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Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences B.Ma.Sc.
2010

Program Outline | Program Structure | Related Programs | Admission Information | Areas of Specialisation | Study Plans | Career Opportunities | Graduate Attributes | Program Rules | Further Information | Useful Links

Location: North Terrace Campus
Duration: 3 years (full-time or part-time? equivalent)
Degree/Award: Bachelor

Program Outline

This program has been specifically designed for those seeking the high level of mathematical and statistical training required in today’s high technology workplaces. The degree content has been designed to meet this need, providing a fixed pathway through the study of the mathematical sciences at Levels I, II and III. The first year provides the foundation of Mathematics and Statistics. The second year further develops the fundamental tools of Mathematics and Statistics. Third year allows specialisation into the streams of Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics or Statistics. Graduates may find employment in industry and commerce, government establishments, public service, teaching and research.

It is possible for high achieving students to undertake an additional year of study and obtain a Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences with Honours. An Honours qualification is highly valued by employers and is a suitable preparation for students who wish to proceed to postgraduate studies. The Honours year includes a major project.

Mathematical sciences courses are in the areas of applied mathematics, pure mathematics or statistics. Applied mathematics courses cover topics that aim to achieve a balance between mathematical theories and practical applications of mathematics in the world around us. Pure mathematics courses are fundamental to applied mathematics, statistics, computer science, mathematical physics and many other areas of application and they also offer valuable training in rigour and logical thinking. Statistics courses provide the training to enable graduates to solve real-world problems by appropriately collecting, analysing and modelling data.

Program Structure

Students take courses to the value of at least 72 units. All first year students must pass level I courses to the value of at least 24 units. These must include Mathematics IA/IB, Mathematics for Information Technology I and Statistical Practice I. At second year students must pass level II courses to the value of at least 24 units. These include courses in the areas of Differential Equations, Probability and Statistics, Multivariable Calculus, Operations Research, Real Analysis and Algebra. At third year students must pass level III courses to the value of at least 24 units. Of these at least 21 units must be chosen from Applied Mathematics, and/or Pure Mathematics, and/or Statistics and must include a Communication Skills course. Elective courses from other disciplines are taken in years one to three.

Mathematical sciences courses are in the areas of applied mathematics, pure mathematics or statistics. Applied mathematics courses cover topics that aim to achieve a balance between mathematical theories and practical applications of mathematics in the world around us. Pure mathematics courses are fundamental to applied mathematics, statistics, computer science, mathematical physics and many other areas of application and they also offer valuable training in rigour and logical thinking. Statistics courses solve real-world problems by appropriately collecting, analysing and modelling data.

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Admission Information

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.

I am a:

Domestic applicants

Not a domestic applicant? ?

2009 CSP IB 29
SATAC Code 324421
2009 CSP TER 83.1
HESS group ? General
Annual tuition fees ?
Commonwealth-supported place: $4,249
Mid-year entry? Subject to availability
Enquiries Student Centre

Selection Criteria ?

Year 12 applicants
You must not have completed more than 4 years full time equivalent university study (96 units). You compete for a place with your Tertiary Entrance Rank (TER).
Prerequisites ?
SACE Stage 2: Mathematical Studies and Specialist Mathematics IB: Mathematics (HL grade 3)
Alternative entry pathways
  • Higher Education applicants
    You must have completed at least half a year full time equivalent higher education study. A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You compete on the basis of your best GPA.
  • VET applicants
    You must have completed an AQF Diploma or above. Your application will be ranked according to the level of award.
  • Special Entry applicants
    You must be 18 years or over before February 1st of the year that you will be studying, you must not have studied more than 2 years full-time equivalent higher education in the last 2 years and you must not hold a completed higher education level award. If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Your STAT result is weighted such that the verbal component contributes 35% and the quantitative component contributes 65% to your overall score. Personal Competencies (PC) and Employment Experience (EE) statements may also contribute to your rank. If you submit a PC or EE statement, and one of these ranks higher than your STAT score, then the highest ranking statement will contribute 50% to your overall rank and the STAT will contribute the remaining 50%. If you do not submit a PC or EE statement, or if the statements have a lower rank than the STAT, then you will compete for a place on the basis of your STAT result only. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Scheme. See Wilto Yerlo for further information.
  • Without formal qualifications?
    You may be eligible for our special access schemes.

How to Apply ?

SATAC Code: 324421

International applicants

Not an international applicant? ?

International TER 80
IB 26
IELTS Total 6 [more info]
Annual tuition fees ? International student place: $23,100
Mid-year entry? Yes
Enquiries Student Centre

Selection Criteria ?

