Program Requirements

The Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences requires completion of 144 units, of which:

A maximum of 60 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses

A minimum of 12 units of courses tagged as Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving

A minimum of 36 units must come from completion of 3000-level courses from the subject area MATH - Mathematics

The 144 units must consist of:

A minimum of 84 units from completion of courses from the lists below, which must include:

30 units from the completion of the following compulsory courses:

MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1 (6 units)

MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2 (6 units)

MATH2305 Applied Mathematics I (6 units)

MATH2320 Advanced Analysis 1: Metric Spaces and Applications (6 units)

MATH2322 Advanced Algebra 1: Groups, Rings and Linear Algebra (6 units)

6 units from the completion of one of the following courses:

MATH1005 Discrete Mathematical Models (6 units)

MATH2222 Introduction to Mathematical Thinking: Problem Solving and Proofs (6 units)

36 units from completion of 3000-level courses from the subject area MATH Mathematics

A minimum of 12 and a maximum of 24 units from completion of courses not previously taken from the following subject areas:

ASTR – Astronomy & Astrophysics

BIOL – Biology

CHEM – Chemistry

COMP – Computer Science

EMSC – Earth and Marine Science

ENVS – Environmental Science

HLMD – Health and Medicine

HLTH – Health Science

MATH – Mathematics

MEDN – Medical Science

NEUR – Neuroscience

PHYS – Physics

PSYC – Psychology

SCNC – Science

SCOM – Science Communication

STAT – Statistics

HURDLE REQUIREMENTS

Students must achieve a minimum 70% Weighted Average Mark in each period (Summer/First Semester/Autumn and Winter/Second Semester/Spring) in the subject area of MATH to continue in the Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences. During their first year of study, students will be considered in breach of this requirement only if it is not met in both Semester 1 and Semester 2.

Students who do not achieve a minimum of 70% Weighted Average Mark will be transferred to the Bachelor of Science.

First-year students should note that a prerequisite for the MATH1116 course is a mark of 60% or higher in MATH1115, and a prerequisite for both MATH2320 and MATH2322 is a mark of 60% or higher in MATH1116.

A minimum of 48 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU.

Elective Study

Once you have met the program requirements of your degree, you may have enough electives to complete an additional elective major, minor or specialisation.

Study Options

Admission Requirements

At a minimum, all applicants must meet program-specific academic/non-academic requirements, and English language requirements. Admission to most ANU programs is on a competitive basis. Therefore, meeting all admission requirements does not guarantee entry into the program.

In line with the university's admissions policy and strategic plan, an assessment for admission may include competitively ranking applicants on the basis of specific academic achievement, English language proficiency and diversity factors.

The University reserves the right to alter or discontinue its programs and change admission requirements as needed.

Domestic applicants

Before applying for a program, you should review the general information about domestic undergraduate admission to ANU programs and how to apply, and the program-specific information below.

• Applicants with recent secondary education are assessed on:
  • completion of the Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (AQF) or equivalent and the minimum Selection Rank (from their academic qualifications, plus any adjustment factors) requirement for this program; and
  • English language proficiency; and
  • any program-specific requirements listed below.
• Applicants with higher education study are assessed on:
  • previous higher education studies; or secondary education results if the applicant has completed less than one year full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) of higher education; or the results from a tertiary preparation program; and
  • English language proficiency; and
  • any program-specific requirements listed below.
• Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are assessed on:
  • previously completed VET qualifications at AQF level 5 or higher (i.e. a Diploma or above); or secondary education results if the VET qualification is not completed; and
  • English language proficiency; and
  • any program-specific requirements listed below.
• Applicants with work and life experience are assessed on:
  • secondary education if the Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (AQF) or equivalent was completed; or the Work and Life Experience Based entry scheme; and
  • English language proficiency; and
  • any program-specific requirements listed below.

International applicants

Applicants who complete a recognised secondary/senior secondary/post-secondary/tertiary sequence of study will be assessed on the basis of an equivalent selection rank that is calculated upon application. A list of commonly observed international qualifications and corresponding admission requirements can be found here . Applicants must also meet any program specific requirements that are listed below.

Diversity factors & English language proficiency 

As Australia's national university, ANU is global representative of Australian research and education. ANU endeavours to recruit and maintain a diverse and deliberate student cohort representative not only of Australia, but the world. In order to achieve these outcomes, competitive ranking of applicants may be adjusted to ensure access to ANU is a reality for brilliant students from countries across the globe. If required, competitive ranking may further be confirmed on the basis of demonstrating higher-level English language proficiency.

