Mathematics has been taught at the University since 1505. Many distinguished mathematicians have been members of the Department over the centuries, but there can never have been a more exciting time for Mathematics in Aberdeen than the present. Major investment is being made in the subject, both in terms of staff and building, a policy that is against the trend being followed by most UK universities. On the staffing side, seven new professors have been appointed in the last five years. The Department now contains more internationally leading research mathematicians than ever before, who are also deeply committed to teaching.
Why Study Mathematics At Aberdeen?
The Institute regularly conducts thorough reviews of the teaching of Honours Mathematics to ensure you receive a modern, exciting syllabus, with a variety of courses in both Pure and Applied Mathematics. Most courses, even in the lower levels, will be taught by these same researchers we are so proud of.We strive to maintain a friendly and informal atmosphere in which the staff are readily approachable by students.
Mathematics is the essential tool with which scientists formulate theories and analyse their consequences. As well as being remarkably effective in applications, Mathematics has been studied in its own right for centuries because of its elegance and the interest that it generates. Few people will remain totally unmoved by their first verification of such results as the theorem of Pythagoras, or Euler's formula for the vertices, faces and edges of any convex polyhedron (e.g. a pyramid or a cube). The curiosity that leads to such results is a vital force that continues to inspire the mathematician and often leads to unexpected connections. For example, surprising applications to the coding of communications have been obtained not only from the algebraic theory of the integers but also from results concerning the optimal packing of objects in space.
Degree Options
MA or BSc -Most degrees involving Mathematics can be taken as an MA or as a BSc. As far as the Mathematical component of these degrees is concerned, there is no difference between the BSc and the MA degrees.
The choice you make depends on the other subjects you wish to study in your first two years.
Single Honours in Mathematics (MA or BSc) - In the first year of this degree, there are three core courses: Calculus I and Algebra in the first half-session and Calculus II in the second half-session. In your second year, the Mathematics component increases to a half. In addition, we have introduced two extra Mathematics courses: a first year Topics course, which is designed to introduce interested students to a variety of mathematical subjects outwith the usual sequence of Calculus and Algebra; and a second year course in Probability Theory, again aimed at students who wish to increase the mathematical contents of their programme. The Honours programme, in years three and four, consists entirely of Mathematics and is designed to give a good grounding in both Pure and Applied Mathematics.
Single Honours in Applied Mathematics (MA or Bsc) - This is a new degree. At Levels 1 and 2 the Applied Mathematics degree will follow a common curriculum with the Mathematics degree. But at Levels 3 and 4 additional courses will be available including topics such as Nonlinear Dynamics, Mathematical Modelling and Stochastic Processes.
Mathematics and Engineering Mathematics (BSc) - This degree combines the standard mathematics of the Mathematics Honours degree with the mathematics of an Honours degree in Engineering. The degree is designed for students who are aiming for careers as professional mathematicians in industry, business or academia. In the first two years, students study more mathematics than in the Mathematics Honours degree (to which they can transfer at the beginning of year 3 if their career intentions change). In third and fourth year, the programme includes topics in Applied Mathematics taught with the practical emphasis of the engineer, such as Fluid and Solid Mechanics, Signal Processing, Structural Mechanics and the Statistics of Safety and Reliability.
Joint Honours Degrees (MA or BSc) - There are several Joint Honours degrees involving Mathematics. In these degrees you spend half your time in third and fourth year on each of the two subjects, studying courses taken from the Single Honours degrees in those subjects. Mathematics currently has Joint MA degrees with Computing, Physics, Economics, Education, Management Studies, Philosophy, History, Sociology, Entrepreneurship, Celtic, French, German and Hispanic Studies and Joint BSc degrees with Computing, Education and Physics. There are also the Combined Studies degrees, where about a quarter of your time in the Honours years is spent studying another subject. In all cases the second subject is a language. In the Bsc we have Combined Honours degrees with French, Gaelic, German and Spanish. In the MA degree we have a Combined Honours degree with Gaelic.
Careers
A degree in Mathematics is the gateway to a wide variety of careers.Whether or not these degrees have included courses particularly relevant to the organisation, employers are keen to enrol mathematicians for their potential ability to analyse and comprehend continuing developments. One of our recent graduates writes: “As you can see, I am working as a Business Consultant. My job basically involves a lot of the groundwork involved in consulting, such as market research, analysing company performance etc. I am enjoying it ... I have used Maths as a way of thinking, or analysing problems.” Many of our graduates are finding employment opportunities in the financial sector – in banking, in insurance and actuarial work and in accountancy. These opportunities may arise in companies of varying sizes, from international to local.
Similar opportunities also arise for those of our graduates who go into business analysis and management. Many of these opportunities occur directly after graduation, but in some cases, students study for a further year in an MSc or Diploma course to enhance their employment opportunities in these areas.
A sizeable proportion of our graduates also find work in areas of employment related to computing. Some of these jobs are directly related – one recent graduate describes his job as Games Programmer – others are combined with knowledge of financial management or operational research, and yet others arise in a wider consultative capacity in a variety of fields. Mathematical modelling is invaluable in a variety of areas. Another recent graduate says: “One thing I have found interesting in the last year and a half, was the high demand for mathematical advice in most biological fields. I would strongly recommend mathematical modelling to anyone with a wish to apply Mathematics.”
Many of our graduates decide to extend their qualifications by taking postgraduate courses at universities throughout the UK and beyond. A number have gone on to do research in Mathematics. Finally a career in teaching in schools or institutes of higher or further education is the goal of a number of graduates. Normally this involves obtaining a Postgraduate Diploma in Education. Go to the useful website www.mathscareers.org.uk for more information on careers in Mathematics.
How Do I Apply?
Applications to this degree programme are made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). You apply online at www.ucas.com and may apply to up to five institutions on the full-price UCAS application.
Prospective students (and their parents/guardians/teachers) are welcome to visit the University at any time, or attend our University-wide Open Day in August/September. Please contact the Student Recruitment and Admissions Service, who will be happy to make arrangements for a visit.
Where Can I Get Further Information?
Student Recruitment and Admissions Service
University of Aberdeen
University Office
King’s College
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX
Tel: +44 (0)1224 272090/91
E-mail: sras@abdn.ac.uk
Web: www.abdn.ac.uk/sras
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For further details relating to Mathematics at Aberdeen, please also visit www.maths.abdn.ac.uk