Prerequisites ?
Mathematics
Equivalent Scores
International TER 80
IB 26
IELTS
Total
Reading
Listening
Speaking
Writing
6
5.5
5.5
6
6

How to Apply ?

International applicants applying with Australian year 12 results

Not an international applicant applying with Australian year 12 results? ?

International TER 80
Annual tuition fees ? International student place: $23,100
Mid-year entry? Yes
Enquiries Student Centre

Selection Criteria ?

Prerequisites ?
SACE Stage 2: Mathematical Studies and Specialist Mathematics IB: Mathematics (HL grade 3)
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Areas of Specialisation

It is possible to study in fields such as financial market analysis, information technology, telecommunications, artificial intelligence, game theory, computer graphics, real-time programming, software engineering and computer networking.

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Study Plans

The study plans ? given are examples of pathways through this degree. For a complete description, see the program rules.

 

Level I

Semester 1

Semester 2

  • MATHS 1008 Mathematics for Information Technology I (3 units)
  • MATHS 1012 Mathematics IB (3 units)
  • Elective course (3 units)*
  • Elective course (3 units)*

* At least one elective course must be a Level I course i.e. numbered in the range 1000-1999

Level II

Semester 1

Semester 2

  • MATHS 2100 Real Analysis (3 units)
  • APP MTH 2105 Optimisation & Operations Research (3 units) or other Elective course*
  • STATS 2107 Statistical Modelling & Inference (3 units) or other Elective course*
  • MATHS 2104 Numerical Methods (3 units) or other Elective course*

* At least three of the four elective courses must be Level II courses i.e. numbered in the range 2000-2999

Students wishing to complete majors in two Mathematical Sciences disciplines should enrol in the Level III compulsory course Communication Skills III in Semester 1 of Level II in lieu of the elective course. In the following year they should then complete 24 units of Level III Mathematical Sciences courses.

Level III

  • MATHS 3015 Communication Skills III (3 units)
  • Level III Mathematical Sciences courses chosen from the list below (18 units)
  • Level III Elective courses* (3 units)

* Elective course must be Level III course i.e. numbered in the range 3000-3999

Electives: At each level, electives can be chosen from courses offered at that level towards a degree program at the University, provided that the student is eligible to do that course e.g. has satisfied the prerequisite/s, the course is not offered exclusively for a program other than the B Math Sc.

Level III Mathematical Sciences courses

Semester 1

Semester 2

 

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Career Opportunities

Graduates are highly regarded by employers and have been successful in a wide variety of areas. Opportunities for graduates occur over a wide range of occupations. They are employed in business, industry, the government sector and in research organisations.

Recent graduates have been employed by CSIRO, DSTO, consulting engineering firms, United Water, Santos, the pharmaceutical industry, the telecommunications industry, biomedical research industries and institutes, banks and insurance companies, the Bureau of Meteorology, the Australian Bureau of Statistics, State and Federal Government agencies, and Universities and other research institutes all over the world.

Potential career opportunities include Systems Analyst, Systems Engineer, Telecommunications Engineer, Network Engineer, Scientific Data Analyst, Statistician, Telecommunications Analyst, Actuary, Business Data Analyst, Computer Programmer, Database Coordinator, Financial Systems / Computer Analyst, Internet and Web Programmer, Research Scientist, Stockbroker, Economist, Naval Architect, and Mathematics Teacher are some of the fields where graduates have found employment.

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Graduate Attributes

  • Able to apply knowledge of basic mathematical or statistical fundamentals.
  • Able to interpret data or mathematical results, and draw correct conclusions.
  • Able to define, formulate and solve a mathematical/statistical problem.
  • Possess highly developed problem-solving skills suitable for application in a wide range of situations.
  • Possess the flexibility required to adapt quickly to changes in the working environment, including the emergence of new methods, technologies and theories.
  • Able to communicate effectively, not only with other mathematicians and statisticians, but with the community at large on mathematical/statistical issues.
  • Contribute effectively as members of multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams, with the capacity to be leaders or managers as well as effective team members.
  • Able, by self directed study, to remain up to date with developments in their careers/professions.
  • Able to guide developments in their careers/professions.

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Further Information

Please direct enquiries to the Student Centre
Phone: +61 8 8303 7335 (toll free 1800 061 459)

The annual Open Day and Information Night events provide an excellent opportunity to see our campus, meet with academics, and discuss your study options.

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The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Last updated: Thursday, 27 Aug 2009

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