Academic Requirements
The principal requirement for entry to the DTC is a first class Bachelor's or Master's degree in an appropriate subject within the physical sciences or engineering. The course is multidisciplinary in nature, so applicants from a wide range of backgrounds are encouraged to apply. However the theoretical nature of the course means that the study of mathematics to a high level is required. The list below is intended to demonstrate what that level is.
- Complex algebra: roots of polynomials, de Moivre's theorem, hyperbolic functions.
- Vector algebra: scalar, vector and triple products. Basis vectors.
- Matrix algebra: representation of simultaneous linear equations, matrix inversion, determinants, eigenproblems and diagonalisation.
- Ordinary differential equations: solution of separable first-order and linear first-order equations; solution of linear second-order equations with constant coefficients.
- Fourier analysis: Fourier series and transforms. Dirac delta function. Convolution theorem.
- Partial differential equations: solution of second-order equations by separation of variables. Fourier methods for applying boundary conditions.
- Vector calculus: gradient, divergence, curl and Laplacian in Cartesians. Line, surface and volume integrals. Divergence and Stokes' theorems. Spherical and cylindrical polar coordinates.