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University of Bath mathematics units

The following are all mathematics units I have taken / am currently studying at Bath University. Five units are taken each semester, and the course I am studying lasts four years, so with two semesters each year, that's a total of forty units when the course is finished.

Math 0001 Numbers Assume Nothing
This unit is the first step, new symbols, an introduction to a more exact form of maths, and bringing together different standards of student. Professor Ryan lectured this unit, and I found his presentation to be extremely clear in both the proof and complex numbers sections of the course.
Math 0002 Functions and Differentiation Realise your inferiority
The first look at epsilon delta proofs and a first proper look at differentiation. The beginnings of analysis. This unit can often appear daunting at the time. I was taught by Dr Hill, and although I couldn`t follow at the time, I do believe him to be a clear lecturer, particularly since taking Math0014.
Math 0003 Calculus 1 25/20 due to bonus marks
An easy unit if you`ve done further maths, bringing differentiation and integration skills of all students into line. Lectured by Dr Britton, a clear lecturer who worked at a pace most find acceptable, the course is possibly the easiest of the first year.
Math 0004 Sets and Sequences Empty boxes in empty boxes
Sets and sequences play a vital part in many units after this one, making math0004 a key unit for future courses. Dr Sankaran, also my personal tutor, instructed this unit, and was another very clear lecturer. Most impressive was the fact that he appeared to do the entire course from memory, never bringing notes to the lecture at all.
Math 0005 Matrices/Multivariate Calculus Unlock your mind, feel the matrix
Meditation. So many people made fun of it, but really, it works. It may seem strange, but clearing your mind with the help of Dr Siveloganathan really helped, making the matrices course much easier. The latter part of the course is on multivariate calculus, a less useful but equally interesting part of the course.
Math 0006 Vectors and Applications It is in R3 where we live
Dr Smyshlyaev (I think) enthusiastically told us about vectors in this course, and I have to admit it was easy to get lost along the way. This was not the lecturers fault, simply that with so many vectors flying around the room, it was hard to visualise everything properly. I believe many people focused on the first few questions in order to pass this exam.
Math 0007 Analysis By the Binomial...
This is it, the second year, and the beginning of proper analysis. Continuity, sequences of functions, the binomial and much more, all examined in a greater amount of detail. Dr Burton took this unit, and his attention to detail was certainly needed. Simple mistakes cost many marks in a unit based around proving each minor detail.
Math 0008 Algebra 1 Its therapy
Dr Smith, a lecturer who made us laugh on several occasions, took us for Math0008, and although many found the exam hard, this introduction to algebra suited some people very well. Its a good indication as to how other courses might go in the future. Beware of Galois Theory if you find this unit hard.
Math 0009 ODEs and Control If you stare at this thing long enough...
Returning for a second course, Prof Ryan took this course in what was clearly a subject more suited to his tastes. An applied mathematician, Prof Ryan introduced us to ordinary differential equations, the methods for solving them, and an introduction to control theory. A long exam made things difficult, but if you know your stuff, this is a good unit to gain a decent mark.
Math 0010 Vector Calculus Is there an audience?
Dr Antipov, as nice as he probably was, pretty much lost everyone on this course. He tried, but we didn`t follow. My result was terrible, and many others feel that marks were gained more from scaling than actual marks. A tough look at vectors, this is best suited to students successful in Math0006.
Math 0011 Real Analysis If you can`t be doing with all this
Following on from Math0007, this is the next step into the world of analysis. Examining continuity in more detail, looking at differentiability, and exploring Riemann integration. Prof Burstall proved to be another clear lecturer with impressive attention to detail as needed in this kind of unit. He was also very honest with us, and unafraid to tell us why we might fail, and what to expect from year 3.
Math 0012 Algebra 2 dot dot dot
Dr Vassiliev, the Jack Dee of mathematics, had all of us laughing on many occasions, whilst also presenting an interesting look at Algebra. Mostly examining the matrix determinant, and later a look at Group Theory, this course appeared to have a friendly exam at the end, but attention to detail let myself and many others down when it came to the results.
Math 0013 Mathematical Modelling No nude models
Split into two halves, this course is an obvious target for tactical revision. No wonder then that there is coursework for one part, but more exam questions for the other, you just have to know both. Dr Britton lecturered the modelling part of the course, taking a look at some aspects of math biology. Dr Walton then took over to show us Inviscid fluids. Both parts were clearly presented, but perhaps the difference between the two halves can lead to confusion during revision.
