Mathematics has always played a key role in Computing. Conversely, Computing now plays a central role in modern Mathematics, as computational techniques have enabled the tackling of hitherto intractably complex problems. For example, the adoption of large-scale mathematical models to simulate, design and predict has found applications as wide-ranging as climate prediction, manufacturing, and 3D graphics. Advanced mathematically inspired algorithmic techniques have also formed the basis of not only the global web search industry but also the exciting and fast growing field known as bioinformatics.

Our Mathematics and Computer Science course is a joint degree programme which combines the fundamentals of both subjects, leading eventually to the potential for specialisation in areas as diverse as financial mathematics, cryptography and quantum computation.

There are a wide range of options to choose from within the Mathematics and Computer Science course, including those grouped within the following three themes:

APPLIED MATHEMATICS AND MULTIMEDIA Applied Mathematics and Multimedia is concerned with how real world information, such as video, images and sound, is interpreted, manipulated and generated by computer systems. It includes graphics, image processing, numerical analysis, evolutionary computing, differential equations, differentiable manifolds and financial mathematics.

PURE MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTER SECURITY Pure Mathematics and Computer Security is concerned with not only how data is securely stored in, and reliably communicated between computer systems but also the more theoretical aspects of computer science. It includes logic, number theory, algebra, group theory, cryptography, advanced algorithms, computational complexity and quantum computation.

PROBABILITY, STATISTICS AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Probability, Statistics, and Artificial Intelligence is concerned with how to build intelligent systems based on logic and inference. It includes statistics and probability, logic programming, machine learning and artificial intelligence, computational neuroscience, Bayesian methods, statistical models, evolutionary computing and financial mathematics.

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YEAR 1
The first year is the same for all themes. You cover the foundations of mathematics including calculus, analysis, probability, linear algebra, number theory and group theory. You will also take classes in the computer science department in both the practice of programming and the theory of computation. At the end of the year, you will have a strong understanding of the mathematical underpinnings of computer science and be able to build on these in future years.

YEAR 2
In the second year, you will begin to specialise in areas of Computer Science and Mathematics. From this point on in your degree, you can follow one of our three recommended themes or design your own by selecting from the list of optional taught units.

YEAR 3
In the third year you will continue to specialise further and also either perform a small scale project if you are on the four year course, or a large scale project, if you are on the BSc programme. The nature of the project can be mathematical, computer science based, or a combination, depending on your interests. In addition to the project, you will select further options for your chosen theme. Half of your options will be mathematics units, the other half will be computer science units.

YEAR 4
You will conclude your course with a large scale project. As is the case in the three-year programme, you will be able to choose a computer science or mathematics based project. In addition to your project you will take 80 credit points worth of 4th year (Master’s level) options.