Mathematics is the language of science and logic the language of argument. Science students are often surprised, and sometimes daunted, by the prevalence of mathematical ideas and techniques which form the basis for scientific theory. The more abstract ideas of pure mathematics may find fewer everyday applications, but their study instils an appreciation of the need for rigorous, careful argument and an awareness of the limitations of an argument or technique. A mathematics degree teaches the skills to see clearly to the heart of difficult technical problems, and provides a “toolbox” of ideas and methods to tackle them.

The Mathematics degrees can lead to either a BA after three years or an MMath after four years, though you will not be asked to choose between these until your third year. Both courses are highly regarded: the employability of graduates of both degrees is extremely high, and BA graduates can still go on to second degrees, Masters or PhDs. For the BA, a final classification (First, Upper Second, Lower Second, Third, Pass, Fail) is based on second and third year assessment. MMath students receive this classification and also a similar assessment separately on the fourth year.

First Year (Prelims)

The first year of the course ends with the Preliminary Examination in Mathematics (or “Prelims”). For an example of the current syllabus, see the Course Handbook, available at www.maths.ox.ac.uk/r/handbooks.

On arrival, you will receive a Course Handbook and supplements to this are issued each year which give detailed synopses of all courses and a supporting reading list for each course of lectures.

The first year course currently consists of lectures on the following topics:

Introduction to University Mathematics
Introduction to Complex Numbers
Linear Algebra (I, II)
Groups and Group Actions
Analysis (I, II, III)
Introductory Calculus
Probability
Statistics and Data Analysis
Geometry
Dynamics
Constructive Mathematics
Multivariable Calculus
Fourier Series and Partial Differential Equations
Computational Mathematics
The last course involves practical computing classes using MATLAB – a popular piece of mathematical software. The course involves introductory sessions in the first term, and two projects in the second term, which count towards Prelims. If you’re buying a computer for university, please do consider a laptop over a desktop, so that you can take the laptop to these classes.

There are no lectures in the second half of third term, so that you can concentrate on revision. The end of year examination consists of five written papers, each between 2-3 hours long; no books, tables or calculators may be taken into the examination room. You are examined on your knowledge of the whole syllabus and your results are overall awarded a Distinction, Pass or Fail. The vast majority of students pass all their papers, but anyone failing one or more papers will need to retake some or all of the papers in September in order to continue on to the second year.

https://www.maths.ox.ac.uk/study-here...