• Length 3 years full-time
  • Minimum 144 Units
Admission requirements
  • Mode of delivery
    • Internal

Back to the Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences page

Mathematics is the study of universal patterns and structures and 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 Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences provides the tools to study these patterns and structures and along the way you learn transferable skills in critical thinking, analysis, investigation and evidenced-based decision making.

Your program can concentrate on theoretical mathematics, or can extend to a range of applicable mathematical areas such as mathematical modelling, mathematical finance, mathematical economics, mathematical physics, and quantitative biology.


This program is not available for Semester 2 commencement.

Note: Advice on this page is indicative only. Where a number of courses has been identified, it assumes that all of your courses are 6-units. If you take a course worth 12-units please refer to the unit-load in the study requirements in the program orders.

This degree can be taken as a single degree or combined with another degree in a Flexible Double Degree (FDD). When the Bachelor of Biotechnology is combined with another undergraduate degree through a Flexible Double Degree, 48 units of ANU electives units are replaced with the core requirements of the other degree and the total program duration is expanded to 192 units (4 years Full-Time) or 240 units (5 years Full-Time) depending on the duration of the other program.

Single degree

The Bachelor of Mathematical Science requires 144 units (24 courses), including:

  • A maximum of 10 x 1000-level courses
  • A minimum of 6 x 3000-level courses MATH coded courses
  • 5 x compulsory courses
  • A minimum of 2 transdisciplinary problem-solving (TD) courses
  • Either MATH1005 or MATH2222
  • A minimum of 2 x courses from alpha codes listed in the BMASC study requirements
  • A maximum of 10 courses from the lists in the BMASC not previously taken or other ANU electives

This program has a progression hurdle which will require you to maintain an average mark of 70% in core and advanced MATH courses each semester to remain in the program

Double degree

The total number of overall units in a Flexible Double Degree (FDD) depends on the FDD combination eg.

  • 4050: 192 units
  • 4350, 4569, 4750: 240 units

Of which a minimum of 2 courses must be tagged as transdisciplinary problem-solving. These courses may be taken in either component of the FDD.

The Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences component of an FDD requires 96 units, including:

  • A maximum of 6 x 1000-level courses
  • A minimum of 6 x 3000-level courses MATH coded courses
  • 5 x compulsory courses
  • A minimum of 2 transdisciplinary problem-solving (TD) courses
  • Either MATH1005 or MATH2222
  • A minimum of 2 x courses from alpha codes listed in the BMASC study requirements
  • A maximum of 2 courses from the lists in the BMASC not previously taken or other ANU electives

This program has a progression hurdle which will require you to maintain an average mark of 70% in core and advanced MATH courses each semester to remain in the program.

About this degree

Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving courses

In this degree, you will have to complete 12 units of courses flagged as Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving (TD). TD courses can be identified using the Programs and Courses search engine. 

You can satisfy this requirement through a course/s listed in the program or through the ANU electives it all depends on how you structure your degree and your other enrolment choices

Enrolment Status

Duration

The Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences typically takes three years to complete on a full-time basis. Students will usually take 24-units (four six-unit courses) each semester and there are two semesters each year. One course is typically worth six-units.

In total, students need to complete 144 units of study towards the Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences. This will be 24 courses if all courses are worth six-units, but may be fewer if one or more courses of 12-units or more are taken.

  • If you combine the Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences with another degree in a Flexible Double Degree, you will need to complete a total of 192 units (32 six-unit courses) or 240 units (40 six-unit courses)  depending on the combination. This will typically take four years for a 192-unit degree or five years for a 240-unit degree .

 Domestic students may choose to enrol in fewer than 24-units in any semester or half-year study period. Students studying 18 or more units in a half year (January – June or July – December) are considered full-time. Students studying less than this are considered part-time.

If you take fewer than 24-units in any half year period, then your degree is likely to take longer than three years to complete.

International students on a student visa are required to enrol in a full-time study load of 24-units in each half year study period (Summer, Semester 1, Autumn or Winter, Semester 2, Spring) unless they have been approved for Reduced Study Load or program leave.

Maximum time for completion

  • The maximum period for completion of the single Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences degree is ten years from the date of first enrolment in the program. This ten years includes any periods of leave.
  • The maximum period for completion of a flexible double degree is ten years for a 192-unit degree or 11 years for a 240-unit degree from the date of first enrolment in the program. The maximum period includes periods of leave.

A transfer of credit (status) from previous studies will reduce the total amount of time remaining to complete the balance of your degree. When you are assessed for credit, you will be notified of the new maximum end date for your degree in your credit offer.





Important things to keep in mind when choosing your 1000-level courses

There are 2 compulsory 1000 level courses you must take in your first year:

You may take 1000-level courses later in your program.  But remember you can’t count more than ten 1000-level courses (60 units) towards your single degree or six 1000-level courses (36 units) towards your Biotechnology half of the double degree.

Electives

Remember you can choose up to 10 courses from another ANU College if you are undertaking the single Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences program. With these courses you can try a range of courses or take a major or minor in a non-mathematics subject, such as philosophy, history or computing. The choice is yours.

How do I use my electives?

Electives are courses that provide freedom for you to select subjects that align to your personal interests and career aspirations in a more individualised way than is possible through general major or degree requirements. An ANU elective is a course that you can select without restriction, beyond the global requirements of your program (e.g. limits on 1000-level courses, etc).

We also recommend holding some ANU electives in reserve to keep other opportunities open, such as international exchange, internships, and meeting the transdisciplinary requirements of your degree.


Study Options

Single degree

This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences.

Study Options

Year 1 48 units MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1 6 units Science elective 6 units Science or non-science course Science or non-science course
MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2 6 units Science elective 6 units Science or non-science course Science or non-science course

Double degree

This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences with another three year degree, such as the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science . Please note that for some double degrees (e.g. with Bachelor of Engineering) you may only be able to take one course in semester 1 for your mathematical science degree. In these circumstances it is recommended that in your first year you take MATH1115, MATH1116.

Study Options

Year 1 48 units MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1 6 units Science elective 6 units Degree B Course Degree B Course
MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2 6 units Science elective 6 units Degree B Course Degree B Course

Academic Advice

For further information, you can:

If you need help on any aspect of university life, our "Need Help" webpage is a good place to start and can link you to services across the University.

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