The main entrance to the Andrew Wiles Building, the home of the Mathematical Institute.

MSc in Mathematical Modelling and Scientific Computing

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 12 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 in Week 0 of the following term. Every student must complete the core courses.
  • Special topics (1 unit each): normally 12-16 lectures + mini-project. There are about 20 special topics to choose from spread over the first and second terms. Each student must do 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): a combination of group work + oral presentation (modelling) + personal study (computing) + report (HT). Each student must do one modelling case study and one scientific computing case study.
  • Dissertation (4 units): usually 40-50 pages, not necessarily containing original research to pass. 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 accumulate 4 units for core courses + 2 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 Kathryn Gillow. 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 during 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 2023-2024, the course will begin with a week of introductory material based at the Mathematical Institute, beginning at 9.30am on the morning of Monday 2nd October 2023.

The dates of the University Full Terms for the Academic Year 2023-2024 are:

  • MT = Michaelmas Term 2023: Sunday 8th October - Saturday 2nd December
  • HT = Hilary Term 2024: Sunday 14th January - Saturday 9th March
  • TT = Trinity Term 2024: Sunday 21st April - Saturday 15th June

Here is the Michaelmas Term 2023 timetable. The Hilary Term 2023 timetable is also available for information.

Course Details

Further Information and Links

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