Mathematics permeates just about every area of our lives.

Mathematics is the science of patterns: numerical patterns, patterns of shape, patterns of motion, patterns of behaviour, and so on. Mathematics studies relations in and between all patterns. Since patterns are found in all areas of life, so is mathematics.

How are video games made to work?
How is the information encapsulated on a CD transformed into music?
How are traffic lights programmed to yield the best flow of traffic?
How do we know which quantity of an antibiotic is going to get rid of your flu?

All these questions are answered using mathematics. From biology to engineering to the finance industry, mathematics is in action.

Computational weather prediction... Statistical analysis in forensic science... Researching computing and information technologies... Modelling the spread of epidemics... Optimising manufacturing processes... Creating new products for gaming companies... Assessing engineering designs... Analysing research data produced by pharmaceutical companies or clinical trials... Predicting gold futures, trading and commodity prices... Evaluating climate change (UNSW has a centre) and carbon dioxide uptake by forests... Risk evaluation and prediction in insurance and in banking (in which UNSW has a special degree program) ... Analysing satellite data for the detection of mineral ore deposits... Detecting fraud... THE LIST GOES ON AND ON.

For a selection of interesting Australian case studies on the applications of mathematics, check the Australian Academy of Science's Nova maths pages.

As a mathematician you have the opportunity to contribute to almost any field of endeavour. See careers info.

But even if you do not want to make mathematics your speciality, many industries require basic mathematical knowledge. As such, many courses at UNSW include some mathematical training. Mathematical subjects involve a degree of assumed knowledge, so if you can it is best to make sure you study enough mathematics while still at school.

Watch out, you may not realise how important mathematical skills are! Click here to see mathematics levels required for UNSW courses.