Mathematics

The School of Mathematics and Statistics is situated in the Faculty of Science. Units of study in this major are available at standard and advanced level.

About the major

Mathematics is powerful, beautiful and diverse. It is a language, a tool for analysis and prediction, and a way of thinking about the world. At 1000- and 2000-level, this major equips students with the foundational ideas of mathematics: abstract algebra, vector calculus and calculus of several variables, as well as formal proof and analysis. At 3000-level and beyond, you will have a choice from a wide range of electives in both pure and applied areas of mathematics, including number theory, dynamical systems, geometry, topology and mathematical computing. The range of units available has been designed to cater for you - whether you intend to become a professional mathematician or to follow other interests with a highly sought-after set of mathematical skills.

All units in the mathematics major at 1000- and 2000-level are offered at Advanced level (with a 9 in the second place in the number in the unit code) as well as at standard level.

Requirements for completion

A major in Mathematics requires 48 credit points, consisting of:

(i) 12 credit points of 1000-level units as follows: 6 credit points of calculus units; 3 credit points of linear algebra units; and 3 credit points of statistics or discrete mathematics units
(ii) 12 credit points of 2000-level core units
(iii) 6 credit points of 2000-level selective units
(iv) 6 credit points of 3000-level interdisciplinary project units
(v) 12 credit points of 3000-level selective units

A minor in Mathematics is available and articulates to this major.

Pathway through the major

The requirements for a major in Mathematics are spread out over three years of the degree (possibly four years if students are completing a combined Bachelor of Advanced Studies degree).

A sample pathway for the Mathematics major (over three years of a degree) is listed below.

Sample pathway: Mathematics major (48 credit points

Year	Session	Units of study
First	Semester 1	Core: MATH1021/1921/1931 Calculus Of One Variable and MATH1002/1902 Linear Algebra
	Semester 2	Core: MATH1023/1923/1933 Multivariable Calculus and Modelling Selective: MATH1004/1904 Discrete Mathematics or MATH1005/1905 Statistical Thinking with Data
Second	Semester 1	Core: MATH2X21 Vector Calculus and Differential Equations and MATH2X22 Linear and Abstract Algebra
	Semester 2	Selective: 2000-level units listed for major
Third	Semester 1 or 2	Selective: MATH3X20 Projects in Pure Mathematics or MATH3X10 Projects in Applied Mathematics Selective: 3000-level units listed for major

Please Note: This sample progression is meant as an example only. Depending on unit prerequisites, students may be able to complete these units in a different sequence from that displayed in the table above.

For details of the core and selective units of study required for the major or minor please refer to the Mathematics section of the unit of study table, Table S, in this handbook.

Fourth year

The fourth year is only offered within the combined Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Advanced Studies course.

Advanced coursework
The Bachelor of Advanced Studies advanced coursework option consists of 48 credit points, which must include a minimum of 24 credit points in a single subject area at 4000-level, including a project unit of study worth at least 12 credit points. Space is provided for 12 credit points towards the second major (if not already completed). 24 credit points of advanced study will be included in the table for 2020.

Honours
Students who complete a major in Mathematics may go on to honours in either Applied Mathematics or Pure Mathematics, depending on their interests and the units that they have chosen in their third year. Students must satisfy honours admission requirements. Both Applied Mathematics and Pure Mathematics honours require 24 credit points of coursework and 24 credit points of project work.

Honours units of study will be available in 2020.

Contact and further information

W www.maths.usyd.edu.au/

First year enquiries email:

Other undergraduate enquiries email:
All enquiries phone: +61 2 9351 5804 or +61 2 9351 5787

School of Mathematics and Statistics
Level 5, Carslaw Building F07
University of Sydney NSW 2006

Professor Mary Myerscough
T +61 2 9351 3724
E

Learning Outcomes

Students who graduate from Mathematics will be able to show:

1. Ability to construct logical, clearly presented and justified arguments incorporating deductive reasoning
2. Knowledge of the principles and concepts of a broad range of fundamental areas in mathematics
3. Ability to formulate and model practical and abstract problems in mathematical terms using a variety of methods
4. Ability to apply mathematical principles, concepts, techniques and technology to solve practical and abstract problems and interpret results critically
5. Understanding of the breadth of the discipline, its role in other fields and the way that other fields contribute to development in Mathematics
6. Appropriate interpretation of information communicated in mathematical form
7. Appropriate presentation of information, reason and conclusions in a variety of modes to diverse audiences (expert and non-expert).