Mathematics is the study of shape, quantity, pattern and structure. It serves as a tool for our scientific understanding of the world. Knowledge of mathematics opens gateways to many different professions such as economics, finance, computing, engineering, and the natural sciences. Aside from practical considerations, mathematics can be a highly satisfying intellectual pursuit, with career opportunities in teaching and research.
The department counts many of Canada's leading research mathematicians among its faculty. Our mathematics programs are flexible, allowing students to select courses based on specialization and interest. Contents range from calculus and linear algebra in the non-specialist programs to more advanced topics such as real and complex analysis, ordinary and partial differential equations, differential geometry, topology, commutative algebra, graph theory, mathematical logic, number theory, and functional analysis.
In the Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Mathematics and Physics, and Mathematics and Philosophy specialist programs, students acquire an in-depth knowledge and expertise in mathematical reasoning and the language of mathematics, with its emphasis on rigor and precision. These programs are designed for students wishing to pursue graduate studies, most of the graduates of these programs continue on to graduate school with some of them gaining admission to the world's best graduate schools.
The Mathematical Applications in Economics and Finance specialist program is designed to prepare students for direct entry into the world of finance. It can also serve as a gateway to an MBA or a Master of Finance degree, possibly followed by an eventual doctorate.
The Mathematics and its Applications specialist programs offer three areas of concentration: teaching, physical science, and probability/statistics. These specialist programs are designed as 'enhanced double majors.' The required courses for these concentrations are almost identical for the first two years, but they diverge in the upper years. Students in these programs can also continue on to graduate studies.
