Mathematics and Statistics - MMath (Hons)

Durham University

Take your knowledge of mathematical techniques and statistical principles to a higher level. The MMath includes an integrated year of Master's-level study and the opportunity to conduct a project in collaboration with an external organisation. This challenging degree takes your study of Mathematics and Statistics to Master’s level. It is the ideal choice if you are considering postgraduate study or a career that requires high-level numeracy skills or research. The MMath combines a strong mathematical grounding with the latest developments in statistics and machine learning to provide the foundation you’ll need to step into a data-driven workplace. The first two years follow a similar structure to the BSc. The wider range of modules introduced in Years 3 and 4 explore more sophisticated mathematical and statistical techniques in greater depth. The course is based in a brand-new facility, purpose-built to meet the learning, teaching and study needs of students from the Department. You will be taught by a team of mathematicians and statisticians with a wealth of experience in industry and research. The Department is home to a number of research groups with specialisms in both pure and applied mathematics. With many members of the teaching team actively involved in research there are plenty of opportunities to link learning to the latest research in distinctive and creative ways. The first year begins with a broad-based introduction to pure and applied mathematics, statistics and probability and provides a sound foundation for in-depth study in subsequent years. As you move into the second and third year the focus on statistics increases. During the final year you complete a double-module project. This can be the individual project in which you tackle a theoretical area or an applied problem in depth. Alternatively, the internship project is a statistics and machine learning piece of work based on a third-party problem. Both projects can be carried out in collaboration with external organisations to add valuable real-world context to your degree.Course structureYear 1 modulesCore modules:Analysis aims to provide an understanding of real and complex number systems, and to develop rigorously the calculus of functions of a single variable from basic principles.Calculus builds on ideas of differentiation and integration in A level mathematics, beginning with functions of a single variable and moving on to functions of several variables. Topics include methods of solving ordinary and partial differential equations, and an introduction to Fourier Series and Fourier transforms.Linear Algebra presents mathematical ideas, techniques in linear algebra and develops geometric intuition and familiarity with vector methods in preparation for more demanding material later in the course.Dynamics develops an understanding of elementary classical Newtonian dynamics as well as an ability to formulate and solve basic problems in dynamics.Probability introduces mathematics ideas on probability in preparation for more specialised material later in the course. The module presents a mathematical subject of key importance to the real-world (applied) that is based on rigorous mathematical foundations (pure).Programming is taught via lectures and practical sessions that introduce basic principles and competence in computer programming. You will also study control structures floating point arithmetic and lists, strings and introduction to objects.Statistics introduces frequentist and Bayesian statistics and demonstrates the relevance of these principles and procedures to real problems. This module lays the foundations for all subsequent study of statistics.Year 2 modulesCore modules:Analysis in Many Variables provides an understanding of calculus in more than one dimension, together with an understanding of, and facility with, the methods of vector calculus.