MSci in Computer Science and Mathematics within the Natural Sciences programme (FGC0): 2023-2024
About MSci in Computer Science and Mathematics within the Natural Sciences programme
This course combines theoretical knowledge from mathematics with concrete applications in computer science.
In the first year you will study essential core components of mathematics and computer science, giving you a rigorous foundation for future years. Subsequently, you will have the opportunity to tailor your mathematics and computer science options so that you graduate with a balance of theoretical and practical skills that reflect your interests while the requirement to take Capstone credits will give your degree depth.
The current course structure is shown in the table below that consists of modules which must be studied in the appropriate year - click on the module code for the current module content. In Year 1 students are able to take 20 credits from any Group 1, 2 or 3 subject (see for a description of the Group subjects.) After Year 1, students focus solely on studying Computer Science and Mathematics. If students don't wish to take a particular module or include a third subject then it may be possible take up the option of the more flexible "MSci in Natural Sciences degree. The subjects in which modules have been taken successfully in the final two years are as follows: Computer Science and Mathematics". As the rules below permit, students may take up to 80 credits in one subject and no less than 40 credits in the other subject and always take precisely 120 credits in one year. UCAS applicants are invited to use the app to discover the key modules to self-build a degree
| Year 1 | |
| Computer Science | 60 credits: Computational Thinking (COMP1051), Algorithms And Data Structures (COMP1081) and 20 credits from: Computer Systems (COMP1071); Programming (black) (COMP1101); Programming (gold) (COMP1111). |
| Mathematics | 60 credits: Calculus I (MATH1061), Linear Algebra I (MATH1071), Probability I (MATH1597) and Statistics I (MATH1617) |
| Year 2 | |
| Computer Science | 60 credits: From the Level 2 Computer Science list |
| Mathematics | 60 credits: From the Mathematics list where at most 20 credits may be at Level 1. |
| Year 3 | |
| Computer Science | 60 credits: Project Preparation (COMP3591); modules from the Level 3 Computer Science list. |
| Mathematics | 60 credits: From the Level 3 Mathematics list. |
| Year 4 | |
| Computer Science | 40 credits: From the Level 4 Computer Science list |
| Mathematics | 40 credits: From the Level 4 Mathematics list. |
| Students must take a Dissertation/Project module in Year 4 from the following list: | |
| Project modules | 60 credit Advanced Project (COMP4013); 40 credit Project IV (MATH4072); |
Further details about the modules in the Mathematics list.
Below is an example of modules that are timetabled to satisfy these rules except in Year 4 where the set may not satisfy the rules above to increase flexibility of choice of modules. Click on the single digit numbered link on the left to see a sample timetable and the module code to see details about the module such as content, contact hours, teaching methods and assessment methods.
| 1 | Computational Thinking (COMP1051) | Computer Systems (COMP1071) | Algorithms And Data Structures (COMP1081) | Calculus I (MATH1061) | Linear Algebra I (MATH1071) | Probability I (MATH1597) | Statistics I (MATH1617) | ||||
| 2 | Theory Of Computation (COMP2181) | Artificial Intelligence (COMP2261) | Data Science (COMP2271) | Analysis I (MATH1051) | Analysis In Many Variables II (MATH2031) | Data Science And Statistical Computing II (MATH2687) | Statistical Modelling II (MATH2697) | ||||
| 2 | Theory Of Computation (COMP2181) | Programming Paradigms (COMP2221) | Computer Systems (COMP1071) | Data Science (COMP2271) | Analysis In Many Variables II (MATH2031) | Algebra II (MATH2581) | |||||
| 3 | Computer Vision (COMP3527) | Deep Learning (COMP3547) | Multimedia And Game Development (COMP3567) | Project Preparation (COMP3591) | Virtual And Augmented Reality (COMP3617) | Decision Theory III (MATH3071) | Operations Research III (MATH3141) | Cryptography And Codes III (MATH3401) | |||
| 4 | Natural Language Processing (COMP4167) | Blockchain And Cryptocurrencies (COMP4137) | Learning Analytics (COMP4157) | Advanced Computer Vision (COMP4107) | Advanced Computer Graphics And Visualisation (COMP4097) | Parallel Scientific Computing II (COMP4187) | Riemannian Geometry IV (MATH4171) | Representation Theory IV (MATH4241) | Functional Analysis And Applications IV (MATH4371) |
Note that:
- You can vary the balance between the two subjects in all years assuming the rules below and timetable will allow it.
- Not all combinations of the modules which make up the degree rules are guaranteed to timetable, but one set will.
- If no student is following the Joint-Honours degree in a given year, then we do not ask for modules to be timetabled for that cohort in the following year.
- The timetable changes each year.
- Future changes in the Joint-Honours rules are either flagged up in the programme regulations in the Faculty Handbook or in the Computer Science/Mathematics advice.
- Students are welcome to suggest to the Director better guaranteed combinations, but due to the quality assurance process and timetabling the lead in time is one year.
For more information about the Natural Sciences degree programme, please contact:
Dr. James Blowey
Deputy Head of Faculty
Faculty of Science Office
Level 3 Chemistry Building
Durham University
DH1 3LE
UK
Email: Natural Sciences Director
WWW: Natural Sciences home page
The Natural Sciences web pages are maintained by James Blowey
