Program Guide: Going on with Mathematics and Statistics

Once you have completed Junior level mathematics there is a huge range of Intermediate and Senior level units of study available in mathematics and statistics. Advanced units are offered alongside Normal units throughout the Intermediate and Senior program. Staff are always available to provide the information and advice you need to come to a good decision to match your interests and aspirations.

Maths by itself, or complementing other subjects

If your major interest is in mathematics or statistics, it is possible for you to specialize completely in mathematics and statistics from your second year onwards. However, combining the study of mathematics and statistics with other subjects is another popular possibility.

If your major interest is elsewhere you can choose to do just one or two maths or stats units that complement your other studies. For example, a good background in statistics is particularly useful in fields such as biology and psychology where data analysis is important. Another possibility is to structure your degree to include two major areas of study, one of which is mathematics or statistics.

If you are studying engineering you will continue with mathematics in your second year, doing courses that are specially designed to prepare you for higher level engineering courses in your third and fourth years.

Intermediate level mathematics and statistics

Intermediate level units of study cover foundational material that is useful and important in subjects such as physics, some parts of chemistry, biology and psychology, computer science and engineering, as well as in many third year mathematics and statistics courses.

Senior level mathematics and statistics

If mathematics or statistics is an major component of your studies you will probably want to take at least some Senior level units of study. Many of these are at the forefront of developments in mathematical theory and applications. They include Mathematics of Financial Markets, Nonlinear Systems and Biomathematics, Statistical Forecasting, Topology, Abstract Algebra, Fluid Dynamics, Mathematical Computing, Information Theory, Applied Statistical Models, Geometry and many others. The flexibility to follow your own interests is one of the outstanding features of mathematics and statistics at the University of Sydney.

The honours year

If you do well in Senior level mathematics or statistics units you have the option to continue to an Honours year. Honours degrees are available in Applied Mathematics, Pure Mathematics, Statistics and Financial Mathematics and Statistics. Flexibility and choice continue to be key features, with the introduction of more advanced courses to help you prepare for research studies or allow you to develop your own interests and skills further. Honours year students also complete an essay or a project supervised by a member of staff who is expert in their chosen area.

Students hoping to proceed to honours are advised to do a substantial number of advanced level units in their earlier years.

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