Then study Applied Mathematics at UNSW

Major in Mathematics within the Science Degree Program or choose the Applied Mathematics study plan in the Advanced Mathematics Degree Program. Administered by the School of Mathematics and Statistics, these Mathematics degrees are designed to provide basic mathematical and computational skills needed for a wide range of applications.

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 Mathematics 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. 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 banking, insurance and investment, environmental modelling, oceanography, meteorology, computing, information technology, government, education or research. For example, did you know that the mathematics of fractals is being used to diagnose breast cancers? See also the Careers page.

Studying Applied Mathematics enables you to study a broad range of mathematical techniques while keeping your options open as to how you will use them in your future career. Ideal if you wish to see which area of mathematics appeals to you before embarking on a career.

You might also like to look at the Applied Mathematics web pages.

In first year you will study the core mathematical topics that any student at UNSW needs if their degree involves mathematics. You may choose your elective courses from several other Schools so that you can follow or cultivate other interests, (see the detailed information).

In later years you have the opportunity to sharpen your mathematical skills in a particular area such as Computational Mathematics, Optimization, Nonlinear Phenomena or Environmental Modelling. These areas are all concerned with the construction, analysis and interpretation of mathematical models that describe the ocean, the atmosphere, the futures market, cell growth, DNA replication or how to maximise returns in a car factory for example.

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

For more details of individual courses, see Mathematics and Statistics 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 Program) 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 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. You could even discover something new, which is not as uncommon as you might think!

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 Mathematics Program, you are required to maintain an average of 70 in each year.

It is harder to be accepted into the Advanced Mathematics Program, but this is highly recommended where possible. Why not achieve your highest potential while at university? It may be possible to transfer to the Science Program further into your studies. On the other hand, transfering from the Science Program to the Advanced Mathematics Program requires you to re-apply for admission.

School of Mathematics and Statistics
phone: (02) 9385 7111
fax: (02) 9385 7123
email: ug.MathsStats followed by @unsw.edu.au