University of Canterbury Mathematics

Qualifications

Overview

Our modern society is underpinned by many mathematical insights. Mathematics is a living subject with ideas, techniques, and theorems constantly being created, tested, and explored.



Mathematicians are at the forefront of breakthroughs in science, technology, and finance. Did you know:

  • Money is kept secure when using internet banking protocols based on mathematical cryptography and prime numbers.
  • Medical images such as MRI are reconstructed using mathematical tools that were first developed in the early 1800s.
  • The mathematics of wavelet transformations helps us to understand seismic activity, which may one day assist us with the prediction of earthquakes.
  • Mathematicians can find solutions to equations that govern the universe to help us understand physical phenomena, without the need for expensive experiments.
  • Mathematical modelling can help with the protection of our native flora and fauna.

Mathematical thought is one of the greatest human achievements, and has been around for over 4,000 years. In all these millennia, mathematicians have been one step ahead and are already preparing for the technological advances of the coming generation.

Why study Mathematics at UC?

  • UC is known internationally for its involvement in Mathematics and Statistics education and research. Several members of staff have awards for their work in this area. Our research expertise informs our teaching.
  • Every year, we welcome visiting scholars on the Erskine Fellowship Programme. Students benefit greatly from their teaching and the diverse perspectives they offer.
  • We actively support undergraduate research through summer projects and honours dissertations, with some of our recent budding scholars heading to Oxford, Harvard, and Yale for postgraduate work.
  • We have a thriving culture that encourages meeting up with like-minded students through clubs.

Recommended preparation

Entry into MATH 101 Methods of Mathematics and MATH 110 Foundations of Applied Mathematics and Statistics is open to all students with entry to the University. A background of Year 12 Mathematics is highly recommended.

Entry into MATH 102 Mathematics 1A requires 14 credits at NCEA Level 3 maths.

If you haven’t studied mathematics or statistics for some time or lack confidence in your skills, we help you out with Headstart courses in January/February.

Courses

UC offers a major and a minor in Mathematics as part of the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science.

You can also study this subject as a minor within the Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Sport Coaching, and Bachelor of Youth and Community Leadership.



Mathematics major

To complete a major in Mathematics within the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science, you will need to take the following courses throughout the degree:

100-level

  • MATH 103 Mathematics 1B
  • One other 100-level MATH course

Students who have not taken mathematics to Year 13 level are strongly advised to take MATH 101 Methods of Mathematics.

200-level

  • MATH 201 Multivariable Calculus

Plus two courses chosen from:

  • MATH 202 Differential Equations
  • MATH 203 Linear Algebra
  • MATH 220 Discrete Mathematics and Cryptography
  • MATH 240 Analysis and Group

Students must do at least one of MATH 202 or MATH 203.

300-level

  • Four 300-level MATH courses

Another two courses from 300-level MATH or STAT courses are also required if you intend to go onto postgraduate studies in Mathematics. MATH 343 Metric, Normed and Hilbert Spaces is recommended.

It is good to include other subject courses during your major study. Popular choices include Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, Management, Physics, and Statistics.

Mathematics minor

For the Mathematics minor in the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Sport Coaching, or Bachelor of Youth and Community Leadership, you will need to take these courses throughout your chosen degree:

  • 75 points in 100 to 300-level MATH courses, with at least 45 points at 200-level or above

Career opportunities

One of the most important quality a Mathematics graduate develops is the ability to reason logically and in depth. Mathematics is a creative, collaborative pursuit.

Mathematics graduates are highly employable in computing, finance, commerce, insurance, scientific institutions (such as Crown Research Institutes), law, teaching, and many other fields.

Employment opportunities are particularly good for people who combine qualifications in Mathematics with qualifications in other disciplines such as Physics, Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, Management, and Economics.

Previous graduates have been employed by Macquarie Capital, Deloitte, BNY-Mellon, First NZ Capital, Te Pūtea Matua | Reserve Bank, Vero Insurance, Wynyard Security Group, and many government agencies like Kaitohutohu Kaupapa Rawa | Treasury, Tatauranga Aotearoa | Stats NZ, and Hīkina Whakatutuki | Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

Find out more about what you can do with a degree in Mathematics.

Contact us

Te Kura Pāngarau | School of Mathematics and Statistics

Phone +64 3 369 2233
Email [email protected]

Location
Erskine Building – see the School’s website for up-to-date location details.



Postal address
College of Engineering | Te Rāngai Pūkaha
University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand