Majors in mathematical and statistical sciences
Mathematics and Statistics are at the leading edge of knowledge, providing important new insights into nature, technology and business, while drawing on a rich history of ideas as old as civilisation itself. This major will enable you to gain depth of knowledge in a specialised area, as well as equip you with transferable skills related to conceptual understanding, problem solving, and teamwork.
There are four specialisations within the Mathematics and Statistics major. Students must complete the requirements for at least one of these specialisations.
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Applied Mathematics specialisation
In the Applied Mathematics specialisation, students develop the principles and techniques that allow mathematicians to develop models of the world around us. Such models enable mathematicians to predict the changes in environmental, chemical and financial systems that will occur as inputs change.
Hear from a past student about Applied Mathematics:
Subject choices
Note: The information below is for students studying full-time and commencing in the start-of-year intake. Subject sequences may differ for students studying part-time or commencing mid-year. This page only lists the mathematics and statistics and computing subjects required for the Applied Mathematics specialisation, but students must also take additional science and breadth subjects to satisfy the requirements of the Bachelor of Science. Students are encouraged to seek individual course advice if needed.
Level-1 subjects (first year)
Students take one of the standard first-year mathematics pathways.
Level-2 subjects (second year)
Students take the following level-2 Mathematics and Statistics subjects in their second year:
- MAST20009 Vector Calculus or MAST20032 Vector Calculus: Advanced (semester 1)
- MAST20030 Differential Equations (semester 2)
- MAST20026 Real Analysis (semester 1 or 2) or MAST20033 Real Analysis: Advanced (semester 1)
Note: students who completed MAST10009 Accelerated Mathematics 2 do not take MAST20026 Real Analysis or MAST20033 Real Analysis: Advanced.
And optionally one of:
- MAST20004 Probability (semester 1 or 2)
- MAST20006 Probability for Statistics (semester 1)
Computing requirement
In addition, students who do not already have evidence of competence in computer programming must complete one of the following computing subjects:
- COMP10001 Foundations of Computing
This subject is offered in semester 1 and 2 and may be taken in first or second year. This is the recommended option for most students. - COMP20005 Introduction to Numerical Computation in C
This subject can be taken in semester 1 or 2. This subject does not have a level-1 computing prerequisite. It is therefore a suitable option for students wishing to take an introductory computing subject but who do not have space for any additional level-1 subjects in their course. - PHYC20013 Laboratory and Computational Physics 2
First-year physics is required as a prerequisite for PHYC20013. This subject can be taken in semester 1 or 2. This is a suitable option for students who are also taking other level-2 physics subjects.
Evidence of competence in computer programming could include passing a relevant Year 12 subject, or a statement of achievement from a relevant MOOC, or passing a programming competency test administered by another University of Melbourne School. For full details see the handbook entry for MAST30028 Numerical Methods and Scientific Computing.
Level-3 subjects (third year)
Students must complete the following subjects to satisfy the requirements for the Applied Mathematics specialisation.
Both of:- MAST30021 Complex Analysis (semester 1 or 2)
- MAST30028 Numerical Methods and Scientific Computing (semester 2)
plus two of:
- MAST30030 Applied Mathematical Modelling (semester 1)
- MAST30032 Biological Modelling and Simulation (semester 1)
- MAST30031 Methods of Mathematical Physics (semester 2)
- MAST30001 Stochastic Modelling (semester 2)
Note: Students wishing to take MAST30001 must first complete MAST20004 Probability or MAST20006 Probability for Statistics.
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Discrete Mathematics and Operations Research specialisation
The specialisation in Discrete Mathematics and Operations Research gives students a firm foundation in two areas of mathematics and statistics:
- Discrete Mathematics, the study of algorithmic development including the programming of the most efficient mathematical solutions, has arisen from the huge revolution in computing in recent decades.
- Operations Research provides a scientific approach to decision making. It involves formulating mathematical models of these problems, and developing mathematical tools to obtain solutions.
Hear from a past student about Discrete Mathematics and Operations Research:
Subject choices
Note: The information below is for students studying full-time and commencing in the start-of-year intake. Subject sequences may differ for students studying part-time or commencing mid-year. This page only lists the mathematics and statistics subjects required for the Discrete Mathematics and Operations Research specialisation, but students must also take additional science and breadth subjects to satisfy the requirements of the Bachelor of Science. Students are encouraged to seek individual course advice if needed.
Level-1 subjects (first year)
Students take one of the standard first-year mathematics pathways.
Students are also recommended to take a computing subject such as COMP10001 Foundations of Computing.
Level-2 subjects (second year)
Students take the following level-2 Mathematics and Statistics subjects in their second year:
- MAST20004 Probability (semester 1 or 2) or MAST20006 Probability for Statistics (semester 1)
- MAST20018 Discrete Mathematics and Operations Research (semester 2)
- MAST20026 Real Analysis (semester 1 or 2) or MAST20033 Real Analysis: Advanced (semester 1)
Note: Students who completed MAST10009 Accelerated Mathematics 2 do not take MAST20026 Real Analysis or MAST20033 Real Analysis: Advanced.
