We now have a very flexible structure in first and second years based on modules. In the final year the students can study pure mathematical subjects or applied mathematical subjects, with options depending on the research interests of the department. However, some maths teachers go on to do a diploma and then go into schools without seeing the other options. He was attracted by the 'colourful pictures and swirly patterns' produced by fractals. One member of our department is looking at applications of mathematics to tumour growth, radiation treatment of the tumour and epidemeology.
Cryptography is an area of mathematics which is growing in importance.
To code something it has to be done extremely cleverly using rules that preferably people couldn't work out for themselves. Another area involves sending big pictures or huge messages through the Internet. It is important to compress the message into as small a number of noughts and ones as possible. That message can be distorted by a change in the atmosphere and mathematics is used to recover it from that corruption.