Mathematics, one of the very oldest human disciplines, is an indispensable tool for analysing and explaining the world around us, providing us with the skills to deal with the most abstract concepts. Mathematics and statistics play a fundamental role in the sciences, in commerce and in every other activity where quantitative, analytical or logical understanding is important. Ultimately, mathematics is about clarity of thought and precision of understanding.
In the mathematics major, you will be immersed in a mixture of different topics ranging from linear algebra to data analysis and hypothesis testing, from the mathematics of counting and logic, to the techniques of calculus.
The range of units available has been designed to cater for you - whether you intend to become a professional mathematician or if you main interests lie in other areas.
For exceptional students, there is the opportunity to participate in the challenging extension work provided through the Science Talented Student Program or the Mathematics Special Studies Program.
When planning for a mathematics major, you generally need to take at least 12 credit points of junior mathematics units, in order to enrol in intermediate mathematics units for your second year. It is a good idea to plan ahead and have an idea of which senior units you need to complete, so that you can plan your junior and intermediate prerequisite units accordingly.
You will take at least 12 credit points of intermediate mathematics units, which are the prerequisites for your third year senior units.
To successfully complete your mathematics major, you must take at least 24 credit points of senior units of study from the mathematics subject area.
Differential Equations and Biomathematics
Fluid Dynamics (Advanced)
Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Dynamics (Advanced)
Linear Mathematics and Vector Calculus
Number Theory and Cryptography
Optimisation and Financial Mathematics
Partial Differential Equations
Graduates with mathematical skills are in demand in many areas, especially in business associated with financial services and information technology. They are needed in almost all scientific, medical, technological and industrial research.
With a major in mathematics, you could be employed in a wide range of organisations to interpret information and make forecasts and decisions. Statisticians and mathematicians can be found in major corporations and in the public sector, where their skills are essential for policy planning. Secondary school mathematics teaching is also a high demand area for graduates.
Even in areas where specific mathematical knowledge is not directly relevant, mathematics and statistics graduates are highly valued by many employers for their mental discipline and thoroughness.
Further study for major
Many mathematics graduates choose to continue studying at postgraduate level in order to pursue more specialised careers.
If you are interested in further study, you may wish to undertake an honours year and a subsequent postgraduate research program, subject to admission requirements.
Opportunities for honours and postgraduate research are available for eligible students in a variety of specialised mathematics fields through the School of Mathematics and Statistics. Honours research projects are available in applied and pure mathematics.
Completing your honours year is an important step in exploring your potential for a career in research, as it involves completing a research project in your specialised area, under the supervision of an expert in that field. If you do well enough, you might be eligible to apply for a research program like the MSc or PhD, where you can take your mathematics research even further.
Related subject areas
Financial Mathematics and Statistics