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Note. The Mathematics Department does not make first year List A modules compulsory, in order to give students (including those on joint degree courses) freedom of choice in building their options. However, the List A modules are important for many subsequent pure and applied maths modules, and we recommend that first year students take as many as possible to maintain flexibility for future maths modules. Choosing options is discussed here, and the first year List A options are discussed below.

Additional advice to first year students

Maths Modules

Maths Modules for External Students

These modules are not available to Maths students.

Statistics Modules

First year mathematics students interested in transferring to MORSE (Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics and Economics) should include the following modules among their options

EC106 Introduction to Quantitative Economics(24 CATS, Terms 1-2);
IB104 Mathematical Programming I (12 CATS version, Term 3);
ST112 Probability B (6 CATS, Term 2)
ST104 Statisitcal Laboratory I (12 CATS, Terms 2-3)

This would allow transfer into the second year of MORSE, which consists of roughly equal proportions from the four participating departments (Statistics, Economics, Business Studies and Mathematics). Further details of MORSE can be obtained from the Statistics Department.

For transfer into Mathematics and Statistics students should take

ST112 Probability B (6 CATS, Term 2)
ST104 Statisitcal Laboratory I (12 CATS, Terms 2-3)

Transfer into any Statistics course will depend on available capacity and is likely to be restricted to only the strongest students.

Both Probability A (core) and Probability B are also essential for any further Statistics options in later years.

Mathematics & Economics (GL11) students should refer to the Economics Undergraduate handbook and to the section on joint degree courses in this handbook.

Other mathematics students (G100 or G103, BSc or MMath) may take EC106 Introduction to Qualitative Economics as an option. [Note: Maths & Economics students do NOT take EC106.] It is designed to be suitable for Mathematics students, and a good performance in this module >55% is a prerequisite for some optional second and third year Economics modules. See the Economics Department Undergraduate handbook, which also contains details of other more specialized first year economics options. If you wish to take second year Economics modules next year then you MUST take EC106 or EC107 this year,

Mathematics students should note that at least one 1st year programming module, or the ability to program in a high level language, is a prerequisite for most Computer Science modules in Years 2 and 3. There are two roughly equivalent high level programming modules. CS118 Programming for Computer Scientists which is taken by Computer Science students, and MA117 Programming for Scientists which is available to all Mathematics students as an option. MA117 satisfies the programming prerequisite for Computer Science options.

Students considering transferring to the Discrete Mathematics G4G1 degree should take the modules Discrete Mathematics & its Applications 2 as well as MA117 Programming for Scientists.

Physics options for Mathematics students: Weekly problem sheets are issued for all the first year Physics modules. Any combination of Physics options may be taken. However, the Physics Department recommends the following modules and combinations, especially for students who may wish to transfer to the Maths and Physics degree at the end of the first year.

• PX101 Quantum Phenomena. This module deals from first principles with one of the major components of modern Physics. It leads on to several options in 2nd year Physics (see the second year options for details).
• PX148 Classical Mechanics and Special Relativity
• PX120 Electricity and Magnetism. These lectures treat the classical description of the behaviour of particles, waves and matter.

Students wishing to follow modules in Philosophy should register for these modules at the start of Term 1, using the online registration system.

In order to follow 2nd or 3rd year Philosophy honours modules students must normally first have completed a total of 30 CATS of Philosophy modules at the first year level. Those in doubt should consult the module tutor of the relevant module.

Students on the Mathematics and Philosophy joint degree take the following two modules in their first year: PH142 Central Themes in Philosophy (term 2); PH136 Logic I: Introduction to Symbolic Logic (term 2). Mathematics students are also eligible for a transfer to Mathematics and Philosophy if they take the same module combination in their first year. See the Philosophy Department's website

See Information for all WBS modules.

Note that for any WBS module you MUST register on both the University registration system (eVision) and the WBS system (MyWBS), with the same CATS weighting. Failure to do this may mean that you will not be permitted to continue on the module and be removed from it.

The Language Centre offers academic modules in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Russian and Spanish at a wide range of levels. These modules are available for exam credit as unusual options to mathematicians in all years. Pick up a leaflet listing the modules from the Language Centre, on the ground floor of the Humanities Building by the Central Library. Full descriptions are available on request. Note that you may only take one language module (as an Unusual Option) for credit in each year. Language modules are available as whole year modules, or smaller term long modules; both options are available to maths students. These modules may carry 24 (12) or 30 (15) CATS and that is the credit you get. We used to restrict maths students to 24 (12) if there was a choice, but we no longer do this.

Plan ahead! Note that 3rd and 4th year students cannot take beginners level (level 1) Language modules.

There is also an extensive and very popular programme of lifelong learning language classes provided by the centre to the local community, with discounted fees for Warwick students. Enrolment is from 9am on Wednesday of week 1. These classes do not count as credit towards your degree.

The Language Centre also offers audiovisual and computer self-access facilities, with appropriate material for individual study at various levels in Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. (This kind of study may improve your mind, but it does not count for exam credit.)

Important note for students who pre-register for Language Centre modules

It is essential that you confirm your module pre-registration by coming to the Language Centre as soon as you can during week one of the new academic year. If you do not confirm your registration, your place on the module cannot be guaranteed. If you decide, during the summer, NOT to study a language module and to change your registration details, please have the courtesy to inform the Language Centre of the amendment.

Information on modules can be found at

http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/arts/languagecentre/academic/

Engineering

Mathematics students interested in taking Engineering modules in later years should see the page for year 2 and 3 modules for any prerequisites. Details of all engineering modules can be found on the Engineering web pages.

Objectives

After completing the first year students will have

• made the transition in learning style and pace from school to university mathematics;
• been introduced to the basic concepts in university mathematics, in particular proof, rigour and calculations;
• begun the study of the foundational core;
• acquired knowledge, understanding and techniques necessary to proceed to the second year.