Exeter Scholars

Maths, Computer Science and Physics

A student using a virtual reality headset

Mathematics has always been the language of engineering and the physical sciences. Today, the reach of mathematics extends to the social sciences, computing and the internet, biology, finance, and many other areas. Similarly, Computer Science is an advancing, dynamic field, which is essential to many areas of science, technology, and industry. The rigorous approach to mathematics at university level provides deep insights into questions such as: are there different sizes of infinity? Is every number the solution of a polynomial equation? Can every angle be trisected using only a ruler and compass?

Physics is the study of matter, energy, and the interaction between them, but fundamentally it is about trying to answer the big questions about nature and the Universe through theory, observations, and experiments.

In this subject strand you will get a sense of what it is like to be a mathematics, physics or computer science student as well as gaining a good insight into the exciting, world-leading research conducted at the University of Exeter.

  Day Date Time Location
1 w/c 3rd February 2025 TBC Streatham Campus, Exeter
2 TBC TBC TBC Streatham Campus, Exeter
3 TBC March 2025 TBC Streatham Campus, Exeter
4 Thursday 24th April 2025 10.00 - 13.00 Met Office Field Trip, Exeter
5 TBC May 2025 10.00 - 13.00 Streatham Campus, Exeter
6 TBC June 2025 TBC Streatham Campus, Exeter

Activity Locations

All subject activity sessions will take place on the University of Exeter Streatham campus, with the exception of one field trip (leaving from Streatham campus to the Met Office). 

Session 1: Standard introductory session  

  • Date: WC 3rd Feb 
  • Content:  
  • Introduction to programme and department 
  • Ice breakers and group activities  
  • Campus tour 
  • Q&A 
  • Leads: WPC, ESA and academic (GM and HB could give department intro?) 

 Session 2: Maths and Computer Science academic sessions 

  • Date: (TBC) 
  • Content: TBC 
  • Leads: Gihan Marasingha 

 Session 3: Physics academic session 

  • Date: March  
  • Content:  
  • Exoplanets lab activity  
  • Leads: Sebastiaan Krijt (academic staff) 

 Session 4: Met Office field trip  

  • Date: Thurs 24th April, 10:00-13:00 (TBC) 
  • Content:  
  • Travel to/from campus 
  • Met Office led session 
  • Leads: Rebecca Griffiths/Lottie Jepson: (external, Met Office) 

 Session 5: Maths and Computer Science academic session 

  • Date: May, 10:00-13:00 (TBC) 
  • Content:  
  • Maths academic session 
  • Leads: Layal Hakim (academic)   

Session 6: Physics academic session, (Quantum Optics or liquid nitrogen) 

  • Date: June 
  • Content:  

Quantum Optics lab session 

Introduction to experiments, logistics 

Experimental session 1, Physics teaching lab (Stuart Handley lab.) 

Experimental session 2, Physics teaching lab. (Stuart Handley lab.) 

Admissions talk and Q&A 

  • Leads: TBC 

 

Other possible session content: 

  • Quantum Optics or liquid nitrogen lab session (whichever doesn’t run for session 6) 
  • Simon Horsley (academic) 
  • ASK study skills session Streatham, John Shanahan (Staff) 
  • Poppy Haslam (Student, developed maths puzzles) 
  • Mandhara Brasika (PGR, Maths, climate mini-games) 
  • Viv Atureta (PGR, Maths and Comp Sci) 
  • Ingnacio Del Amo (PGR, Maths) 
  • Harris Sop Nkuiate Harris (PGR, Maths) 
  • Huda Mahdi (PGR, Maths) 

 This subject activity strand has contributions from the following degree programmes:

  • BSc Mathematics  
  • BSc Physics  
  • BSc Physics with Astrophysics 
  • BSc Computer Science

Applicants must be studying A-Level Mathematics, and priority will be given to those also studying A-Level Physics and to students studying Computer Science or with some coding experience. 

In order to pass the programme, you must attend a minimum of 5 out of 6 subject activity sessions, as well as the Exeter Scholars Student Conference.