connect: MATHEMATICS & STATISTICS
FIVE REASONS TO STUDY MATHEMATICS & STATISTICS AT UOW
1. Learn from world leading researchers and teachers
Learn models to analyse and forecast results in economics, finance, medicine and industrial processes from internationally recognised and engaged academic staff.
The School of Mathematics and Applied Statistics has “above world standard” classification in the Excellence in Research for Australia rankings, and has staff that have won national awards for their teaching excellence. When you study at UOW you become part of a learning and research environment that is supported by highly qualified academic staff with expertise across a range of disciplines from pure to applied mathematics and statistics.
3. Access opportunities and scholarships
4. High level of employability and starting salaries
We have a range of undergraduate scholarships, advanced degrees and Dean’s Scholar options. Our students are exposed to the latest thinking and ideas that will shape our global economy and future. Opportunities include scholarships from Tibra and Telstra, summer scholarships and undergraduate research projects with academic staff, access to programs of the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI) and inter-university courses via our Access Grid Room. High achieving students get financial rewards as well as accelerated and more independent learning opportunities.
Our students have excellent job opportunities and starting salaries. Our degrees are regularly reviewed by academics and industry experts to ensure students are prepared for the current workplace. As a Mathematics & Statistics graduate of you will be able to choose to work in a wide range of business and government sectors.
Mathematics is the basis for successful decision-making and problem solving independent of sector or industry. Statistics is the study of the collection, organisation, analysis and interpretation of data.
MEET THE FACULTY The UOW School of Mathematics and Applied Statistics spans pure mathematics, applied mathematics, financial mathematics and statistics. Our graduates are in demand across a range of industries including finance, defence and security, health care, and the IT sector.
2 UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG
“Mathematics provides the vital underpinning of the knowledge economy, essential in the physical sciences, technology, business, financial services and many areas of ICT. It is also of growing importance in biology, medicine and many of the social sciences. Mathematics enables us to probe the natural universe and to develop new technologies that have helped us control and master
2. Problem-solving that applies across all industries and sectors Mathematical and statistical models enable analysis and forecasting in many industries. You’ll learn problem-solving, critical thinking and analytical skills that are in demand across all government and private sectors. We have a range of courses, including those with flexibility and those with a strong industry focus, which are fully accredited by relevant professional bodies.
5. Have maths, will travel You’ll learn general skills that are widely applicable and easily transferable. For example, you will be able to find a problem, express it within the framework of the mathematical sciences, solve it using the most appropriate techniques (developing new techniques if necessary), then express the answer in such a way that it is comprehensible to people outside the mathematical sciences. Studying maths and statistics is a passport to work anywhere around the world.
our environment, and change societal expectations and standards of living. Mathematics is the only subject whose study consistently enhances performance across all fields of science. The decline in maths is affecting every part of our community.”
Ian Chubb Australia’s Chief Scientist chiefscientist.gov.au/2013/07/speech-launch-of-themaths-of-planet-earth-conference/
learn your way connect: STUDY OPTIONS Bachelor of Mathematics / Bachelor of Mathematics Advanced go.uow.edu.au/bmath ATAR
75 / 95 (Advanced)
DURATION
3 years
STARTS
Autumn (February), Spring (July)
LOCATION
Wollongong
ACCREDITATION The Bachelor of Mathematics and Bachelor of Mathematics Advanced are accredited by the Australian Mathematical Society. UAC
756511 / 756512
CRICOS
002936B / 036040F
A
Advanced degree available go.uow.edu.au/bmath-adv
WHAT YOU WILL STUDY You will learn highly transferable skills in problem solving, data analysis, probability and variability, mathematical modelling, logistics and logic. The degree is flexible, so you can take up to one third of your subjects from other disciplines to expand your career options. You will choose applied mathematics, pure mathematics and applied statistics subjects leading to a major of your choice. Double majors with other disciplines such as computer science or finance are also possible. The School of Mathematics & Applied Statistics at UOW has an international reputation in areas including survey and census design and analysis, operator algebra, geometric analysis, spatial statistics, biometrics, partial differential equations, the modelling of chemical reactions and nanoscale phenomena. The Bachelor of Mathematics Advanced is available to students who have superior mathematical knowledge on entry to UOW. For high school students, this means they have studied the highest level of mathematics possible. Advanced students take one intensive first-year subject, accelerate their studies by taking second-year subjects in their first year, and undertake research projects in their second and third years. The research projects can be industry focused. Bachelor of Mathematics (Advanced) students also benefit from a close working relationship with active researchers.
