Mathematics Major

Total units 48 Units

Areas of interest Mathematics
Major code MATH-MAJ

Academic career Undergraduate
Academic Contact Dr Griffith Ware

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 Outcomes

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

Other Information

What 1st year courses should you enrol in? For a greater choice of later year courses, students are advised to take MATH1115 and MATH1116, although the major may be completed with MATH1013 and MATH1014. In particular, students who 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 with MATH1013, may do MATH1003 before taking MATH1013 (note: MATH1003 will not contribute to the major). Students who wish to take the major with MATH1115 and MATH1116, but who do not have an appropriate background for MATH1115 may be able to take MATH1013 prior to MATH1115 (only one of which will then contribute to the major): such students are strongly advised to contact the First Year Mathematics Coordinator and/or the academic convener of the MATH-MAJ.

It is possible to take MATH1014 after successful completion of MATH1115, and use those two courses to meet the first-year requirements of this major.

Advice for students who commenced the MATH-MAJ in 2022 or earlier, and who expected to take MATH3104 and/or MATH3116 (both now disestablished) in order to satisfy the requirements of the MATH-MAJ: please seek advice from the academic convener of the MATH-MAJ.