Full name: James Mitrussis
Current course:BSc (Hons) Mathematics with Theoretical Physics
James Mitrussis
Find out about James
I came into university thinking there really wasn’t much practical work which goes into mathematics. I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered how much our course relied on learning how to code and work with computers and it was this which inspired me to pursue a masters in cyber-security when my bachelors is complete.
Why were you first attracted to the course at Plymouth?
For me, the first thing to jump out about the course was the combination of maths with theoretical physics, I knew during my A level that I wanted to do one or the other and it turned out that there was a university practically at my doorstep in which I could do both. The other thing that appealed to me immediately was the overall size of the cohorts; I knew having the ability to have regular one-on-ones with my lecturers and personal tutors would help me immensely adapt to a big life change.
What is the expertise of the teaching staff on your course?
The majority of the staff I have been taught by have been part of the theoretical physics group. Many lecturers I have had have been outstanding teachers, managing to simultaneously get people to understand a high-level concept while keeping the interest of the room is a majorly impressive skill.
How have you found the mix of theory to practical work?
I came into university thinking there really wasn’t much practical work which goes into mathematics. I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered how much our course relied on learning how to code and work with computers and it was this which inspired me to pursue a masters in cyber-security when my bachelors is complete.
Tell me about an experience where you have been able to apply the theory you have learnt in a practical manner.
There are great portions of the course based on this as a concept; to pick out a particular example, going back to the first semester of my first year, the mathematical reasoning module teaches you a lot of background on the subject of prime numbers where you then use the knowledge you learn to, week-by-week write code implementing the RSA system of encryption.
Tell me about any support you have received while studying at UoP on this course.
As a less-abled student I am very happy to say the university and the staff have never once bat an eye at offering assistance. As examples I would point to the ease of getting modified assessment provisions (extra time) and the numerous times a personal tutor session has been booked into a room without lift access and the tutor changed the booking to a more accessible room.
How have you found studying at the University of Plymouth inspiring?
The inspiration I have received from studying here has been primarily personal, seeing hard work pay off after a set of tough exams will always be a big motivation. As someone hoping to go down an academic pathway I also receive inspiration from talking to some of the younger lecturers who have been down that path and succeeded.
Have you enjoyed working collaboratively with other students, can you talk about an experience doing this?
I always enjoy working as a group. There was a recent coursework provided to us by Babcock International which primarily focused on forecasting from a dataset we were provided by them and writing up this experience. I ended up being the 'leader' of this group and was surprised as to how much joy I got from simple things like organising the division of labour.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about taking the course?
The advice I would give would be the same as I would give to anyone going to uni for the first time. Talk to as many people as you are comfortable with during your induction week, explore as much as possible if you are unfamiliar with the city, and finally, be sure to ask for help when you make a mistake or get stuck, there’s no shame in it.
Have you got involved in any other activity whilst studying at the university? Societies or part-time job?
In my first year I looked through the societies section of the Students' Union website, I was very surprised to see a beekeeping society running; as I have always been interested in beekeeping, I got some experience working with hives. Now that I am in my second year, my society efforts have primarily been on reestablishing the Maths Society of which I am chair. As for a part-time job I have been a student ambassador for both of my years of study, helping at open days, offer holder days and school days where students anywhere from year 7 to year 13 come to do a day of workshops at the uni.
Is there anything exciting coming up for you?
I am excited to continue running the Society, we have some plans for the future which I hope to help bring to fruition and I really enjoy the job.
BSc (Hons) Mathematics with Theoretical Physics
Acquire a deep insight into modern theories of nature using powerful mathematical techniques. This degree will provide you with the necessary mathematical language to be able to describe, analyse and predict natural phenomena.
