Mathematics
What is Mathematics?
Mathematics is the science that describes relationships between different numbers, objects, any measurable quantities and structures. Mathematics is also the academic discipline that studies them. The concept of pattern is very important in mathematics, sometimes mathematics is even called as the science of pattern, and mathematicians seek out patterns in numbers, space, abstractions, different applications or elsewhere. Further development of mathematics can be seen in new conjectures, theories and results produced by mathematicians, who establish their truth using mathematical proof and rigorous deduction from appropriately chosen concepts and theorems.
Many mathematical concepts took their origin from the Ancient World and had a long way of evolution. The importance of mathematical knowledge for human beings was emphasised in all times. Knowledge and use of basic mathematics have always been an integral part of human cultural development. Beginning with counting, calculation and measurement, nowadays mathematics has leading role in science, education, industry and society.
Mathematics explores different concepts that penetrate all branches of natural sciences, engineering, medicine, social sciences, economics and many others. Applied mathematics provides innovative solutions to the needs of mankind in the 21st century. The application of mathematics to other sciences leads to new mathematical discoveries and sometimes to the development of entirely new disciplines.
This major is typically taken by students who decide to pursue a double major or double degree path. It enables them to combine the rigour and logic of a scientific approach, which is an integral part of mathematical studies, with the specifics of a professional area of a particular interest. Second majors can be chosen from any of the other eight course majors defined for the Bachelor of Science, or (with the approval of the Program Coordinator) from other eight course majors from other undergraduate programs in the University.
Career opportunities
Statistics, Biometrics, Operations Research and Management, Actuary, Industrial Mathematics, Teaching (following Teacher Training), Mathematician, Mathematical Modelling, Operations Management, Financial Analyst, Mathematics Journalism, Systems Analyst, Supply Chain Analyst, Quality Control, Quantative Analyst, Risk or Focus Analyst, Business Systems Analyst, Data Mining, Cryptography, Secondary or Tertiary Teacher (when combined with relevant postgraduate studies), Commercial Property, Biostatistician, Manager for Risk Analytics, Epidemiologist, Hydrology Modeller, Data Mining Researcher, Speech Processing Researcher, Market Researcher, Quantitative Risk Analyst, Statistical Analyst, Data Analyst, Actuarial Business Analyst. Employment opportunities also exist in the Australian Bureau of Statistics, different banks, insurance companies, computing, logistics and engineering, and financial institutions.)
Research
Our mathematics research is of high international level; it is focused on important aspects of dynamical systems, reaction-diffusion systems, fluid flows and, generally, mathematical modelling. Supported by large grants from the Australian Research Council our group works interactively with niche research strengths of the university including the Computational Engineering and Science Research Centre, the Centre for Systems Biology, and the Australian Centre for Sustainable Catchments, as well as the ARC Complex Open Systems Research Network. The group undertakes research projects in theoretical and applied mechanics with industrial and environmental engineering applications; applied mathematics and methods; fluid mechanics including the modelling of turbulent floods and tsunamis; multiscale modelling and discretisations; emergent areas of mathematical modelling. The group maintains strong research links and undertakes joint projects with Professor Tony Roberts, University of Adelaide.