Pure mathematics

Pure mathematics deals with the abstract, the rigour and the beauty of perfection. Although pure mathematics is motivated by reasons other than applications, it often becomes the basis for applied mathematics to solve the most concrete problems: the theory of prime numbers is fundamental to the security systems in electronic banking; notions of the curvature of space and time are applied in designing global positioning systems; imaginary numbers are used in everything from signal processing to the analysis of fluid flow. The examples are endless.

The School of Mathematical Sciences offers a comprehensive program of mathematics units at all undergraduate levels. It encompasses a wide range of areas of modern mathematics, from very applicable mathematical methods to statistics to pure mathematics. In addition to the major and extended major in Pure mathematics, a broader major and extended major is offered in Mathematics, along with specialised programs in Applied mathematics, Mathematical statistics and Financial and insurance mathematics. There are many cross links between pure and applied mathematics and statistics, and this is reflected in the mix of units students can choose from to complete a major or extended major. Our curriculum is continuously updated to ensure that our students are exposed to the latest developments in mathematics.

By studying pure mathematics at university, students will also develop general skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, modelling, scholarship, analysis and research, which can be used wherever their career may take them. Successful companies and organisations know their competitive edge depends critically on the level of analytical skills of their workforce and therefore seek employees with a sound mathematical training. Pure mathematics graduates work in a wide variety of fields such as teaching; the finance, computing and insurance industries; medical and scientific research; the public service, and journalism.

Availability

Pure mathematics is listed in S2000 Bachelor of Science, S3001 Bachelor of Science Advanced - Global Challenges (Honours) and S3002 Bachelor of Science Advanced - Research (Honours) at Clayton as a major or extended major.

Outcomes

In addition to achieving the broad outcomes of their course, students successfully completing this major or extended major will be able to:

• display basic knowledge and key technical skills in advanced calculus and linear algebra, as well as high-level knowledge of and skills in the important techniques, terminology and processes of the core areas of pure mathematics, in particular advanced analysis, algebra and geometry
• develop, apply, integrate and generate knowledge through abstraction and insight, and use high-level critical thinking skills to analyse, use and interpret the mathematics that arises across a range of areas of pure mathematics
• demonstrate skills in the written presentation of a precise mathematical argument that enable mathematical concepts, processes and results to be communicated effectively to diverse audiences.