Major in Mathematics within the Science Degree Program or choose the Pure Mathematics study plan in the Advanced Science Degree Program (BSc).

Administered by the School of Mathematics and Statistics, these Mathematics degrees are for people who will require a thorough understanding of Mathematics in their careers, and who need to gain an insight into the essence of mathematical thought.

The Science Degree Program is a 3 year course with an opportunity for students with excellent results to continue for another year (total 4 years) to obtain an Honours degree. The Advanced Science Degree Program is a 4 year course where the final Honours year is compulsory.

Mathematicians are trained to think logically and to approach problems in analytical and creative ways. They have a grasp both of conceptual ways of thinking and of specific techniques which can be applied to solve a variety of quantitative problems. Studying mathematics prepares you for a wide variety of careers because it provides you with the problem solving, computing and communication skills that employers want. You will be sought after in areas as diverse as finance, banking, insurance and investment, environmental modelling, oceanography, meteorology, computing, information technology, government, education or research. The majority of our honours graduates are working in the finance industry, where advanced mathematical techniques such as the Black-Scholes formula for option pricing have become crucial. Many other areas also use the mathematics which you will learn in a Pure Mathematics study plan: for example, did you know that mathematicians are employed to develop image reconstruction technology? This technology is used in medical imaging and mineral exploration to allow us to explore the structure of hidden objects.

Studying Pure Mathematics enables you to master a broad range of mathematical techniques that will lead to a mastery of the fundamental processes of mathematical science and the capacity for innovative applications in any area.

In first year you will study the core mathematical topics that any student at UNSW needs if their degree involves mathematics, such as calculus, linear algebra and discrete mathematics. You may choose your elective courses from several other Schools so that you can follow or cultivate other interests (see the Undergraduate Handbook for details).

In later years you have the opportunity to sharpen your mathematical skills in a particular area, with specialist courses in analysis, algebra, geometry, topology, mathematical physics and mathematical computing. We also offer a program which allows prospective high school teachers to gain the background necessary to teach mathematics to 4-unit level.

To find out the formal requirements (in terms of courses that you have to study), see Mathematics Majors in Science for the Mathematics Major in the Science degree program and Mathematics Plans in Advanced Science for the Pure Mathematics plan in the Advanced Science program.

The following link gives some informal descriptions of our courses.

Mathematics can be studied at the Ordinary level or at the Higher level depending on your interests and abilities, but study at the Higher level is recommended (especially if enrolled in the Advanced Science plan) and may be necessary for certain courses in later years.

In the final year of the Advanced Science Program, or if you do the extra fourth (Honours) year of the Science Program, you will do some advanced course work but will also spend time writing a thesis. The aim of the thesis is for you to become involved in an active area of research of your choice. This will prepare you to do a PhD in Australia or overseas, or will give you the chance to hone your research, writing and communication skills in preparation for a high level job in industry or government. You could even discover something new, which happens more often than you might think!

You must meet the appropriate UAI cutoff:

In addition, you will need to have a certain level of prior knowledge of Mathematics. To find out the level of knowledge required for first year Mathematics courses, see Assumed Knowledge.

To remain within the Advanced Science Program, you are required to maintain a Credit average in each year.

It is harder to be accepted into the Advanced Science Program, but this is highly recommended where possible. Why not achieve your highest potential while at university?

It will always be possible to transfer to the Science Program further into your studies. On the other hand, to transfer from the Science Program
to the Advanced Science Program you will need to submit a new application through UAC.

Contact the School of Mathematics and Statistics

phone: (02) 9385 7053

fax: (02) 9385 7123

email: info@unsw.edu.au