Then study Mathematics with Computer Science, Computer Engineering or Software Engineering at UNSW.

There are many ways you can do this.

Major in Mathematics within the Science Degree Program and take a minor in Computer Science. Administered by the School of Mathematics and Statistics and Faculty of Science, this degree involve the study of mathematical areas that play a key role in the theoretical understanding of computer science.
The Science Degree Program with a major in Mathematics and a minor in Computer Science is a 3 year program. Students with excellent results may have the opportunity to continue for another year (total 4 years) to obtain an Honours degree (in Mathematics).

Choose the 3 year Computer Science Degree with a second major in Mathematics (BSc). Administered by the School of Computer Science, this is a science degree with majors in Computing and in Mathematics. The major in Computing ensures a higher emphasis in this subject area compared with the 3 year Science Degree Program mentioned above. Students with good results may have the opportunity to continue for another year (total 4 years) to obtain an Honours degree in Computer Science.

Choose the 4 year combined degree in Computer Science and Science taking a major in Mathematics or Statistics. Administered by the School of Computer Science and Engineering, this is a full Computer Science degree plus a Science degree. Students with good results are able to continue for another year to complete Honours in Computer Science, in Mathematics or Statistics or in a combined Mathematics and Computer Science Honours.

Choose the 5 year combined degree in Computer Engineering and Science or the combined degree in Sotware Engineering and Science taking a major in Mathematics or Statistics. Administered by the School of Computer Science and Engineering, these are full Engineering degrees plus a Science degree. Students with good results are able to continue for another year to complete Honours in in Mathematics or Statistics or in a combined Mathematics and Computer Science Honours.

We live in a time when computers are increasingly present in our everyday lives. In many instances they perform tasks better than we can and have been responsible for many job redundancies. This is with the exception of computer scientists who are responsible for their design, architecture, programming and maintenance!

Many career opportunities arise through the study of Computer Science and Engineering. In particular in connection with the continually expanding Internet where issues of information privacy have become a major concern. How can we ensure that information transmitted over the Internet is only received by chosen recipient(s)? Designing and maintaining encryption systems that deal with such problems is an important area within Computer Science. It is also an area which requires great mathematical skill.

Studying mathematics will train you to think logically and approach problems in analytical and creative ways. This will be a distinct advantage. The more mathematics you study the better!

Employers are aware of the benefits that mathematicians can bring to their industries and if you combine Mathematics and Computer Science or Engineering you will definitely increase your employability. For specific career opportunities consult the Computer Science brochures. Why don't you try searching the web at www.itjobs.fairfax.com.au with keywords `mathematics' and `logic' to view the latest jobs on offer in Information Technology that have a mathematical focus?

See also the Careers and Computer Science and Engineering web pages.

In the first year, the Science programs have almost identical studies. You will study the core mathematical and computer science topics that any student at UNSW needs if their degree involves mathematics or computing. 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 focus your mathematical and computing skills in an area of your choice. The Engineering programs include many of the same courses but also others with a more engineering slant.

To find out the formal requirements (in terms of courses that you have to study), see the corresponding pages in the Details of Programs page.

For formal details of individual Mathematics courses, see the Details of Mathematics Courses. For information about Computer Science courses, visit the Computer Science and Engineering web site.

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 (and is compulsory 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 or the combined degree in Computer Science, 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!

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.

If your interest is mainly in Computer Science and you wish to include substantial Mathematics, then take the 3 year Computer Science degree with a second major in Mathematics.

If your interest is in Mathematics and you wish to add some Computer Science skills, then take the 3 year Science degree with a major in Mathematics and a minor in Computer Science.

If you want to study Mathematics together with Computer Science or Computer Engineering or Software Engineering in full, then take the appropriate Combined Degree. This option would also be advisable if you are not sure which you prefer, as it may be possible to transfer out of a combined degree into either of the single degrees.

It is not normally possible to transfer between degree programs without reapplying for admission.

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

School of Computer Science and Engineering
phone: (02) 9385 6884
fax: (02) 9385 5995
email: undergrad followed by @cse.unsw.edu.au
web: www.cse.unsw.edu.au