Non Equilibrium Systems: Theoretical Modelling, Simulation and Data-Driven Analysis

Year 1: MSc Non-Equilibrium Systems: Theoretical Modelling, Simulation and Data-Driven Analysis.

The first year is a taught programme with a significant research component in the rapidly developing and exciting interdisciplinary field of non-equilibrium systems. It covers scientific areas ranging from mathematics, physics, informatics and chemistry to biomedical and environmental sciences, and consists of a wide range of taught modules. You must also complete three research projects on non-equilibrium systems.

Semester 1

CANES students will attend 4 lecture courses in the first semester; for the fourth module they can choose between two options, with a classical or quantum focus, depending on their research interests. However all students are encouraged to audit the module they are not formally submitting for examination :

• Dynamical Modelling of Non-Equilibrium Systems (Compulsory)
• Simulation Methods for Non-Equilibrium Systems (Compulsory)
• Statistical Learning and Data-Driven Analysis (Compulsory)

• Modelling Quantum Many-body Systems (Optional)
• Rare Events and Large Deviations (Optional)

Semester2

• Advanced Topics in Non-Equilibrium Systems (Compulsory)
• Research Methods for Theoretical Modelling of Non-Equilibrium Systems (Core)
• Research Methods for Simulation of Non-Equilibrium Systems (Core)
• Research Methods for Data-Driven Analysis of Non-Equilibrium Systems (Core)

All students must select an optional module in the second semester that provides 15 credits or more.

Possible options include:

• Mathematical Biology
• Interest Rate and Foreign Exchange Dynamics
• Risk in Finance
• Nonlinear Analysis
• Advanced Quantum Field Theory
• Modelling Environmental Change at the Land Surface

Years 2- 4: PhD Programme

After successful completion of the MSc, students will progress to the PhD component of the programme where the emphasis will shift to research and away from assessed courses. Students will be required to continue to attend optional courses that best support their individual research projects. Structured training will be delivered by a number of routes including open question sandpits, master classes, journal clubs, internships and annual retreats. The CANES centre also organises a series of seminars as well as international conferences on non-equilibrium systems.

Allocations of CANES students to PhD projects will be made around halfway through the MSc year of the CANES programme, based on students' backgrounds and preferences. At that stage students will be assigned at least two supervisors with whom you will work closely, initially in defining a research programme by working towards a detailed project outline by the end of the MSc year. During the PhD years students will attend research-related training as described above, and will also have the opportunity to take advantage of events offered by the London partners of CANES (Imperial College, University College, Queen Mary College) and other local networks including the Thomas Young Centre.

In addition to dedicated CANES training provision, carrying out research is learned in apprenticeship mode as PhD students work with their supervisors. Students will also be able to take part in a number of other forms of training, e.g. courses in the London Taught Courses Centre; EPSRC summer schools; advanced lecture courses; seminars and group meetings in the area of your research; national and international conferences and research meetings. Communication skills are developed by preparing and presenting seminars in the Centre, assisted by the supervisors; apprenticeship in writing papers and, in due course, the PhD thesis. Students also have the opportunity to give tutorials to undergraduates, and the University provides dedicated training courses for those that do.