The Department of Mathematics offers teaching subjects that cater for a wide range of abilities and backgrounds, and satisfy the needs of various student groups by providing:
Subjects are offered in core mathematics and in the specialist areas of applied mathematics, pure mathematics, and mathematical statistics, as well as in mathematical methods (designed in part as service studies for subjects offered by other departments). Subjects designed specifically for the faculties of Engineering, Arts, and Computing and Information Technology are listed in the handbooks for those faculties.
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 and sometimes in summer semester.
Information concerning mathematics subjects can be obtained from departmental members as follows:
Head
Professor Roger Grimshaw
Director of first-year studies
Dr Pam Norton
Director of undergraduate studies
Associate Professor Colin McIntosh
Directors of section
Applied mathematics: Professor Joe Monaghan
Pure mathematics: Professor Klaus Ecker
Mathematical statistics: Dr Ravi Phatarfod
Caulfield: Professor Graeme Ross
Important notices will be posted on the department notice boards. Students should consult them regularly. Their locations in the mathematics building at Clayton are as follows: first year - first floor lift lobby; second year - ground floor lift lobby; third year - ground floor lift lobby; fourth year - first floor east wing; astrophysics - third floor lift lobby. Noticeboards at Caulfield are located in F block opposite rooms F2.11 and F6.28.
Eight first-year BSc subjects are available, although students are permitted to enrol in a maximum of five. 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 take additionally 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 1998 second-year applied mathematics and the core subjects MAT2030 (Calculus of several variables) and MAT2040 (Differential equations) consists of the sequence MAT1010 (Mathematics I) and MAT1020 (Mathematics II) for students with the background knowledge of VCE Specialist Mathematics, or of the sequence MAT1050 (Mathematical methods I) and MAT1080 (Mathematical methods II) otherwise.
The normal prerequisite for 1998 second-year pure mathematics and the core subject MAT2051 (Introductory analysis) consists of a first-year mathematics sequence including at least one of MAT1010 (Mathematics I) or MAT1050 (Mathematical methods I). 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 1998 second-year mathematical statistics and the core subject MAT2061 (Methods of statistics) consists of MAT1010 (Mathematics I) or MAT1050 and one of MAT1372 (Mathematical statistics), MAT1020 (Mathematics II), MAT1080 (Mathematical methods II) or MAT1060 (Statistical 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 should obtain a copy of the department's booklet General information for first-year students made available during orientation week.
The first-year subjects MAT1910 (Engineering mathematics I) and MAT1920 (Engineering mathematics II), are available only to students of the Faculty of Engineering, but are equivalent to MAT1010 (Mathematics I) and MAT1020 (Mathematics II). Descriptions are found in the handbook for the Faculty of Engineering. BSc/BE candidates also take these subjects and the following year can take appropriate second-year mathematics subjects.
Subjects offered
The Department of Mathematics offers five core mathematics subjects MAT2020, MAT2030, MAT2040, MAT2051 AND MAT2061 at the second-year level, together with specialist subjects in applied mathematics, pure mathematics and mathematical statistics. First-year students intending to take second-year mathematics in subsequent years should consult first-year prerequisites for second-year subjects, as indicated in individual subject entries.
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 should include at least two of these core subjects. Further, any student enrolled in second-year mathematics subjects with a total value of twenty-four points or more should include at least three of these core 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 at least two 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 MAT2020 if he or she has not previously passed it.
The attention of students is drawn to the subject MAT2511 (Linear programming) which is taught on the Caulfield campus.
See individual subject entries for details of prerequisites. The first-year Faculty of Engineering subjects MAT1910 and MAT1920 are acceptable alternatives to MAT1010 and MAT1020 and the first-year Faculty of Computing and Information Technology subjects MAT1811 and MAT1812 are acceptable alternatives to MAT1050 and MAT1080.
Details concerning prerequisites for third-year subjects are given in the third-year subject entries, and should be consulted by second-year students intending to proceed to third-year studies in mathematics.
Coordinator: Dr Michael Page
Subjects offered
Coordinator: Dr Leo Brewin
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 of second-year mathematics and who wish to major in applied mathematics are recommended to take MAT2030, MAT2040 in first semester and MAA2032 together with either MAA2051 or MAA2042.
It is recommended that students studying either applied mathematics or physics in first semester take both MAT2030 and MAT2040, but if this is not possible for timetable or other reasons, students may take one of these subjects in second semester but may be required to do some background reading for their other subjects.
Students intending to take applied mathematics at third year are advised to take all three second-year applied mathematics subjects together with MAT2020, MAT2030 and MAT2040. Students planning to study either atmospheric science or astrophysics subjects at third year are advised to consult those sections of this handbook to ensure that they will be taking the appropriate applied mathematics prerequisites.
Students intending to enrol in MAA2032 in second semester are strongly advised to complete the short program 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 program will be given at the start of MAT2030 and MAT2040, or will be available from the coordinator at the beginning of first semester.
