Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences (Honours)

The Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences (Honours) requires four years of full-time study (or the equivalent part-time).

The course is offered by the College of Science and Engineering.

• Admission requirements
• Course aims
• Learning outcomes
• Program of study
• Combined degrees

Admission requirements

The minimum requirements for consideration for entry to all undergraduate courses are specified in detail in the University Entry Requirements.

Successful completion of either SACE Stage 2 (Year 12) Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics or International Baccalaureate Mathematics (SL or HL) is normally required for entry to the Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences (Honours).

Students must achieve a credit level average or better at the end of third year in order to be eligible to continue to the fourth year Honours degree program in Mathematical Sciences.

Course aims

The course has been designed to provide graduates with:

• a strong foundation in both the theoretical and the practical aspects of applied mathematics and statistics
• an understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities and a commitment to them
• well-developed written and oral communication skills
• an ability to critically analyse and evaluate mathematical and statistical information, to create models and solve problems
• the ability to work professionally as an individual and as a member of multi-disciplinary teams,
• an ability to undertake research in mathematics
• an understanding of the need to undertake lifelong learning and the capacity to do so
• preparation for future professional roles as a mathematician.

The course provides the foundations that will underpin ongoing professional development, preparing graduates for further study or for a career in a mathematically-related field or in other areas where the range of skills and knowledge acquired is needed or desirable.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the award, students will be able to:

• proficiently use advanced mathematical skills and knowledge to analyse and systematically develop complex systems
• demonstrate a broad understanding of the mathematical sciences discipline
• apply their skills and knowledge in a professionally responsible manner
• communicate effectively with other mathematicians and the wider global community
• work professionally as an individual and in a team
• develop mathematical solutions that address problems arising from a variety of social, political, international, economic and environmental contexts
• engage in the process of continuing learning needed to retain the necessary level of professional skills and knowledge in the area of mathematics and statistics.

On completion of the honours year, students will also be able to:

• plan and execute a research project, applying relevant methodologies and knowledge
• demonstrate a deeper understanding of some areas of discipline-specific knowledge
• apply research skills appropriate to postgraduate research or advanced industrial investigation.

Program of study

To qualify for the Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences (Honours), a student must complete 144 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the program of study below.

Students achieving a credit level average or better at the end of third year will be allowed to enrol in the fourth year of the program. Other students will be eligible to graduate in the ordinary degree program.

No more than 45 units of First Year topics may be counted towards the degree.

Not all topics are necessarily available in a given year.

Students who have completed 108 units according to the first three years of the Program may choose to exit with the Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences.

Core - Year 1 topics

36 units comprising:

MATH1121  Mathematics 1A  (4.5 units)
MATH1122  Mathematics 1B  (4.5 units)
STAT1121  Data Science  (4.5 units)
STAT1132  Statistics 1  (4.5 units)
ENGR1401 Professional Skills (4.5 units)

Plus one of:

COMP1102 Computer Programming 1 (4.5 units) OR
ENGR1721 Engineering Programming (4.5 units)

Plus 9 units of elective topics from across the University

Core - Year 2 topics

36 units comprising:

MATH2701  Principles of Analysis  (4.5 units)
MATH2702  Linear Algebra and Differential Equations  (4.5 units)
MATH2711  Several Variable Calculus  (4.5 units)
MATH2722  Numerical Analysis  (4.5 units)
STAT2701  Statistical Project  (4.5 units)
STAT2702  Probability  (4.5 units)
COMP2781 Computer Mathematics (4.5 units)

Plus 4.5 units of elective topics from across the University

Core - Year 3 topics

36 units comprising:

MATH3702  Methods of Applied Mathematics  (4.5 units)
MATH3711  Complex Analysis  (4.5 units)
MATH3712  Partial Differential Equations  (4.5 units)
MATH3731  Algebra  (4.5 units)
STAT3701  Statistical Science  (4.5 units)
STAT3702  Stochastic Processes  (4.5 units)

Plus 9 units of elective topics from across the University#

Core - Honours Year topics 

36 units comprising:

MATH7700A  Honours Thesis  (4.5/18 units)   
MATH7700B  Honours Thesis  (4.5/18 units) 
MATH7700C  Honours Thesis  (4.5/18 units) 
MATH7700D  Honours Thesis  (4.5/18 units)

Plus 18 units of Table A option topics*^

* Options must be selected from Table A, at least half of which will be chosen from those labelled as mathematics (Group M).

#Eligible students may select the following work experience topic in place of electives, with the approval of the Director of Studies (Mathematics and Statistics).

MATH3721 Mathematical Sciences Practicum (9 units)

^ Appropriate options made available by other Colleges or Universities, including through the AMSI Summer School, may also be included subject to approval by the Director of Studies.

Combined degrees

The Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences (Honours) may also be studied in a combined degree program with another Bachelor degree in the College of Science and Engineering where the combination meets the requirements of the credit transfer policy.