Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
+ general training in mathematics and statistics;
+ general training in mathematical and statistical modelling, using both analytical and numerical methods, and developing computing skills;
+ preparation for a career using mathematical and statistical techniques in a wide variety of contexts;
+ preparation for a career in mathematical and/or statistical research, or using mathematical and statistical techniques in scientific research;
+ an understanding of scientific methods and principles as they are used in mathematics and statistics;
+ teaching, training, and opportunities for using computing skills, in modelling and other applications in mathematics and statistics, to a wide range of problems;
+ advanced designated courses providing an intensive quality program in mathematics and statistics.
Mathematics is one of the oldest scientific disciplines, and mathematical models and techniques form a significant component of nearly all branches of modern science. It is currently a vital and growing discipline in its own right, and encompasses the formal study of numerical, algebraic and analytical structures, the development of quantitative methods essential for the practice and development of science, engineering, economics and other fields, and the development and utilisation of mathematical and numerical models in many various contexts. The study of mathematics can lead to careers in theoretical or applied mathematics, or mathematical statistics, and is an important part of the preparation for a wide range of careers for which mathematical and computational skills are needed. These can include materials science, environmental science, engineering, economics, production planning, market research, banking and finance, actuarial work, operations research, weather forecasting, statistical analysis, mathematics teaching and areas of biomedical research.
All mathematics subjects are given through a lecture program together with supporting tutorials and/or practical work.
Assessment is carried out by means of assignments and tests during the semester and examinations at the end of the semester. In higher years, assessment is also carried out by project work and thesis. It is the responsibility of each student to ascertain the assignment, test and examination requirements for any subject in which he or she is enrolled.
The fourth digit (0, 1 or 2) in the code of first, second or third-year mathematics subjects indicates the semester in which those subjects are given, where 0 indicates that streams of those subjects are available in first and second semester.
Departmental members from whom information concerning mathematics subjects can be obtained are as follows:
Pure mathematics: Dr Tom Hall
Mathematical statistics: Dr Ravi Phatarfod
Caulfield/Peninsula: Professor Graeme Ross
Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
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 1997 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 1997 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 1997 second-year mathematical statistics consists of MAT1010 (Mathematics I) and one of MAT1372 (Mathematical statistics), MAT1020 (Mathematics II) 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 achieving at least a credit grade in 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.
Students who complete MAT1060 (Statistical methods) satisfy the prerequisites for second-year subjects in the applied statistics (Arts) strand.
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.
Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Second-year mathematics subjects are each worth four points. Each has two lectures and one practical hour or equivalent per week. There are many possible combinations of subjects but preferred combinations are listed under each specialist area.
Any student enrolled in second-year mathematics subjects with a total value of sixteen points or more must include at least one of MAT2010 and MAT2020. Further, any student enrolled in second-year mathematics subjects with a total value of twenty-four points or more must include both of these second-year core mathematics subjects.
Any student who intends to enrol in third-year mathematics subjects with a total value of twenty-four or more points is strongly advised to take both second-year core mathematics subjects in their second year. Any student who enrols in third-year applied mathematics subjects with a total value of twelve or more points will be required to include any second-year core mathematics subjects not previously passed.
Details concerning prerequisites for third-year subjects are given in the third-year section below, and should be consulted by second-year students intending to proceed to third-year studies in mathematics.
Applied mathematics deals with the analysis and techniques required to solve mathematical problems in areas such as physics, engineering, biology, economics etc. Students taking sixteen points in applied mathematics are recommended to take MAA2011, MAT2010 in first semester and MAA2032 together with either MAA2051 or MAA2042. Students planning to take applied mathematics at third year are advised to take all four second-year applied mathematics subjects together with both MAT2010 and MAT2020. It is recommended that students taking MAA2011 also take MAT2010 in first semester. If this is not possible for timetable or other reasons, students may take MAT2010 in second semester but will be required to do some background reading for MAA2011.
Students intending to enrol in MAA2032 in second semester are strongly advised to complete the short course on computing programming in FORTRAN which is given by the Department of Mathematics in first semester, particularly if they have not previously taken CSC1011, ECS1601 or an equivalent programming subject. Further details of this short course will be given at the start of MAA2011, or will be available from the coordinator at the beginning of first semester.
Pure mathematics concentrates on why mathematical processes are valid and produces a deeper understanding of them. It is valuable for all mathematics students and also for potential teachers. The subject MAP2032 (Discrete mathematics II) is strongly recommended for computer science students. It is recommended that students taking MAP2052 take MAT2020 in first semester.
Mathematical statistics is concerned with designing experiments or sample surveys, and interpreting data from them. It also describes random phenomena, using probability theory. There are many applications, for instance in science, engineering, economics and the social sciences.
The department offers several subjects in the applied statistics (Arts) strand which are available to students who have completed MAT1060 (Statistical methods). These subjects are suitable for students studying in areas such as behavioural science, biological science, biomedical science, environmental science, geography and other areas where statistical analysis is required. Note that enrolment in any one level of applied statistics (Arts) subjects is prohibited if any other mathematics subjects at that level are or have been taken. Subjects to be offered at the Clayton campus in 1996 include applied regression analysis, computer-aided statistical analysis, design and analysis of experiments etc. See the Arts handbook for detailed information concerning applied statistics (Arts) subjects; it gives details of the availability of these subjects across the Clayton, Caulfield and Peninsula campuses.