Subjects offered
Coordinator: Associate Professor John Stillwell
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.
Subjects offered
Coordinator: Dr Appaswamy Padmanabhan
Mathematical statistics is concerned with collecting, organising and interpreting data. It also describes random phenomena, using probability theory. There are many applications, for instance in science, engineering, economics and the social sciences.
A preferred topic combination is MAT2061, MAS2032 and MAS2042. Prerequisites for third-year mathematical statistics subjects are MAT2061, MAS2032 and MAT2020. MAT2030 and MAS2021 are also recommended. For students who may not wish to pursue statistics beyond the second-year level, the combination MAT2061 and MAS2042 is advised.
The department also 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. See the Arts handbook for detailed information concerning applied statistics (Arts) subjects.
Subjects offered
The Department of Mathematics offers three core mathematics subjects, MAT3011, MAT3022 and MAT3031 at the third-year level, together with specialist subjects in applied mathematics, pure mathematics and mathematical statistics. These core subjects are strongly recommended to any student who intends to proceed to honours level in applied or pure mathematics.
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.
Coordinator: Dr Michael Page
Subjects offered
Coordinator: Dr Steve Siems
Applied mathematics in third year consists of a choice of subjects from eight MAA subjects which are given in applied mathematics alone, four astrophysics subjects which have MAA aliases (MAA3211, MAA3221, MAA3232 and MAA3242), one atmospheric science subject (ATM3121) and the four mathematics subjects MAT3011, MAT3021, MAT3032 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 MAA2042 and MAA2051 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 MAA3042 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 MAT3022 and MAT3031. The other third-year core mathematics subject MAT3011 is also recommended, particularly for students who intend to enrol in honours in applied mathematics. Students taking over twenty-four points of mathematics should also consider taking MAT2051 or MAT2061, if these have not already been passed.
The BSc course requires 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, it should be noted that students hoping to enrol for honours in applied mathematics should normally enrol in at least sixteen points of third year MAA and MAT subjects.
For all subjects which list both MAT2010 and MAA2011 as prerequisites, the subjects MAT2030 and MAT2040 are suitable replacements.
Students are advised that more detailed descriptions of subjects will also be distributed in late 1996 and copies of these can be obtained from the coordinator.
Subjects offered
Coordinator: Professor Klaus Ecker
There are nine pure mathematics third-year subjects, each of four points. There are also two other subjects, MAP3001 and MAP3002, which will take the form of a project or special inclusion of material from another department. It is recommended that students who have not passed MAT2020 enrol in that subject. Also it is recommended that students who have not passsed MAT2010 should enrol in MAT2030. It is also recommended that any student who intends to enrol in honours in pure mathematics should enrol in the core mathematics subject MAT3011.
Subjects offered
Coordinator: Dr Sonny Loo
There are nine four-point subjects, six in first semester and three 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 should include MAS3111, MAS3121 and MAS3131.
Subjects offered
There are four fourth-year subjects offered by the Department of Mathematics, namely MAA4000 (Applied mathematics), MAP4000 (Pure mathematics), MAS4000 (Mathematical statistics) and MAT4000 (Mathematics).
Coordinator: Dr Andrew Prentice
Prerequisites: Average of credit grade in at least twenty-four points of third-year applied mathematics (MAA) subjects, or equivalent.
This program normally consists of a number of lecture 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 subjects or their equivalents may be included. Students who have not completed the subjects MAA3011, MAT3011, MAT3021 and MAT3032 (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.
Subjects offered
Coordinator: Professor Klaus Ecker
Prerequisites: Average of credit grade in at least twenty-four points of third-year pure mathematics (MAP) subjects, or equivalent.
This program normally consists of a number of units in addition to the completion, under supervision, of a major project. The units will normally be chosen from the list under MAP4000, but other units may be chosen by agreement with the coordinator. Further details concerning syllabus, textbooks and so on are available from the coordinator.
Subjects offered
Coordinator: Dr Rob Hyndman
Prerequisites: Average of credit grade in at least twenty-four points of third-year mathematical statistics (MAS) subjects, or equivalent.
This program normally consists of a number of units in addition to the completion, under supervision, of a major project. The units are normally chosen from the list under MAS4000, but up to three third-year subjects may be included. Students who have not completed MAS3111, MAS3121 and MAS3131 (or their equivalent) should include these. Units from pure or applied mathematics or units offered by the Key Centre for Statistical Science, 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.
Subjects offered
Coordinator: Professor Klaus Ecker
Prerequisites: Credit average or better in at least twenty-four points of third-year mathematics subjects, or equivalent.
Subjects offered
Coordinator: Dr Peter Grossman
The subjects listed below are intended principally for students in the Bachelor of Computing degree with a major in computer technology, information systems or software development at Caulfield. In addition, mathematics subjects available to BSc students may be taken by Bachelor of Computing students. In particular, MAT1050 is offered at Caulfield.
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.
Subjects offered
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