Profiles
Professor David McMullan
Professor in Theoretical Physics
School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics (Faculty of Science and Engineering)
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Particle physics
- Quantum mechanics
Email publicrelations@plymouth.ac.uk to enquire.
Biography
Biography
I have had various jobs while at the University of Plymouth but, after several years in management roles, I am currently enjoying my research in quantum field theory and my teaching on a variety of undergraduate courses.
Teaching
Teaching
Teaching interests
I have a wide experience of teaching Mathematics and its applications. Previously I have taught at the University of Utah, the University of Glasgow, the University of Warwick and in Ireland while based at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies.
My current teaching in Plymouth is on two first year modules on our mathematics degrees: Mathematical Reasoning and also Calculus and Analysis. Some of this involves using Python. I also teach mechanics to engineering students.
I really enjoy supporting students in their final year projects, and currently I have students working on topics such elliptic curves and encryption, quantum computing and quantum entanglement.
Research
Research
Research interests
I am a member of the Particle Physics Theory Group which is part of the Centre for Mathematical Sciences.
My research interests are in gauge theories and, in particular, their infrared sector. I have recently been applying some of the techniques that I have developed to intense laser fields where many of these ideas are proving fruitful. Future experiments in these areas will have a direct impact on our understanding of these aspects of gauge theories.
On a completely different note, I have also been involved in deciphering letters written by POW's during WW2. See this BBC report.