Master of Mathematics


contents


introduction
brief guide to course content and structure
official course rules
schedule of programs


introduction

Key Points

    • preparation for work as professional mathematician

    • 6 or 7 coursework subjects (worth 6 credit points each)

    • a 6 or 12 credit point project

    • up to 12 credit points of subjects can be taken from other disciplines

    • one year (two sessions) full-time, or two years (four sessions) part-time

    • entry requirement is degree with major study in mathematics.

The Master of Mathematics is designed for candidates holding a bachelor degree with a major study in mathematics, or equivalent, to undertake further preparation for work as applied mathematicians in business and government. It is also suitable for mathematics graduates who have worked for a few years and need to upgrade their skills and knowledge.

After successful completion of this degree, a student is eligible to become an accredited member of the Australian Mathematical Society.

The course involves six subjects and a project and would usually be taken one year full-time or two years part-time. Recognising that in a work environment mathematicians are often involved in management and specific subject matter issues, the degree allows some subjects to be taken from other disciplines. This option is seen as particularly relevant for both Australian and international candidates with some work experience.

The Master of Mathematics is not designed to equip candidates for research in mathematics. Suitably qualified candidates wishing to undertake research are encouraged to undertake an Honours bachelor degree or a Master of Science (Honours). However, satisfactory completion of the Master of Mathematics permits registration for Honours Master of Science.

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official course rules

brief guide to course content and structure

The course consists of 48 credit points at 900 level (ie 6 or 7 subjects and a project of either 6 or 12 credit points). Up to 12 credit points can be taken from 900 level subject from disciplines other than Mathematics.

The subjects chosen from those on offer in a particular year will take into account a candidate's background and needs, in either Pure or Applied Mathematics.

Students contemplating enrolling for the Master of Mathematics degree are encouraged to speak with members of staff in the School of Mathematics and Applied Statistics in the session before enrolment to help select the general area of their project. Once this general area of project study is selected, the appropriate supervisors and the final project topic should also be determined in the session before enrolment. Final approval must be sought from the Head of School before work is commenced. A meeting is usually planned for early December to finalise these arrangements.

Students are strongly encouraged to start their project as early as possible and during February courses in statistical computing are made available. Students will provide a written description of the project and a plan of work to their supervisors by the first week of Autumn session. A short, ten minute presentation describing the topic will be given in Week One of the first session of study and a seminar on the topic of the Project is to be given in the last session. The written final project report is to be submitted by the end of Week Ten of the last session. A bound copy of this report in preprint format, will be held in the School library.

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schedule

MATH990 Project (6 cp) and seven elective subjects
or
MATH991 Project (12 cp) and six elective subjects

Electives -

    • INFO911 Data Mining

    • INFO912 Mathematics for Cryptography

    • MATH902 Solution of Differential Equations by One-Parameter Groups

    • MATH971 Advanced Topics in Applied Mathematics A

    • MATH972 Advanced Topics in Applied Mathematics B

    • MATH973 Advanced Topics in Pure Mathematics A

    • MATH974 Advanced Topics in Pure Mathematics B

    • MATH980 Preliminary Topics in Mathematics A

    • MATH981 Preliminary Topics in Mathematics B

    • MATH982 Preliminary Topics in Mathematics C

For details of the subject contents, go to Subject Descriptions Online.

Note the content of the subjects MATH971, MATH972, MATH973, MATH974, MATH980, MATH 981 and MATH 982 may vary each year. However, each year it will be possible to specialize in either applied mathematics or pure mathematics. A list of topics that will be covered within the above subjects in any one year will be available on the School website towards the end of each preceding year. These subjects include those offered by UOW staff, those from the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute Summer and Winter graduate schools and classes available remotely, via the School's access grid room.

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Last reviewed: 12 November, 2008