Offered By	ANU Joint Colleges of Science
Academic Contact	Dr Stephen Roberts
Areas of Interest	Mathematics

Description:

Mathematics is the study of universal patterns and structures; it is the quantitative language of the world; it underpins information technology, computer science, engineering, and the physical sciences; and it plays an increasingly important role in the biological and medical sciences, economics, finance, environmental science, sociology and psychology.

The Mathematics major is designed to provide a foundation in Calculus, Linear Algebra and basic modelling techniques using differential equations. In parallel, critical thinking will be developed through the analysis of quantitative problems. With this background students will be ready to pursue their interests in a broad range of mathematical areas, by choosing appropriate later year courses in pure or applied mathematics areas, or a combination of these. These later year courses reinforce and extend the students' quantitative skills as well as providing a greater awareness of the many branches of mathematics and of the interconnections among them.

Students with a good background in mathematics have many more options in terms of career possibilities, and are highly sought after for postgraduate study in almost every quantitative field. As commented by Ross Gittins, economics editor, Sydney Morning Herald, "Employers set a lot of store by mathematical ability and are more likely to hire someone with a good background in mathematics".

Learning Goals:

Students who have completed the Mathematics major will be able to:

1. Demonstrate mastery of the ideas, concepts and techniques of Calculus, Linear Algebra and Differential Equations.
2. Identify the mathematics required to solve applied problems.
3. Read, understand and write mathematical proofs.
4. Solve non-routine mathematical problems by translating ideas into a precise mathematical formulation.
5. Think clearly, sequentially and logically, as demonstrated by the critical analysis of quantitative problems.
6. Appreciate that mathematics is embedded in everyday life through its influence in fields, such as the physical, biological, medical, social and economical sciences.
7. Demonstrate awareness of the many branches of mathematics and of the interconnections among them.
8. Demonstrate a deeper understanding of a branch of advanced mathematics.
9. Draw on discipline based experiences of working collaboratively, communicating mathematical knowledge and acting professionally and responsibility in further study, or professional pursuits.
10. Recognise the importance of continuing professional development and be able to extend knowledge of mathematics through independent reading and learning.

Requirements

This major requires the completion of 48 units, which must include:

• 12 units chosen from the following 1000 level courses including:

- 6 units chosen from:

MATH1013  Mathematics and Applications 1

MATH1115  Mathematics and Applications 1 Honours

- AND 6 units chosen from:

MATH1014  Mathematics and Applications 2

MATH1116  Mathematics and Applications 2 Honours

• 6 -18 units chosen from the following 2000 level courses including:

- 6 units chosen from:

MATH2305  Differential Equations and Applications

MATH2405  Mathematical Methods 1 Honours: Ordinary Differential Equations & Advanced Vector Calculus.

- A maximum of 12 units chosen from any MATH coded 2000 level courses, excluding MATH2305 and MATH2405

• A minimum of 18 units chosen from any MATH coded 3000 level courses which can also include a maximum of 6 units chosen from:

ASTR3002  Black Holes and Cosmology

PHYS3001  Theoretical Physics

PHYS3002  Advanced Theoretical Physics

Advice to Students:

What 1st year courses should you enrol in? For a greater choice of later year courses students are advised to do MATH1115 and MATH1116, although the major may be completed with MATH1013 and MATH1014.  In particular, students who think they may want to do honours in Mathematics, should complete MATH1115 and MATH1116.

Students interested in doing a major in Mathematics but who do not have an appropriate background to begin MATH1013, may do MATH1003 before beginning MATH1013.

Students should seek further course advice from the academic convener of this Mathematics major.

The information published on the Study at ANU 2012 website applies to the 2012 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2011 website.