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Maths EPQ- Fourth dimension

I'm thinking of doing a maths based Epq specifically the 4th dimension but I'm not sure if it is that possible to be done. If anyone else has done a maths Epq how was it. I also do computer science Alevel aswell.

Reply 1

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Original post
by Arkyn123
I'm thinking of doing a maths based Epq specifically the 4th dimension but I'm not sure if it is that possible to be done. If anyone else has done a maths Epq how was it. I also do computer science Alevel aswell.


You can do a maths based epq, but do you have the sources needed for your investigation?

Reply 3

Original post
by Arkyn123
I'm thinking of doing a maths based Epq specifically the 4th dimension but I'm not sure if it is that possible to be done. If anyone else has done a maths Epq how was it. I also do computer science Alevel aswell.


Hi! I’m finishing up a Physics EPQ on Gravitational Waves and Black Holes, which is an application of General Relativity. General Relativity is a 4-dimensional theory of the geometry of spacetime established by Einstein in 1915.

In my EPQ, I mention metrics and tensors describing the curvature of this 4 dimensional manifold. However, I definitely did not get deep into the mathematics behind it.

I totally think it’s possible, but I recommend you have a good look into linear algebra, space metrics and vectors and sort out exactly what about 4 dimensions you want to investigate.

I personally have not gone far with the Maths for this yet, but I just wanted to share what I know! Hope this helps, cheers.

Reply 4

Original post
by conorbones
Hi! I’m finishing up a Physics EPQ on Gravitational Waves and Black Holes, which is an application of General Relativity. General Relativity is a 4-dimensional theory of the geometry of spacetime established by Einstein in 1915.
In my EPQ, I mention metrics and tensors describing the curvature of this 4 dimensional manifold. However, I definitely did not get deep into the mathematics behind it.
I totally think it’s possible, but I recommend you have a good look into linear algebra, space metrics and vectors and sort out exactly what about 4 dimensions you want to investigate.
I personally have not gone far with the Maths for this yet, but I just wanted to share what I know! Hope this helps, cheers.

how did you manage to turn this topic into an argument between two sides per se? my epq supervisor is insisting that our epq has to be a discussion between 2 or more sides of an argument

Reply 5

Original post
by einaism
how did you manage to turn this topic into an argument between two sides per se? my epq supervisor is insisting that our epq has to be a discussion between 2 or more sides of an argument


So my research question was “to what extent can gravitational wave astronomy determine black hole formation”, which investigates the precision/accuracy of detectors like LIGO, VIRGO, LISA, CE and ET, GW theory and BH theory. The aim was to understand how we trace the steps back from a BH merger, BH evolution until BH formation, and find out about its progenitor star, mass, location, metallicity, BH formation mechanism, spin etc. It was an evaluation of how effective GW astronomy is and I’m on for ~almost/full marks w pearson (TBC).

Originally, I used “can” instead of “to what extent” which was a yes/no type answer instead of a thorough evaluation. Idk if it was “2-sided” but I discussed multiple for and against arguments in 3 categories: physical, theoretical and detector limitations. I think the most important thing is to give yourself enough wiggle room in your question to argue for/against a statement.

Lmk if u want resources/have any questions, I’m be happy to help😁

Reply 6

Original post
by conorbones
So my research question was “to what extent can gravitational wave astronomy determine black hole formation”, which investigates the precision/accuracy of detectors like LIGO, VIRGO, LISA, CE and ET, GW theory and BH theory. The aim was to understand how we trace the steps back from a BH merger, BH evolution until BH formation, and find out about its progenitor star, mass, location, metallicity, BH formation mechanism, spin etc. It was an evaluation of how effective GW astronomy is and I’m on for ~almost/full marks w pearson (TBC).
Originally, I used “can” instead of “to what extent” which was a yes/no type answer instead of a thorough evaluation. Idk if it was “2-sided” but I discussed multiple for and against arguments in 3 categories: physical, theoretical and detector limitations. I think the most important thing is to give yourself enough wiggle room in your question to argue for/against a statement.
Lmk if u want resources/have any questions, I’m be happy to help😁

how did you deal with the complexity of the maths behind this? as of right now my epq title is 'which theory for the origin of the universe is most plausible?' where i'll discuss the science behind different theories and maybe add in some religious reasoning because that kind of thing interests me, but im worried that this isnt scientific / technical enough to be worth discussing for competitive unis. ive considered changing my topic to something related to determinism and quantum theory but that might end up being too complicated, so do you have any advice on dealing with complex maths and physics concepts? im worried about dedicating a lot of time to it then getting to a point where i dont understand and cant really explain what im talking about lol

Reply 7

Original post
by einaism
how did you deal with the complexity of the maths behind this? as of right now my epq title is 'which theory for the origin of the universe is most plausible?' where i'll discuss the science behind different theories and maybe add in some religious reasoning because that kind of thing interests me, but im worried that this isnt scientific / technical enough to be worth discussing for competitive unis. ive considered changing my topic to something related to determinism and quantum theory but that might end up being too complicated, so do you have any advice on dealing with complex maths and physics concepts? im worried about dedicating a lot of time to it then getting to a point where i dont understand and cant really explain what im talking about lol


Hi, you don’t need to go crazy with the maths for EPQ, especially if its just a meta-analysis of existing literature (dissertation). I didn’t look at tensor calculus, and you shouldn’t have to look at inflationary field theory.

You will encounter complex physics, and will have to work with them qualitatively, which is absolutely fine and expected from universities. From what I hear, they don’t want someone who already knows the course and modules for a degree, but someone ENTHUSIASTIC to learn more about it, which an EPQ definitely helps with.

I would recommend to stick to physics/religion, and make it clear in your question, because like everybody says, the word count is not actually a lot. (I love philosophy and religion too so its sad to give up one, I get it)

My advice for complex topics is exactly this - use chatgpt to break it down, then go on youtube to learn more (simulations, simple vids), then go to MITOpenCourseWare/ find lectures on youtube, make a note taking document and store it (this counts as evidence/marks!!)

Once it gets into the maths, you don’t have to worry. I included a few, but seriously nothing crazy, no calculus even, more of defining quantities.

All the best! Lmk if you have anymore questions cuz I just submitted mine or want access to my resources (research records template, epq log template etc) :smile:

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