CAREERS Mathematicians work in all areas of industry and government as meteorologists, risk managers, statisticians, investment advisers, biometricians, transport analysts and more. Mathematics is the basis for successful decision-making and problem-solving across all sectors and industry fields. These include financial and insurance industries, environmental and biological security, primary and agricultural industries, economic modelling and forecasting, natural resources industries and resource management, commercial and public transport and logistics, emergency management, government, health systems and medical research, education, information technology and communication, construction and manufacturing, retail and service industries, and public utilities. Mathematical and statistical models help us analyse and forecast results in economics, finance, medicine and industrial processes. This analysis helps governments and businesses understand the factors behind important decisions. The mathematical sciences underpin a number of scientific and commercial enterprises, providing extensive career options. Just about every industry depends at some point on handling and interpreting data, and on predicting and modelling outcomes. When we examine health, social, biological, agricultural and bioinformatics data, we can develop mathematical methods which help us to create policies and business models that drive innovation and planning for the future. MATHEMATICS & STATISTICS
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Bachelor of Mathematics and Finance go.uow.edu.au/bmathfin ATAR
82 / 95 (Dean’s Scholar)
DURATION
4 years
STARTS
Autumn (February), Spring (July)
LOCATION
Wollongong
ACCREDITATION The Bachelor of Mathematics and Finance is accredited by the Australian Mathematical Society. Completion of this degree provides ‘points’ towards membership of Financial Services Institute of Australasia (FINSIA). Specific majors may carry other accreditations. The Financial Planning major has been placed on the Australian Securities and Investment Commission’s (ASIC) training register. This means that on completing you will satisfy Tier 1 of ASIC’s training requirements relevant to a range of advisory activities. UAC
756503 / 756520
CRICOS
016107B / 081892K
DS
Dean’s Scholar available go.uow.edu.au/bmathfin-ds
CAREERS Maths and Finance graduates work in all areas of industry and government as risk managers, investment advisers, traders, financial analysts and more. They work in all aspects of the finance sector from traditional banking to futures trading. Applied mathematics underpins a wide range of scientific and commercial enterprises, providing extensive career options. Just about every industry depends at some point on handling and interpreting data, and on predicting and modelling outcomes. With the sophistication of modern finance products, leading edge banking and financial firms are hiring mathematicians to advance analytical and numerical techniques to price financial derivatives and manage portfolio risks. Mathematical qualifications are essential in this environment—knowing the principles of finance is not enough. Bankers, investment managers, insurance companies and financial companies all rely on financial mathematics to survive and stay ahead of the competition. The tools of mathematical analysis and prediction are essential to financial operations. This degree allows you to specialise your skills by selecting one of the majors below.
Majors
Financial planning This major is particularly applicable to those who wish to pursue a career within the financial services industry by gaining professional qualifications in the areas of providing financial planning and financial advice to clients. The areas of service provision are very wide including investment and asset portfolio construction and advice, superannuation, retirement and estate planning and associated services.
Mathematical economics The aim of this major is to provide students with a grounding in the necessary skills for the application of mathematical methods, concepts and reasoning to economic theory and problem solving in both micro-economics and macro-economics. The mathematical foundation includes econometrics, financial and linear modelling and calculus, differential equations, statistics and associated topics.
Quantitative and computationaL trading This major provides a solid foundation in mathematical finance and the specialist practical skills to be a successful quantitative trader. You acquire mathematical, statistical, and financial and computer skills to understand, implement and develop computer-driven trading strategies and be able to make informed investment decisions and evaluate portfolio risks.
Quantitative corporate finance and investments Quantitative corporate decision processes may be short-term or long-term. Long-term decisions typically deal with the choice and type of corporate investments, sources of equity or debt funding and financial risk management. Short-term decisions mainly deal with working capital management of short-term assets and liabilities.