Further information is available for English Language Requirements for Admission 

Prerequisites

ACT: Specialist Mathematics and Specialist Methods (double major) / Discrete Mathematics ANU/UC.

NSW: Mathematics Extension 2 or equivalent. 

VIC: Specialist Mathematics.

QLD: Specialist Mathematics.

TAS: Mathematics Specialised / Both Mathematics IA and IB through UTAS.

SA / NT: Specialist Mathematics.

WA: Mathematics Specialist.

IB: Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches HL.

More information about interstate subject equivalencies can be found here .

Adjustment Factors

Adjustment factors are combined with an applicant's secondary education results to determine their Selection Rank. ANU offers adjustment factors based on equity, diversity, and/or performance principles, such as for recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies.

To be eligible for adjustment factors, you must have:

• achieved a Selection Rank of 70 or more before adjustment factors are applied
• if you have undertaken higher education, completed less than one year full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) of a higher education program
• applied for an eligible ANU bachelor degree program

Please visit the ANU Adjustment Factors website for further information.

Fee Information

All students are required to pay the Services and amenities fee (SA Fee)

The annual indicative fee provides an estimate of the program tuition fees for international students and domestic students (where applicable). The annual indicative fee for a program is based on the standard full-time enrolment load of 48 units per year (unless the program duration is less than 48 units). Fees for courses vary by discipline meaning that the fees for a program can vary depending on the courses selected. Course fees are reviewed on an annual basis and typically will increase from year to year. The tuition fees payable are dependent on the year of commencement and the courses selected and are subject to increase during the period of study.

For further information on Fees and Payment please see: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/fees-payments

Scholarships

ANU offers a wide range of scholarships to students to assist with the cost of their studies.

Eligibility to apply for ANU scholarships varies depending on the specifics of the scholarship and can be categorised by the type of student you are.  Specific scholarship application process information is included in the relevant scholarship listing.

For further information see the Scholarships website.

Employment Opportunities

This program is excellent preparation for work in any mathematical field, whether in academia, private industry, or government. See the following information provided by the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute for examples of employment opportunities for those trained in mathematics.

https://amsi.org.au/resources/mathsadds-careers-guide/

Learning Outcomes

1. Think clearly, sequentially and logically, as demonstrated by the critical analysis of quantitative problems, such as the ability to read, understand and write mathematical proofs.
2. Demonstrate mastery of the concepts and techniques of Advanced Mathematics.
3. Communicate concepts and results clearly and effectively both in writing and orally.
4. Systematically identify relevant theory and concepts, relate these to appropriate methodologies and evidence, and draw appropriate conclusions.
5. Engage in critical review of appropriate and relevant information sources.
6. Work and learn in both independent and collaborative ways with others to encompass diverse abilities and perspectives.

Further Information

Student Advice

What courses should you take in your first year of study?

• MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1 (6 units)
• MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2 (6 units)

Our first-year curriculum lays a common foundation for all mathematics students, keeping all doors open. In the second-year, students take a collection of core courses to better understand their mathematical tastes. Later in the program, particularly in the third year, students will follow their mathematical interests through a variety of course choices.

Additional advice:

• Additionally, students who intend to take MATH1005 Discrete Mathematical Models (6 units) as part of their program requirements should enrol in it alongside MATH1115 in first semester.
• Students who intend to take MATH2222 Introduction to Mathematical Thinking: Problem Solving and Proofs (6 units) as part of their program requirements, can choose to take it alongside MATH1115 in first semester of first year, or wait to take it in the first semester of their second year. Students are welcome to seek advice if they are unsure which choice is correct for them.
• Please also note that if MATH1005 is completed as part of the main program requirements in first year, then students may still choose to take MATH2222 as an elective course in second year.

How can I satisfy the Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving course requirements?

• Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving courses can be found using the Programs and Courses search engine.
• Many majors offered by the College of Science (not required for the Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences) may identify in the "Advice for students" section which courses listed in the major will contribute towards this requirement. This might also be of assistance in identifying courses.

Internship opportunities

Students interested in incorporating an internship into their degree can find out more from the College of Science website.

How can I get a study plan to help me map out my degree?

Want to learn more about the structure of the Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences or wish to map out your degree? Click here to access the study plan.

Academic or enrolment advice:

If in doubt, please seek further advice from the academic contact for this program (details above), or the College of Science Student Services Team (students.cos@anu.edu.au).