Mathematics - Undergraduate options

The subject of Mathematics has many faces: it can be challenging, beautiful, powerful, fascinating, even mysterious to some people, but above all it is useful. Mathematics interacts with other disciplines and makes essential contributions to science, medicine and commerce as well as to many important contemporary areas of technology such as communications, linguistics and genetics. Wherever problems need to be solved, Mathematics has a role to play.

Undergraduate Mathematics

First-year courses in Mathematics are designed to provide you with a range of concepts, theoretical results, and analytical, computational and modelling skills that may be applied in a wide variety of areas - in the biological, information and physical sciences, economics, engineering and finance for example, as well as other branches of the mathematical sciences. Stage II and III courses build on these, covering more advanced topics, with the aim of helping you to acquire a broader base of skills and a deeper understanding of the concepts involved.

Postgraduate Mathematics

Postgraduate study in Mathematics opens up a world of possibilities. It can enable you to indulge your academic enthusiasm or satisfy your intellectual curiosity, at the same time providing you with advanced knowledge and problem-solving skills applicable in any number of fields. The University of Auckland has the largest university mathematics department in New Zealand and is among the best in Australasia. A full range of courses are taught at postgraduate levels, with particular research strengths across the spectrum of mathematics, from algebra, combinatorics, complex analysis and differential equations to mathematical modelling, functional analysis and operator theory, history of mathematics, numerical analysis, and topology. Many of the staff are leading figures in their area, with strong international reputations for their research. Honours graduates from the Department of Mathematics at the University of Auckland are sought after by some of the top universities in North America and Europe.

Bachelor of Science (BSc) - Mathematics major

Single or first major must include:

• 30 points from MATHS 253, 255 and 260
• Up to 30 points from MATHS 361-372, STATS 310, 325, 370, ENGSCI 391, PHIL 305
• At least 30 points from MATHS 302-360, 373-384.

Second major:

• 30 points from MATHS 253, 255 and 260
• Up to 15 points from MATHS 361 - 372, STATS 310, 325, 370, ENGSCI 391, PHIL 305
• At least 30 points from MATHS 302-360, 373-384.

Note that students intending to continue to postgraduate study must include MATHS 332 and one of MATHS 320 and 328 in their Mathematics major.

Stage I courses

There are six Stage I courses available, entry to which is guided by your preparation, ability and goals. Mathematics I (MATHS 101) is for students with little experience beyond Year II. General Mathematics I (MATHS 108) is for students with broad interests.

Students who intend to major in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics should take MATHS 150 and MATHS 162 to ensure the greatest range of options at later stages.

For students who do not have a strong background in mathematics, the Student Learning Centre runs mathematics skills workshops which may be suitable for you. The Department of Mathematics also runs a refresher course - The Superstart Initiative - for students whose mathematical background at Year 13 is weak, but who want to enter MATHS 150, MATHS 108, ENGSCI 111 or PHYSICS 111.

With a good degree in quantitative methods (mathematics, statistics, operations research and computing), career opportunities may include industry or government, computer development, insurance, meteorology, traffic engineering, systems analysis, computing programming, statistics, biometrics or operations research, and many other fields.

There is also currently a strong demand for mathematics teachers. You should aim for a balanced mathematics programme and bear in mind that versatility may be of more value to an employer than deep knowledge of one or two specialised topics.

Recent career paths of Mathematics graduates include information analysis (MSD), information systems or computer science, operations research, biostatistics, chemistry, ecological modelling (AgResearch), resource accounting analysis (Landcorp), electrical or computer engineer, scientist-modeller/statistics (NIWA), statistical analysis (Statistics New Zealand), meteorology (Metservice), commercial banking graduate programmes, research, analysis with policy focus, business analysis, sustainability analysis (Landcorp).

For further information, refer to the Mathematics Undergraduate Handbook.

Alternatively, staff at the Department of Mathematics, located on Level 3 of Building 303 (38 Princes Street), can help you with general enquiries and refer you on to the relevant academic advisors.

Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext 85886
Email: ugadvice-math@auckland.ac.nz
Web: www.math.auckland.ac.nz

Stage I/Undergraduate Adviser Mathematics

Dr Jamie Sneddon
Building 303, Room 305
Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext 82121
Email: j.sneddon@auckland.ac.nz

• How to apply
  
• General Education requirements for undergraduates
• Postgraduate Mathematics
• Pre-degree and preparatory courses in mathematics
• Mathematics Skills Programme