Seven first-year BSc subjects are available, although any one student can enrol in at most five of these. Four of the subjects are general, principally service subjects for disciplines such as biology, chemistry, computer science, earth sciences, physics and psychology, as well as mathematics. The special subject MAT1130 (Graphs, logic and numbers) also has a service role, being recommended for students of computer science.
There are several possible routes to taking second-year mathematics. Whatever route is chosen, students intending to take third-year mathematics are advised to additionally take at least two of the first-year special subjects MAT1130 (Graphs, logic and numbers), MAT1240 (Mathematics of chaos and fractals) and MAT1372 (Mathematical statistics).
The normal prerequisite for 1996 second-year applied mathematics and the core subject MAT2010 (Functions of several variables) consists of the sequence MAT1010 (Mathematics I) and MAT1020 (Mathematics II). Those without the background knowledge of VCE Specialist Mathematics can instead enter MAT1020 after achieving at least a credit grade in MAT1050 (Mathematical methods) in first semester.
The normal prerequisite for 1996 second-year pure mathematics consists of a first-year mathematics sequence including at least one of MAT1010 (Mathematics I) or MAT1020 (Mathematics II). Those without the background knowledge of VCE Specialist Mathematics can replace MAT1010 by achieving at least a credit grade in MAT1050 (Mathematical methods). (Note that for the second-year subject MAP2032 (Discrete mathematics) any first-year mathematics sequence including MAT1130 (Graphs, logic and numbers) is an alternative prerequisite.)
The normal prerequisites for 1996 second-year mathematical statistics consists of MAT1010 (Mathematics I) and one of MAT1372 (Mathematical statistics) or MAT1060 (Statistical methods). (Note that the subject MAT1372 [Mathematical statistics] is required for the second-year subject MAS2021 [Probability theory].) Those without the background knowledge of VCE Specialist Mathematics can replace MAT1010 by the subject MAT1050 (Mathematical methods).
For the second-year core subject MAT2020 (Linear mathematics) any one of the first-year mathematics subjects is sufficient as a prerequisite. A common sequence for students not going on to second-year mathematics is MAT1050 (Mathematical methods) and MAT1060 (Statistical methods), one in each semester.
Note that there are also intensive third (summer) semester versions of MAT1010, MAT1050 and MAT1020.
All first-year students must obtain a copy of the department's booklet General information for first year students made available during orientation week.
For the first-year subjects MAT1910 (Engineering mathematics I) and MAT1920 (Engineering mathematics II), available only to students of the Faculty of Engineering, see the entries in the handbook for the Faculty of Engineering. BSc/BE candidates take these subjects and the following year can take second-year mathematics.