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Is mathematics the key to perfect race car?


This is a Mathematics Subject Spotlight with Dr Janet Godolphin from the University of Surrey. An interactive, cinematic course taster experience to allow students to gain insights into what it's like to study Mathematics.

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Join Dr Janet Godolphin as she explores the links between decision mathematics and product design. Introducing you to key concepts of graph theory, she demonstrates how mathematics can be applied to design the perfect race car.

About University of Surrey

The University of Surrey is a global community of more than 16,000 students from 140 countries. Based on a lovely, leafy campus in buzzy Guildford, The University of Surrey boasts gorgeous countryside to the south and west, and London half an hour to the east. It’s the perfect setting for a challenging and rewarding university experience that creates incredible memories and helps you achieve your ambitions. With a focus on practice-based learning, supported by outstanding teaching, laboratory and simulation facilities in every faculty, Surrey is ranked first in the UK for work placements and graduate employability.

Meet the academics

Dr Janet Godolphin

Janet Godolphin is an Associate Professor of Statistics at the University of Surrey, in the School of Mathematics and Physics. After A-levels, Janet completed a BSc (Hons) in Mathematics at Royal Holloway, University of London and then decided to focus on Statistics, going on to achieve a PhD in Statistics, also at Royal Holloway. Janet's work at the University of Surrey is divided between research and teaching activities. Her main research expertise is the Design of Experiments, in particular working on theoretical advances in this area. Other research includes planning data collection and analysing the resultant data to investigate and evaluate new veterinary techniques. Janet chairs the Mathematics Board of Studies. This Board manages the Mathematics programmes of study offered at the University of Surrey and works to monitor and enhance the quality of teaching and learning and the student experience.

In every Subject Spotlight you'll find

On-demand interactive video content

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Remarkable & relatable academics

Learn from some of the UK's finest and most decorated academics as they give you a genuine, insightful, and engaging experience of studying their courses at their universities.

Interactive quizzes and activities

Have a go at fascinating interactive quizzes and activities, then get meaningful and intuitive feedback from the academics to see how you've done.

Content to enhance students university applications

Hear direct from the academics what's expected of you in your university application, and the things you can do to improve your chances of getting on the course you most desire!

Certificate of completion

You'll receive a certificate of completion to evidence your learning - why not add this to your CV and university applications to show your dedication to your future pathway!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Subject Spotlight?

Subject Spotlights fuse education and entertainment to bring you the new way of researching your university options.

Entirely free and available on-demand, you can choose to engage with the content in the way that best suits you - whether that's in bite-sized chunks or in binge-sessions!

Why should I check out Subject Spotlights?

Get a real, representative impression of what pursuing a subject at university is actually like, so that you can make the right decision for you.

Stand out from the competition by completing a Subject Spotlight to gain the most relevant references and evidence for your personal statement.

Who is this Spotlight for?

This subject spotlight is made for students aged 16 and above, that are considering applying to University, particularly to study the subject in the title, or similar areas.

How should I talk about completing a Subject Spotlight on my UCAS application?

Completing a Subject Spotlight shows the university you're applying to that you've taken time outside of school to engage with relevant content.

The easiest way to include it would be to briefly mention one or two things you learned from it and how/why those learnings have furthered your desire to study the subject. We don't want to prescribe an answer because it's your personal statement but this is a good starting point!