BSc Physical Geography / Mathematics

This BSc in Physical Geography and Mathematics is a specialist degree in which you will spend half of your time studying science-based Geography and half of your time studying mathematics. This gives you a remarkable opportunity to investigate the processes which structure the natural world with the aid of mathematical analysis. You will do this on local and global scales, and you will look at the implications for human society that these powerful forces may threaten.

You will examine a range of subjects including environmental management, quaternary science, global ecology and earth surface environments, complemented with the development of your mathematical skills in areas such as algebra and calculus, differential equations or statistics. You will be able to direct your study into specialist areas by choosing optional modules including River System Dynamics, Geomorphology, Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing, or Volcanic Activity. You will also be able to choose your mathematical focus between mechanics and statistics, choosing from modules such as Comparative Statistical Inference and Linear Modelling Techniques, or Partial Differential Equations and Hydrodynamics.

This course is based at our internationally-renowned Departments of Geography and Earth Sciences (DGES) and Mathematics. Our staff members specialise in particular branches of their disciplines and will be available for advice and guidance throughout your course, including as you prepare to write and present your substantial final dissertation. DGES is one of the largest Geography communities in the UK and the fascinating coastal, fluvial and biological geography around Aberystwyth is perfect for you to get out and conduct regular field work.

This BSc in Physical Geography and Mathematics will be valuable in any almost any graduate workplace. Upon obtaining your degree, you will be a capable researcher, a confident analyst and fluent communicator. You will be experienced in planning projects, presenting in both oral and written form, and leading and co-operating in team settings.

These skills are just some of the many you will be able to bring to any graduate workplace. Our lecturers are active researchers working at the cutting edge of their disciplines, and you will benefit from being taught the latest geographical theories and techniques. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework assessment (REF 2014) DGES retained its crown of the best Geography department in Wales, with 78% of the research being undertaken classified as either "world leading" or "internationally excellent”.

DGES is also in the top ten of UK Geography departments with regard to research power, which provides a measure of the quality of research, as well as of the number of staff undertaking research within the department. In Mathematics, all research submitted to REF 2014 was rated as internationally recognised and above. All lecturers in the Department of Mathematics are qualified to PhD level and are research active.

The majority have a postgraduate teaching qualification and new staff are required to complete the PGCTHE. The department also employs a number of part time tutors, with extensive teaching experience, and some student demonstrators, who are selected from our undergraduate and postgraduate students. Department of Geography and Earth Science: lecturers are all qualified to PhD level or working towards a PhD.