Swansea University - MSc in Modelling, Uncertainty and Data

MSc Modelling, Uncertainty and Data

School of Physical Sciences

The School of Physical Sciences is a partnership between the Departments of Computer Science, Mathematics and Physics. The three Departments have a common academic ethos, strong mathematical and computational interests, and are dedicated to curiosity-driven research at the highest international levels. The Departments are research intensive and internationally focused. Each of our three subjects received the highest ratings of 4* and 3* in RAE 2008. The Departments enjoy a large degree of autonomy with individual research, teaching and financial strategies reflecting their distinct scientific cultures

The UCAS code for this course is: n/a
Full time study: 1 year full-time study

Part-time study: 24 months duration

This new MSc draws together expertise from the three departments that make up the School of Physical Sciences (Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics) through a unifying theme of data, and in particular the role of uncertainty in modelling scientific data. It is intended that the themes developed in the MSc will be highly relevant to the new High Performance Computer (HPC) Facility to be established in Swansea. The programme both complements and extends the University's initiatives in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and their peripheries.

The key aim of the programme is to provide a broad education in modelling, uncertainty and the efficient analysis of (large) data sets. An important feature of the programme is that the techniques are not to be concentrated on one small area within a subset of the STEM subjects. The strategy is to provide a portfolio of cross-cutting techniques with emphasis on both theory and application so that problems in all STEM subject areas can be addressed. All departments within the School of Physical Sciences have expertise in the key modelling techniques to be delivered and each can contribute a number of highly relevant modules from their existing portfolios.

The platform of modelling tools to be delivered falls neatly into four categories;

  • probability, statistics and numerical analysis
  • programming and visualization
  • distributed computation and data sets
  • modelling of physical systems

currently centred primarily in Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics.

The programme provides a high-level education in modelling, not constrained by focusing on only one narrow subject area, and will allow graduates access to a wide range of career opportunities. The opportunities to embark on PhD programmes with a strong modelling flavour will be greater for graduates of this programme.

 

Standard Entry requirements

The MSc is aimed at science graduates, particularly those with first degrees in Computer Science, Mathematics or Physics. At least a lower second class honours degree (or equivalent) will normally be required. Given the mathematical nature of some of the material it may be inappropriate to offer places to some applicants with more business/commercially oriented Computing/IT style degrees. However, our experience is that many strongly motivated and talented M.Sc. students have come from 'non mathematical' backgrounds in the past and applications will be considered on an individual basis.

Scholarships and Bursaries
The School has some bursaries available (some for fees only). All eligible applicants will be contacted and invited to apply sometime after Easter prior to the start of the course. An offer of a place does not imply any offer of funding.

 

Research

Opportunities to engage with the School's research programmes are provided through the dissertation phase of the MSc.  This provides the student with access to a large number of study areas within (or across the boundaries of) Mathematics, Computer Science or Physics, the constituent subject areas of the School of Physical Sciences.  To give a brief idea, a snapshot of currently envisaged topics is;

Monte Carlo simulation of phase transitions in condensed matter and particle physics, Numerical study of chaotic dynamical systems, Spectroscopic analysis of quantum systems using Bayesian techniques, Information theory in data analysis, Predicting traffic patterns using the Hidden Markov Model, Numerical solutions and simulations for delay mean-reverting processes, Simulations for Financial models with jump processes.

Accreditation
N/A
Assessment

Assessment is normally through a combination of examination and course work, however, you should contact the admissions tutor of your course for detailed information on assessment.

Important Dates

Information regarding dates and times for Enrolment can be found on the Student Records webpages.

UK/EU Undergraduates

Applications should be made through UCAS.

International Students

Please see this page for information on studying at Swansea University

Postgraduate Students

Apply for your course by looking at this page.

Course co-ordinator

This course is:
Accepting Applications