And optionally:
- MAST20005 Statistics (semester 2 or summer)
Level-3 subjects (third year)
Students must complete the following subjects to satisfy the requirements for the Discrete Mathematics and Operations Research specialisation.
All of:- MAST30021 Complex Analysis (semester 1 or 2)
- MAST30013 Techniques in Operations Research (semester 1)
- MAST30012 Discrete Mathematics (semester 2)
plus one of:
- MAST30001 Stochastic Modelling (semester 2)
- MAST30011 Graph Theory (semester 1)
- MAST30025 Linear Statistical Models (semester 1)
Note: Students wishing to take MAST30025 must first complete MAST20005 Statistics. - MAST30022 Decision Making (semester 2)
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Pure Mathematics specialisation
Mathematics is both an art and a science, and pure mathematics is its foundation. A specialisation in pure mathematics gives students the opportunity to study the basic concepts that underly all mathematical applications.
Subject choices
Note: The information below is for students studying full-time and commencing in the start-of-year intake. Subject sequences may differ for students studying part-time or commencing mid-year. This page only lists the mathematics and statistics subjects required for the Pure Mathematics specialisation, but students must also take additional science and breadth subjects to satisfy the requirements of the Bachelor of Science. Students are encouraged to seek individual course advice if needed.
Level-1 subjects (first year)
Students take one of the standard first-year mathematics pathways.
Students are also recommended to take a computing subject such as COMP10001 Foundations of Computing.
Level-2 subjects (second year)
Students take the following level-2 Mathematics and Statistics subjects in their second year:
- MAST20026 Real Analysis or MAST20033 Real Analysis: Advanced (semester 1)
Note: Students who completed MAST10009 Accelerated Mathematics 2 do not take MAST20026 Real Analysis or MAST20033 Real Analysis: Advanced. - MAST20009 Vector Calculus (semester 1 or 2) or MAST20032 Vector Calculus: Advanced (semester 1)
- MAST20022 Group Theory and Linear Algebra (semester 2)
Level-3 subjects (third year)
Students must complete the following subjects to satisfy the requirements for the Pure Mathematics specialisation.
All of:- MAST30021 Complex Analysis (semester 1 or 2)
- MAST30005 Algebra (semester 1)
- MAST30026 Metric and Hilbert Spaces (semester 2)
plus one of:
- MAST30011 Graph Theory (semester 1)
- MAST30012 Discrete Mathematics (semester 2)
- MAST30024 Geometry (semester 2)
- MAST20026 Real Analysis or MAST20033 Real Analysis: Advanced (semester 1)
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Statistics and Stochastic Processes specialisation
The Statistics and Stochastic Processes specialisation gives students a firm foundation in two areas:
- Applied statistics develops, tests and deploys tools that measure, control and reduce the uncertainty in the environment, marketplace or in biological entities.
- Stochastic processes provides models for random processes in the environment such as financial markets, living organisms, populations, genetics, epidemics, queues and earthquakes.
Subject choices
Note: The information below is for students studying full-time and commencing in the start-of-year intake. Subject sequences may differ for students studying part-time or commencing mid-year. This page only lists the mathematics and statistics subjects required for the Statistics and Stochastic Processes specialisation, but students must also take additional science and breadth subjects to satisfy the requirements of the Bachelor of Science. Students are encouraged to seek individual course advice if needed.
Level-1 subjects (first year)
Students take one of the standard first-year mathematics pathways.
Students are also recommended to take a computing subject such as COMP10001 Foundations of Computing.
Level-2 subjects (second year)
Students take the following level-2 Mathematics and Statistics subjects in their second year:
- MAST20004 Probability (semester 1 or 2) or MAST20006 Probability for Statistics (semester 1)
- MAST20005 Statistics (semester 2 or summer)
- MAST20026 Real Analysis (semester 1 or 2) or MAST20033 Real Analysis: Advanced (semester 1)
Note: Students who completed MAST10009 Accelerated Mathematics 2 do not take MAST20026 Real Analysis or MAST20033 Real Analysis: Advanced.
Level-3 subjects (third year)
Students must complete the following subjects to satisfy the requirements for the Statistics and Stochastic Processes specialisation.
