Mathematics
The Course The Cambridge Mathematics course has always enjoyed a very high reputation, and a Cambridge Mathematics degree is highly regarded world-wide. It provides a good qualification for entry into a very wide range of careers, and also for post-graduate academic work in a variety of technical subjects. All undergraduates, regardless of college, receive the same lectures and sit the same exams, which are given by the University's Faculty of Mathematics. The best way to find out detailed and up-to-date information about the course is to look at the Faculty's undergraduate page . Studying Mathematics at Clare Mathematics lectures are given by the University in the mornings (six days per week), at lecture rooms in the centre of town. Students are given question sheets by the lecturer, and spend much of their remaining study time working on these questions. At least twice a week, students discuss their work with a supervisor. Supervisions take place in the College; they last one hour and involve two students. Naturally, the discussion is tailored to the individual student - here the able can find extra stimulation and the less confident can find encouragement. In the first year the supervisor will usually be a Fellow. Later on, as students find their feet, they will be supervised also by research students and others outside the College. This is especially important in the final year, where students have a very wide choice of options, so that Clare students can take advantage of all the specialist expertise available throughout the University. Students are expected to work hard - though it is also expected that they will find pleasure in the doing of Mathematics! Nevertheless it is necessary to give a weary brain a rest from time to time. So it is important for students to choose a college where they will feel at home. Each year, around 10-12 students enter Clare to read Mathematics. We find this number works well - it is large enough for the Mathematicians to be able to support each other effectively, but small enough for students to make friends easily outside Mathematics. Our students have often testified to the congenial and stimulating atmosphere in Clare. Whether you wish to talk or to sing, to play the flute or to play the fool, to try rowing or to try praying, you will find kindred spirits. Admissions The Cambridge course is a challenging one, mainly because of the standard set by the high level of ability of our students. To do well requires Mathematical flair, of course, but also enthusiasm and commitment. Most students come to Cambridge having always found school Mathematics easy, and for the first time they find themselves surrounded by others whose Mathematical ability is comparable or greater. At Clare our sole aim, in selecting students from among those who apply to us, is to pick those most likely to benefit from the Cambridge course. Every effort is made to take account of differences in background. We would expect a successful applicant to have taken advantage of whatever opportunities have come their way to broaden their experience of Mathematics. As well as taking both Mathematics and Further Mathematics A2-levels if at all possible, we would prefer, though we do not require, candidates to take another A2-level with some theoretical content (such as Physics). An equivalent choice of options would be expected from those taking final school examinations other than A2-levels). The advantage in having taken two Maths A2-levels is not in the extra factual knowledge acquired, but rather in the experience and maturity gained. However, not all schools offer Further Mathematics A2-level. The Cambridge course takes this into account, and Clare welcomes applications from students who have been given only the opportunity to take single Mathematics A2-level. Because we offer places to those with ability, we welcome applications from women! Clare was a driving force in the move (back in the early '70s) to open up men's colleges to women, and women and men are equally successful in winning places at the College. About a quarter of Clare Mathematics students are women; this is the same as the proportion among our applicants and as the proportion among the Mathematics students in the University as a whole. We also look for candidates who have taken some interest in Mathematics beyond the confines of their school course. Reading around the subject at a technical or recreational level, doing Mathematical or Logic puzzles, showing proficiency in computing with a Mathematical flavour - any of these activities would be positive indications to us. Interviews Most of our applicants are interviewed, and no-one is admitted without interview. The interviews take place in early December, and offers made thereafter. Candidates are given two mathematics interviews, each of 25 minutes duration. The interviews are not designed to intimidate, but are intended to uncover instinct and enthusiasm for Mathematics. Candidates for Mathematics with Physics or will usually have an extra 20 minute subject interview. Admissions Requirements It is our experience that the fairest way to assess a candidate's ability is by an exam, but every year, many thousands of students attain grade A in A2-level Mathematics. Therefore we require all applicants to take STEP. The STEP exam is designed to offer a fair chance to all, regardless of background, and we have found it to be a good predictor of how well a student will perform in the undergraduate course. Candidates offering Further Mathematics A2-level will take STEP papers 2 and 3; those offering only single Mathematics A2-level will take STEP papers 1 and 2. Other candidates might consult the Admissions Tutor about STEP grade requirements. Information about STEP, including a sample paper, can be found on the Mathematics Faculty's STEP page. Our standard offer is either a 1 and a 1, or a 1 and a 2, in STEP; grade As in Mathematics and Further Mathematics A2-levels, and a suitably decent grade in a third A2-level. This offer does not vary noticeably. Typically, we receive between two and three applications for each available place, and we make this offer to every applicant whom we think has a chance of attaining it (the majority of them). Change of subject In general, students are advised not to apply for Mathematics if they already harbour an intention to change subject. The two exceptions to this are those wishing to study Mathematics with Physics or Mathematics with Computer Science, who must necessarily choose, after one year, whether to continue with Mathematics or with their other subject. However, once admitted to the College, students do have the opportunity at various stages to change subjects. The formal requirement is that the change is within the University rules and that the student is acceptable to Clare's Director of Studies in the new subject, but each case is treated individually. Deferred entry The College is neutral on the subject of deferred entry. Often, one or two Mathematicians take advantage of this opportunity. Students who take a year out gain maturity. They also forget how to do sums, so have to work a bit harder when they return. It occasionally happens that they find their love for Mathematics no longer burning as strongly as it did. That need not be a bad thing; some students have gone on to pursue other disciplines with great success. (Those considering a gap year might find the Year in Industry scheme of great interest, please visit http://www.yini.org.uk for further information). Fellows in Mathematics at Clare Dr
Maciej Dunajski, Director of Studies in Mathematics
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STEP (Sixth Term Examination Papers) Professor Andrew Wiles, who proved Fermat's Last Theorem and who is the most celebrated Pure Mathematician of modern times, was a student at Clare and is now an Honorary Fellow.
Professor Andrew Wiles
Dr Maciej Dunajski
Prof. Andrew Thomason |
