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

31.5 units comprising:

COMP1102  Computer Programming 1  (4.5 units)
COMP2711  Computer Programming 2  (4.5 units)
ENGR1401  Professional Skills  (4.5 units)
MATH1121  Mathematics 1A  (4.5 units)
MATH1122  Mathematics 1B  (4.5 units)
STAT1121  Data Science  (4.5 units)
STAT1132  Statistics 1  (4.5 units)

Elective - Year 1 topics

4.5 units of elective topics from across the University where entry requirements are met

Core - Year 2 topics

31.5 units comprising:

COMP2781  Computer Mathematics  (4.5 units)
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)

Option - Year 2 topics

4.5 units selected from:

COMP1711  Database Modelling and Knowledge Engineering  (4.5 units)
COMP2712  Heuristic Optimisation  (4.5 units)

Core - Year 3 topics

31.5 units comprising:

ENGR3750  Workplace Preparation  (0 units)
MATH3702  Methods of Applied Mathematics  (4.5 units)
MATH3711  Complex Analysis  (4.5 units)
MATH3712  Partial Differential Equations  (4.5 units)
MATH3721  Mathematical Sciences Practicum  (9 units)
MATH3xxx  Optimisation  (4.5 units)
STAT3701  Statistical Science  (4.5 units)

Elective - Year 3 topics

4.5 units of elective topics from across the University where entry requirements are met

Core - Honours Year topics 

27 units comprising:

 STEM7001  Research Methods for Honours  (4.5 units)
 STEM7000A  Honours Research Project in STEM  (4.5/22.5 units)
 STEM7000B  Honours Research Project in STEM  (4.5/22.5 units)
 STEM7000C  Honours Research Project in STEM  (4.5/22.5 units)
 STEM7000D  Honours Research Project in STEM  (4.5/22.5 units)
 STEM7000E  Honours Research Project in STEM  (4.5/22.5 units)

Option - Honours Year topics

9 units selected from:

MATH7720  Advanced Studies in Mathematics A  (4.5 units)
MATH7721  Advanced Studies in Mathematics B  (4.5 units)
MATH7722  Calculus of Variations  (4.5 units)
MATH7731  Mathematical Problems in Industry  (4.5 units)
MATH7732  Modern Analysis  (4.5 units)

Course Rule Notes

1.  Appropriate options,  including those offered by other Colleges, Universities and through the AMSI Summer School, may be included subject to approval by the Course Cordinator.

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.