BSc Mathematical Physics

Robert Weston

This programme is available in Edinburgh.

Programme Director: Prof Robert Weston

Programme Code: F1M1-MPH

For further information about course choices consult:

Students have to achieve a minimum of Grade D in all Physics courses.

An optional course may not run if there is insufficient demand for it; some choices of courses may not be available to students in some years because of timetabling constraints.


Year 1

Year Co-ordinator(s):
Dr James Gaunt (Edinburgh)

Semester 1 (Mandatory)Semester 2 (Mandatory)
F77SA Topics in Statistical Practice
F77SB Elements of Probability

Progression to year 2: a minimum of Grade D in at least 6 courses including F17CA, F17CB, F17CC, B27MW, B27FF and F17GA. All courses at grade E or better.


Year 2

Year Co-ordinator(s):
Dr Richard Davison (Edinburgh)

Semester 1 (Mandatory)Semester 2 (Mandatory)
F18AA Applied Mathematics A
Optional (Choose 1)
B28PO Photonics and Optics
F17LP Logic and Proof
F78PA Probability and Statistics A

Progression to year 3: a minimum of Grade D in at least 6 courses including F18CD, F18CE, F18AA, F18NA, F18PA and F18CF. All courses at grade E or better.


Year 3

Year Co-ordinator(s):
Dr Alexandre Martin (Edinburgh)

Semester 1 (Mandatory)Semester 2 (Mandatory)
F19PL Abstract Algebra
B29EM Electromagnetism
F19AB Applied Mathematics B
Semester 1 Optional (Choose 1)
Semester 2 Optional (Choose 1)
F10FL Fluid MechanicsF10LG Lie Groups and Algebras
F10TS Thermodynamics and Statistical MechanicsF10QT Quantum Theory

In any given year, only one of F10FL/F10QT and one of F10LG/F10QT will run. The other option will run in the following year.

Progression to year 4: An average mark on qualifying courses of at least 40% and an average mark of at least 40% in the seven qualifying courses other than F19GB (Project presentation). All courses at grade E or better.


Year 4

Year Co-ordinator(s):
Dr David Bourne (Edinburgh)

Dr David Bourne
  • For an overview of what is in the 4th year courses, click on the Brief Descriptions PDF.
  • Some options run subject to demand.
Semester 1 (Mandatory)Semester 2 (Mandatory)
F10PC TopologyF10MP Partial Differential Equations
F10SR Special Relativity F10PG Geometry
Semester 1 (Optional choose 1) Semester 2 (Optional choose 1)
F10LG Lie Groups and Algebras
F10TS Thermodynamics and Statistical MechanicsF10QT Quantum Theory

In any given year, only one of F10FL/F10QT and one of F10LG/F10QT will run. The other option will run in the following year.