Math 0014 Numerical Analysis He did it aged 9
In the second course taught by Dr Hill, I began to understand why he is a respected lecturer. Though I found Numerical analysis hard, with some particularly tricky coursework, we were well prepared for the exam, and familiar with a nice selection of numerical methods.
Math 0031 Statistics and Probability 1 Tossing isn`t the only part of stats
Dr Chatfield, an experienced statistics lecturer took us for our first taste of university stats, which was really another unit to bring us all up to standard, not really breaking any barriers, simply preparing us for second year stats.
Math 0032 Statistics and Probability 2 Don`t start fights with the lecturer
The second stats course focuses more on the probability side, and was my least favourite unit of the first year. Taught by Dr Hobson, it is a useful stepping stone to the second year, but not ideal for those who don`t like stats and probability.
Math 0034 Probability Theory Do you see it?
Dr Nicoleris, making us try to see it, and introducing us to Probability properly in the first of the true probability courses. An introduction to random walks was the most interesting part for me as I intended to later study Markov chains. The unit overall however was not my favourite.
Math 0036 Stochastic Processes I didn`t see it
Entering the world of Markov Chains with the help of Dr Moerters, this was one of the more interesting units available. Whilst things did get confusing during the middle of the course, many problems are resolved when the course is split into two parts, continuous and discrete time chains.
Math 0037 Galois Theory Any questions? No. Didn`t think so
Professor Smith returns with some killer algebra. If you were in the fortunate position of wondering when things were going to get hard, then try this, its one of the rocks of the third year. Don`t even consider it unless you were okay with math0008, but obviously don`t let me put you off either.
Math 0041 Metric Spaces It`ll be very useful later on. Really
Actually quite an interesting unit in the end, and one that is vital for many units later on, this is *the* unit to do if you are on an MMath course. If you can visualise the proofs, then they are often a lot easier, and again, with Dr Siveloganathan clearing our minds, the attention to detail is attainable if you put in the time.
Math 0043 Real and Abstract Analysis You are all going to fail
Dr Vassiliev told us we would fail, and though I haven't had the results at the time of writing, I wouldn't be surprised if he's right. A hard unit, and certainly not in my "field" if I have one, but it did put together some important ideas used in other units, for example the workings of Hilbert Spaces.
Math 0045 Dynamical Systems Okey, is nice. Wery interesting
Probably my favourite unit, Dynamical Systems was taught by Professor Galaktionov, who really carried a lot of enthusiasm into his lecturing. The study of manifolds, orbits, bifurcations and stability are all points that interest me, making this an ideal unit for me.
Math 0046 Linear Control Theory Look at this beast
A good set of exam hints from Professor Logemann made this unit easier than it could have been, and many of the ideas are dualised between control and observation, but still a tough unit if you aren't familiar with the material. Certainly worth a go though, and leads to the nonlinear control next semester.
Math 0047 Mathematical Biology 1 The study of immortal rabbits
Continuing on from the first half of Math0013, this course, taught by Dr White, examined several models for modelling population behaviours, genetics models and species interactions. With coursework in the middle this course can be alright if you put the time into the problem sheets.
Math 0048 An. + Geo Th. of Differential Equations The four and only
Another unit taught by Dr Sivaloganathan, and an extremely interesting one. Sadly it is also probably the most difficult unit I've done. Looking at the Calculus of Variations, Hamilton's Equations, Noether's Theorem and more, and examining conservation laws and other ideas behind differential equations was tricky, but fun.
Math 0049 Linear Elasticity Uncomfortable Silence
A strange unit this one, taught by temporary lecturer, Dr Taheri. Despite being my best score in my degree, it didn't feel like a perfect unit. It was interesting, but sometimes there were uncomfortable silences in lectures, and it felt that many others students resented the lecturer, making the environment feel a little hostile.
Math 0055 Introduction to Topology Sets... for why?
I really enjoyed this unit, but its one of those where everybody seems to do less well than they expect. Taught by Professor Burstall, it was an enjoyable unit, especially the surfaces stuff at the end, but its important to keep an eye on every detail. To pass this unit it really is worth doing as many practice questions as possible.
