course organiser by Friday of week 4 of MT.

Course Details

Further Information

Last updated by Kathryn Gillow on Fri, 20/04/2012 - 1:35pm from a page originally created by Waldemar Schlackow.
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