Risk management and insurance Risk management is now recognised as an essential part of strategic objectives at both personal, corporate and government levels. A strong background in mathematics and statistics is essential for careers in corporate and banking risk management such as market, credit and operational risk. The profession covers a wide range of activities including the assessing, quantifying, monitoring and mitigating of financial risk exposures; and monitoring compliance with financial regulations.
4 UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG
Steve Brogan Bachelor of MathEMATICs and Finance Head of Customer Analytics at VodaFone
“Statistics are incredibly valuable in the business world. My work in customer analytics helps us transform our data into the ultimate marketing tool while ensuring our customers are happy. My team looks at data mining in terms of large customer transactional data bases, trends and patterns, and key insights. We shape the way our company does business. “The subjects I completed at UOW were vital to my career development. My professors were knowledgeable, loved what they taught, and in many cases were inspirational to me. They made time to make sure that you understood the material and they were there to see to it that you succeeded.”
Natalie’s research involves developing mathematical models to try to understand the behaviour of materials at the nano scale. Natalie’s expertise is in using mathematics to solve problem such as measuring the flow of granular materials through an outlet that could help design better silos and other storage and transport infrastructure. “These nanomaterials have potential applications in many areas, such as energy, environment, health and medicine. In such complex areas, mathematical models can often reveal important insight and optimal parameters or situations that might be otherwise impossible to discern. “Applications of nanomaterials in medicine, such as biosensors and carriers for targeted drug and gene delivery and in energy, such as hydrogen storage and high efficiency solar cells, are of my particular interest and there are numerous aspects that I look forward to tackling together with my research students and collaborators.” Natalie was recently awarded the prestigious John Henry Michell Medal for outstanding new researcher by a division of the Australian Mathematical Society, Australia and New Zealand Industrial and Applied Mathematics (ANZIAM).
Dr Ngamta (Natalie ) ThamwattanA Senior Lecturer, School of Mathematics and Applied Statistics
MATHEMATICS & STATISTICS
5
Bachelor of Mathematics Education go.uow.edu.au/bmathed ATAR
73
DURATION
4 years
STARTS
Autumn (February)
LOCATION
Wollongong
ACCREDITATION The Bachelor of Mathematics Education is recognised by most states and territories of Australia as well as the UK, Asia and Canada. UAC
755102
CRICOS
051340B
Careers Nationally there is a shortage of quality secondary education teachers in the areas of Science and Mathematics. Scholarships in Maths and Science Education are available for high achieving students who can demonstrate positive motivation, interest and attitude towards high school teaching. See the NSW Department of Education & Communities website for details www.dec.nsw.gov.au Students are able to apply for an overseas Professional Experience placement in China, Malaysia, Fiji or Thailand where they are able to experience first-hand the education system and culture of another country.
Accreditation The Bachelor of Mathematics Education is recognised by most states and territories of Australia as well as the UK, Asia and Canada. Mathematics is a discipline central to many branches of science and commerce, and teaching the next generation of mathematicians requires specific skills. The Bachelor of Mathematics Education creates secondary teachers who understand best practice teaching methods in addition to holding a full mathematics major. This degree can also lead to other careers that require high-level training skills in the many business environments mathematics graduates find work. Subjects focus on mathematical knowledge, learning and development, professional teaching skills, curriculum studies and meeting learners’ needs. Professional Experience, or practical teaching, is undertaken in each year of the program. Students begin their professional experiences within weeks of starting the course, have the opportunity to undertake some of their experiences overseas, and finish with a fiveweek internship in the final year.
Bachelor of Medical Mathematics go.uow.edu.au/bmedmath ATAR
85 / 95 (Dean’s Scholar)
DURATION
3 years
STARTS
Autumn (February)
LOCATION
Wollongong
UAC
756530 / 756535
CRICOS
072790B / 076241K
DS
Dean’s Scholar available go.uow.edu.au/bmedmath-ds
CAREERS The frontiers of biological and medical research are becoming increasingly dependent on sophisticated modelling and computational techniques. Mathematical and statistical analysis is rapidly emerging as a vital tool for health professionals. The Bachelor of Medical Mathematics is a three-year degree pioneered by UOW in response to the needs identified by the medical and health sectors. The rapid development of medical technology has created a niche sector which relies on the skill sets of mathematicians and statisticians. Graduates will have the skills needed to pursue careers in the health industry, pharmaceutical industry, public health systems and medical organisations. These include hospitals, CSIRO, Australian Bureau of Statistics, forensic research and universities. More generally graduates will be able to pursue careers in mathematics, statistics and medical research and they will be suitably prepared for postgraduate studies in medicine, mathematics and allied health professions.