Math 0056 Complex Analysis It iz complex. Not so simple jar?
The nice complex differentiation stuff at the beginning is *very* misleading. Beware that this course gets much harder. I struggled through this unit, taught by Professor Logemann, though it was fairly enjoyable. As analysis goes, its pretty good, thanks to the complex plane. Make sure you were happy with Math0011 first though.
Math 0061 Nonlinear and Optimal Control Theory You'll see its nothing more than...
A great unit, taught by Professor Ryan, with absolutely loads of stuff for a person interested in control theory. The optimization examples at the end are really quite interesting, and looking at the overall concepts for the course gives a nice overview of the topic. Its part of the reason I carried on after my degree.
Math 0062 Ordinary Differential Equations From equation (3)
I really enjoyed this unit, taught by Professor Ryan, and aim to do all the follow on units. Its also given me my highest score yet, which could be a factor. It helps to remember Math0009, but this unit goes back to the roots of ODEs, so Math0009 is only really used in examples rather than the proofs.
Math 0063 Mathematical Biology 2 The muskrat invasion
This is actually a really interesting unit, taught by Dr Britton, and covering a different aspect of Biology to Biology 1. Don't be put off by the fluids and PDEs stuff, you can pick it up as you go along. How I got through the exam though, I don't know. It was my last exam, and I had no time to prepare, but somehow it worked out.
Math 0065 Viscous Fluid Mechanics Multiple sets of notes
Dr Evans showed just how organised he is, handing out full sets of notes, exam papers, problem sheets and solutions allowing us to concentrate on the course itself, making it an interesting experience, and allowing us to learn about Viscous Flow.
Math 0087 Optimisation Methods The rather complex simplex algorithm
Don't be fooled by this unit, it may look easy, and to be honest, the methods are, but understanding each method enough to answer the "unseen" parts of the exam paper is more of a challenge. Dr Brigden is a clear lecturer though, and if you pay attention throughout, things should be alright on the night.
Math 0089 Applied Probability and Finance What Bellman Equation?
Taught by Professor Penrose, this course was not my favourite, but that's because I'm not so keen on probability. There were interesting links to Bellman-Hamilton-Jacobi theory in control (such as Math0061), but the interest ended there. Bizarrely I did better in this unit than Markov Processes, despite finding that unit much easier.
Math 0125 Markov Processes As always, Pi P = Pi
A tough unit following on from Mathh0036, and to succeed, it is *vital* that every problem sheet is attempted. Dr Harris knows this, and expects it of everyone, so its best to avoid this course if you prefer to do all your work at the end. A good understanding of queueing from Math0036 is important here as many sections rely on this knowledge.
Math 0126 Contemporary Computing Don`t forget that 0.5 is bigger than 0.5
Was it because they couldn`t find any other units to do in the first year? This introduction to computing was, erm, interesting. Dr Richardson, Dr Graham and Dr Clark lectured about some computing stuff. One thing did come of it though, this website. You might not like it, but I love playing around with it, and owe it to the introduction to html I got in math0126.
Math 0128 Project Help!
This was the one - perhaps my favourite unit. I did a project with Professor Ryan, basically entitled: Asymptotic behaviour of solutions to differential equations, which was thoroughly enjoyable, and the main reason I've stayed on to do a PhD. It was very different to any of my other units, but still brilliant fun.
Math 0140 Programming in Java Fill in the blanks, if you can
A more useful computing unit, but with wasted potential. Dr Paddon told us about Java, a useful tool, but not in anyway we could actually apply or learn from. Another "filler" unit. Plenty of coursework makes the exam fairly easy though.
Math 0170 Numerical Solutions to PDEs I Do you know what continuity is?
Not a whole lot of fun, this PDEs unit could have been so much better. Firstly it was quite basic, but the main problem was that the coursework was stupid. The material wasn't hard, just the questions made no sense. Professor Graham disagreed, but I still don't really know what questions were being asked..
Math 0188 Algebraic Curves The student eliminator
I did this the first year it ran, making it very hard - no past papers, or notes to go by. Even lecturer Dr Sankaran seemed unsure what to teach us. I actually still don't really know what the unit was about, despite taking the exam. Its probably a great unit for those who really like algebra. If you liked Galois Theory, then do this, but if not, I have to say its probably best avoided.



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