Course summary
| Course length | 3 or 4 years |
|---|---|
| Degree | 3 years: BA 4 years: M.Math |
| Approximate yearly intake: Mathematics | Keble: 5 |
| Faculty: 172 | |
| Approximate yearly intake: Maths and Statistics | Keble: 2 |
| Faculty: 23 | |
| Approximate yearly intake: Maths and Philosophy | Keble: 1 |
| Faculty: 20 | |
| Approximate yearly intake: Maths and Computer Science | Keble: 2 |
| Faculty: 23 | |
| Keble College Open Day | 28th June and 14 September 2012 |
| Department/Faculty Open Day: | Saturday 28th April, Saturday 5th May, Wednesday 27th June, Thursday 28th June and Friday 14th September 2012 (please see Maths website for more details) |
| Department Website | Mathematical Institute |
Advantages of Keble
- A very good record in the Mathematical Sciences Final Honour Schools.
- Also a good set-up for Statistics, with a statistician as Tutorial fellow and a probabilist as College Lecturer.
- No other College is as near to the Mathematical Institute, the University Museum and the Department of Statistics. These are where most of the University instruction in these subjects takes place.
Contacts
Enquiries to Prof. Reinert and Dr Douglas.
Challenges and opportunities
When entrance candidates are asked why they want to read mathematics, two of the commonest replies are 'Because it's fun' and 'Because it's useful'. Both views are correct; taken together, probably more so than for any other subject. It could be said that you have three or four undergraduate years in which to make the most of the first of these, before earning a living by the second. However, do not underestimate the emphasis on applicable mathematics which is an important aspect of the undergraduate curriculum. Many graduates continue to enjoy their mathematics, while others (the majority) use their analytical training in ways that are not directly mathematical. Career opportunities for mathematics graduates are excellent.
Course structure
The first-year syllabus is designed to take account of both traditional and 'modern' A-level syllabuses, so it does not matter what type of A-level syllabus you are doing. None of what you are doing is wasted, and by the end of the first year you will have done everything you need for the second year.
University examinations consist of four three-hour papers for each of three years. An optional 4th year is intended particularly for those who intend to become professional mathematicians, computer scientists, and statisticians. The choice between the three-year and the four-year courses, and between Mathematics and Maths & Statistics, is made at the end of the second year.
For Mathematics and for Maths & Statistics there are four 3-hour papers in the first year:
- Algebra - linear algebra and matrix theory, group theory, geometry.
- Analysis - limits and continuous functions, differentiation, integration, power series, convergence, complex numbers, spherical geometry.
- Applied Mathematics I – calculus of one variable, dynamics, probability, statistics.
- Applied Mathematics II - calculus of two or more variables, Fourier series, partial differential equations.
In addition there are computing classes using the MuPAD software; there are compulsory MuPAD projects which count towards the first-year exams.
Maths & Philosophy students take the above Algebra paper, the above Analysis paper, and two philosophy papers.
The joint school Mathematics and Computer Science is directed by Computer Science; see also the prospectus entry for Computer Science.
Tutors
G Reinert PhD (Fellow, Lecturer in Statistics). Prof. Reinert has written papers on applied probability and statistics.
C Douglas PhD (Fellow, Lecturer in Mathematics). Dr Douglas studies the interactions between geometry, algebra, and mathematical physics. See his department webpage for more information.
A Kay PhD (Career Development Fellow). Dr Kay's research interests are in quantum information theory. See his department webpage for more information.
A J McCarthy DPhil (Research Fellow and Tutor). Dr McCarthy tutors in both Logic and Philosophy. His research interests are in Modal Logic and associated issues in Metaphysics.
C N Laws DPhil (College Lecturer). Dr Laws interests lie in probability and operations research.
E R F Harcourt BPhil MA DPhil (Tutorial Fellow) works mainly in moral philosophy, in particular on meta-ethics, moral psychology and ethical dimensions of psychoanalysis. He has published various articles on these areas, on the philosophy of language and on Wittgenstein.
Typical pattern of teaching
Lectures at the Mathematical Institute or the University Museum are given to all first-year mathematicians (about 250) by lecturers from all colleges - about 10 lectures per week; Classes are given in Keble to groups of up to 8; Tutorials are given usually in pairs and triplets, about 2 per week.
We have three main tutors in mathematics and statistics and we have a Logic tutor as well as a Philosophy tutor. Between them, these cover most of the subjects in the undergraduate curriculum, with the exception of some specialised options which are taught by means of inter-collegiate classes during the third and fourth years. College teaching is by means of a combination of tutorials and classes, averaging at least two hours per week during the first two years, and rather less during the third year. They are planned so as to complement the lecture courses provided by the University which are detailed in the Oxford University Undergraduate Prospectus. Second-year undergraduates also write an extended essay during the long vacation on a mathematical topic, and give a presentation on this to the rest of the mathematicians in College.
Qualities sought for entry
Perhaps the most frequent reply of all to the question mentioned in the first paragraph is 'Because I've always found it easy'. This may be true, but may make the interviewer think that you expect to find Oxford mathematics easy too. Very few people find this to be so, though it helps to be well prepared. In most cases this means taking 'double' mathematics at A level. For some schools this is difficult to arrange, so candidates offering a single mathematics A level are also considered. It does not matter whether your A-level mathematics is traditional or 'modern' and whether or not it is modular. A third A-level subject is required, but the choice of that subject is an individual matter. Economics and physics are both important areas of application of mathematics, and either would be a sensible choice if your interest lies in these areas. Interviews focus mainly on mathematics, and to some extent are of a technical nature. For the joint school Mathematics and Philosophy, we also look for an interest in the problems of philosophy, and the ability to reason about them cogently orally and in writing.
The required conditions are likely to be two A* grades, and one grade A, with an A* in Mathematics and an A* in Further Mathematics if this is also taken, unless there are unusual educational circumstances. Other equivalent non A-level qualifications are welcome.
Written test at interview and Written Work: Candidates will be set a 2½ hour written test prior to the interview period to be taken in the candidate’s school or college, or at a test centre, early in November 2011. The test consists of five mathematical questions, all based upon the SCAA Common Core Syllabus for A-level Mathematics. Past papers may be obtained from the University Admissions Office, Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JD, or on-line at the Department website. If possible, arrangements will be made for overseas candidates who are unable to come for interview to take this test at their schools; if this is not possible the candidates will be asked to produce some written work of a specific kind. No other candidates will be asked to submit any written work.
See also the selection criteria at the subject website and subject requirements.