A preferred topic combination is MAS2011, MAS2032 and MAS2042. Prerequisites for third-year mathematical statistics subjects are all of MAS2011, MAS2032, MAS2042 and MAT2020. MAT2010 and MAS2021 are also recommended.
Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Third-year mathematics subjects are each worth four points. Each has two lectures per week.
Any student who is considering proceeding to fourth-year studies in mathematics should also consult the prerequisites for fourth-year subjects, given in the fourth-year section below.
Applied mathematics in third year consists of a choice of subjects from eleven MAA subjects which are given in applied mathematics alone, four astrophysics subjects which have MAA aliases (MAA3211, MAA3221, MAA3232 and MAA3242) and the two mathematics subjects MAT3011 and MAT3910. There are also two other subjects, MAA3001 and MAA3002, which will generally take the form of a project or special inclusion of material from another department. Special permission from the coordinator or director of applied mathematics is required for either of these to be taken.
Any student who is taking twelve points or more of applied mathematics at third year must include MAT2020 if this has not already been passed.
Students interested in enrolling in honours in applied mathematics should enrol in at least one of MAA2021 and MAA2042 in third year if these have not been passed.
MAT3910 is particularly recommended for students enrolled in the double degree BSc/BE. Normally it may not be taken if MAA3041 is being included.
A student taking twenty-four points or more of applied mathematics at third-year level must include both MAA3011 and at least one of MAA3021 and MAA3072. The core mathematics subject MAT3011 is also recommended, particularly for students who intend to enrol in honours in applied mathematics.
BSc course requirements are that only a minimum of twenty-four points of genuine third-year level subjects to be passed and counted towards a degree. Students who obtained an average of under 60 per cent in their second-year mathematics subjects should consider a mixture of second and third-year subjects. However, note that students hoping to enrol for honours in applied mathematics should normally limit themselves to eight points of second-year subjects (MAA) in their third year (or possibly twelve points with the approval of the coordinator).
There are ten subjects, each of four points: two subjects are project subjects, MAP3001 and MAP3002, which will take the form of a project or special inclusion of material from another department; the eight remaining subjects are lecture courses, four in first semester and four in second semester. It is recommended that students who have not passed MAT2010 enrol in that subject. It is also recommended that any student who intends to enrol in honours in pure mathematics should enrol in the core mathematics subject MAT3011.
There are twelve four-point subjects, six in first semester and six in second semester. In addition to these subjects, it is recommended that students who intend to proceed to an honours degree in mathematical statistics should take MAS2021 and MAT2010, if not passed previously. It is recommended that any group of (MAS) subjects of twelve points or more include MAS3111, MAS3121 and MAS3131.
Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Prerequisites: Average of credit grade in at least twenty-four points of third-year applied mathematics (MAA) subjects, or equivalent.
This course normally consists of eight units in addition to the completion, under supervision, of a major project. Honours units from other sections or departments and up to three third-year applied mathematics units (subjects) or their equivalents may be included. Students who have not completed the subjects MAA3011, MAA3021, MAA3072 and MAT3011 (or their equivalent) should include these. Units listed under the applied mathematics graduate studies program may be included in approved cases. Further details concerning syllabus, textbooks, assessment etc. are available from the coordinator. Changes to this program may occur.
Prerequisites: Average of credit grade in at least twenty-four points of third-year pure mathematics (MAP) subjects, or equivalent.
This course normally consists of eight units in addition to the completion, under supervision, of a major project. The units will normally be chosen from the list, and must include at least five of these units, but other units may be chosen by agreement with the coordinator. Further details concerning syllabus, textbooks and so on are available from the coordinator.
Prerequisites: Average of credit grade in at least twenty-four points of third-year mathematical statistics (MAS) subjects, or equivalent.
This course normally consists of eight units in addition to the completion, under supervision, of a major project. The units are normally chosen from the list, but up to three third-year subjects may be included. Units from pure or applied mathematics may also be taken with the permission of the coordinator. Students are required to expound and defend their thesis in seminars. Details concerning syllabus, textbooks etc. are available from the coordinator. Changes to this program may occur.
Prerequisites: Credit average or better in at least twenty-four points of third-year mathematics subjects, or equivalent.
Prerequisites: MAT2010, MAA2011, MAA2032
An introductory course in meteorology is offered through the Centre for Dynamical Meteorology and Oceanography and the Department of Mathematics. Graduate study leading to an MSc in meteorology by research thesis and coursework is also offered, either on a full-time or part-time basis.
The subjects MAA3111 and MAA3122 are designed for students in the physical sciences who are interested in applying their training in mathematics, physics, chemistry or computer science to atmospheric investigations. The subjects are designed to give a thorough grounding in physical and dynamical aspects of meteorology. The lecture course for MAA3111 is supplemented by a weekend field course held during the first semester. Students interested in proceeding further with meteorology are advised to enrol also in MAA3102 and MAA3011. An honours program is available as part of MAA4000, for students of sufficient calibre who wish to continue in this field.
A major sequence in mathematics in the Bachelor of Computing degree consists of twelve points of mathematics subjects at first-year level, sixteen points at second-year level, and twenty-four points at third-year level. A minor sequence in mathematics consists of twelve points of mathematics subjects at first-year level and sixteen points at second-year level. Mathematics subjects may also be taken as electives. Details of the course structure of the Bachelor of Computing degree may be found in the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology handbook.
Students enrolled in a BSc, or associated joint and designated degrees, may not enrol in MAT2461 if any other mathematics subjects at second-year level are being or have been taken. This restriction does not apply to Bachelor of Computing students.