WHAT YOU WILL STUDY This degree will provide the mathematics and statistics skills required for advanced modelling and analysis applications in medical sciences, as well as a basic background in physiology, chemistry and biology.
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TIM BERRY UOW INDUSTRY PARTNER Bachelor of Mathematics and Finance
“Tim Berry graduated with a Bachelor of Mathematics and Finance from UOW. He is a founding owner of Tibra Capital and works as Tibra’s Global Managing Director. Having started with just 17 employees in 2006, Tibra Capital now has over 100 employees at its offices in Wollongong, Sydney, London, Hong Kong and Chicago. It specialises in equities trading, arbitrage, and market making, operating in key electronic markets globally. Building on a strong history of employing UOW graduates, the company now provides undergraduate Work Integrated Learning Scholarships worth $15,000 and Corporate Scholarships to the value of $7000 for UOW students enrolled in Mathematics or Computer Science degrees, as well as a number of prizes for academic performance in individual subjects. Tibra staff provided invaluable input into the development of the Quantitative and Computational Trading major in the Bachelor of Mathematics and Finance. It is the first major of its kind in Australia, and puts UOW BMathFin graduates at the forefront of new developments in the industry. It is a great example of collaboration between industry and academia for the benefit of all concerned.”
SCHOLARSHIPS The School of Mathematics and Applied Statistics industry partners include Telstra Corporation, Tibra Capital and the Australian Bureau of Statistics. We have a number of scholarships available for first-year students. Number available
DEAN’S SCHOLARS
Scholarship
Value
Vice-Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Scholarship
$3,000 for first year
1
University of Wollongong Undergraduate Scholarships
$4,000 p.a. for duration of degree
3
Engineering and Information Sciences - Academic Achievement Scholarship
$3,000 for first year
1
Engineering and Information Sciences - Academic Excellence Scholarship
$3,000 p.a. for 2 years
15
Telstra School of Mathematics and Applied Statistics (SMAS) Scholarship
$8,000 for first Year
1
Tibra Capital Corporate Scholarship
$7,000 for first Year
5
Tibra Capital Work Integrated Learning Scholarships
$15,000 for second or third year students
As a Scholar you receive the following special privileges:
5
Mathematics and Statistics First Year Scholarship
$3,000 for 1 year
1
Grant Cox Award for Aspiring Mathematicians
$2,000 for first year
1
$500 per year study grant Access to the Summer Scholarship program where you get paid as a Research Assistant
Engineering Scholar degrees are designed to provide an enriched education experience, and to encourage high achievers to continue on to studies in Honours and research. If you have an ATAR of 95 or above you can be admitted into Scholars. You must maintain an average mark of 80 per session to remain in the degree.
MATHEMATICS & STATISTICS
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LEARN MORE SEE US FOR YOURSELF: CAMPUS TOURS You don’t need to be a student at UOW to see firsthand why our campus is special and why we all love it here. UOW campus tours allow you to see our facilities and meet people doing what they do best. It’s your chance to check out UOW and ask as many questions as you like. Our free, hour-long tours are conducted by current UOW students, and run at 10 am and 3 pm every Friday throughout the year (excluding public holidays). Phone UOW UniAdvice to make a booking or book online at uow.edu.au/future
Engineering AND INFORMATION SCIENCES +61 2 4221 3491 eis@uow.edu.au eis.uow.edu.au GENERAL ENQUIRIES uow.edu.au/future Within Australia: 1300 367 869 International: +61 2 4221 3218 uniadvice@uow.edu.au facebook.com/uowfuture
The University of Wollongong attempts to ensure the information contained in this publication is correct at the time of production (April 2014); however, sections may be amended without notice by the University in response to changing circumstances or for any other reason. Check with the University at the time of application/enrolment for any updated information. UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG CRICOS: 00102E