Both of:- MAST30025 Linear Statistical Models (semester 1)
- MAST30001 Stochastic Modelling (semester 2)
plus at least one of:
- MAST30020 Probability for Inference (semester 1)
Note: If MAST20006 Probability for Statistics was chosen in second year, a grade of at least H2B is required in MAST20006 for entry to MAST30020. - MAST30027 Modern Applied Statistics (semester 2)
plus (if only one of the subjects MAST30020 Probability for Inference and MAST30027 Modern Applied Statistics was chosen)
- Any other level-3 MAST subject offered by the School of Mathematics and Statistics
The major in Data Science has an emphasis on statistics and computer science. It provides a strong foundation in the statistical aspects of data analysis (data collection, data mining, modelling and inference), as well as the principles of computer science (algorithms, data structures, data management and machine learning). The major is designed to give students an intellectual understanding of how to integrate and apply statistical and computing principles to solve large scale, real-world data science problems. It is suitable for students interested in a career in government or industry or who wish to pursue specialised graduate study.
This major is offered jointly by the School of Mathematics and Statistics and the School of Computing and Information Systems.
Subject choices
Note: The information below is for students studying full-time and commencing in the start-of-year intake. Subject sequences may differ for students studying part-time or commencing mid-year. This page only lists the mathematics and statistics and computing subjects required for the Data Science major, but students must also take additional science and breadth subjects to satisfy the requirements of the Bachelor of Science. Students are encouraged to seek individual course advice if needed.
Level-1 subjects (first year)
Students complete one of the standard first-year mathematics pathways.
Students also complete first-year computing subjects:
- COMP10001 Foundations of Computing (semester 1)
- COMP10002 Foundations of Algorithms (semester 2)
Level-2 subjects (second year)
Students take the following subjects in their second year:
- MAST20004 Probability (semester 1 or 2) or MAST20006 Probability for Statistics (semester 1)
- MAST20005 Statistics (semester 2 or summer)
- COMP20008 Elements of Data Processing (semester 1 or 2)
Level-3 subjects (third year)
Students must complete the following subjects to satisfy the requirements for the Data Science major:
- MAST30025 Linear Statistical Models (semester 1)
- COMP30027 Machine Learning (semester 1)
- MAST30027 Modern Applied Statistics (semester 2)
- MAST30034 Applied Data Science (semester 2)
Inspired by physics with mathematical methods and rigour, this major will integrate knowledge principally from physics and mathematics to equip you with the necessary tools to think critically about the world and how it works.
You will gain a deep understanding of the physical world and develop skills in analysis, problem solving and critical thinking that will enable you to adapt to a wide range of tasks in research, teaching and management.
This major is offered jointly by the School of Mathematics & Statistics and the School of Physics.
Hear from a past student about Mathematical Physics:
Subject choices
Note: The information below is for students studying full-time and commencing in the start-of-year intake. Subject sequences may differ for students studying part-time or commencing mid-year. This page only lists the mathematics and statistics and physics subjects required for the Mathematical Physics major but students must also take additional science and breadth subjects to satisfy the requirements of the Bachelor of Science. Students are encouraged to seek individual course advice if needed.
Level-1 subjects (first year)
Students take one of the standard first-year mathematics pathways.
Students also complete first-year physics:
One of
- PHYC10001 Physics 1: Advanced (semester 1)
- PHYC10003 Physics 1 (semester 1)
- PHYC10009 Foundations of Physics (semester 1) (a grade of at least 75 is required in PHYC10009)
and one of
- PHYC10002 Physics 2: Advanced (semester 2)
- PHYC10004 Physics 2: Physical Science & Technology (semester 2)
- PHYC10006 Physics 2: Life Sciences & Environment (semester 2)
See here for advice about which physics subjects to choose.
Level-2 subjects (second year)
Students take the following level-2 subjects in their second year:
| Semester 1 |
MAST20009 Vector Calculus or MAST20032 Vector Calculus: Advanced |
MAST20026 Real Analysis or MAST20033 Real Analysis: Advanced Note: Students who completed MAST10009 Accelerated Mathematics 2 do not take MAST20026 Real Analysis or MAST20033 Real Analysis: Advanced. | PHYC20012 Quantum and Thermal Physics |
| Semester 2 |
MAST20022 Group Theory and Linear Algebra or MAST20030 Differential Equations | PHYC20015 Special Relativity and Electromagnetism | PHYC20013 Laboratory and Computational Physics 2 |
Level-3 subjects (third year)
Students must complete the following subjects to satisfy the requirements for the Mathematical Physics major.
Both of
- MAST30021 Complex Analysis (semester 1 or 2)
- PHYC30018 Quantum Physics (semester 1)
plus one of
- MAST30026 Metric and Hilbert Spaces (semester 2)
Note: Students wishing to take MAST30026 Metric and Hilbert Spaces must choose MAST20022 Group Theory and Linear Algebra in their second-year.
- MAST30031 Methods of Mathematical Physics (semester 2)
Note: Students wishing to take MAST30031 Methods of Mathematical Physics must choose MAST20030 Differential Equations in their second-year.
plus one of
- PHYC30016 Electrodynamics (semester 1)
- PHYC30017 Statistical Physics (semester 2)