Course

Bachelor of Science (Mathematical Science)

Approved Abbreviation: BSc(MathSc)

Western Sydney University Course Code: 3520.1

CRICOS Code: 041154J

From 2008, prospective students should refer to the course entry for 3520 version 2.

3520.2 Bachelor of Science (Mathematical Science)

The Bachelor of Science (Mathematical Science) prepares students for a professional career in mathematics, statistics and/or operations research. Students will develop fundamental skills in problem solving and critical analysis, which will allow them to model and then solve real-world problems using mathematical techniques. The degree program consists of core units in computing, statistics and operations research as well as the more traditional calculus/algebra based units. Students may then specialise in one or more areas by completing majors and/or sub-majors that meet their needs and mathematical interests. The flexible structure of the Bachelor of Science course enables the student to obtain a broad-based degree while keeping various options for specialisation open. Thus, majors and/or sub-majors may be completed in science and non-science areas, while undertaking the key program area in mathematical sciences.

Study Mode
Three years full-time. Please note that students may be required to travel between the Campbelltown and Parramatta campuses as not all units will be offered on the Parramatta and Campbelltown campuses in all semesters.

Advanced standing

A completed Technical And Further Education (TAFE) approved associate diploma or diploma in an appropriate area of science will enable a student to apply for up to one year of advanced standing.

Admission

There is no specific prerequisite for entry into the course. Preferably, students should have successfully completed the HSC in at least two of the following units: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics. To undertake the key program area in Mathematical Science, students should have successfully completed HSC Mathematics Extension 1 or equivalent.

Course Structure

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 240 credit points which include the units listed in the recommended sequence below. At least 60 credit points must be at Level 3 and no more than 180 credit points at Level 1 and Level2. The program of study must include, at Level 1, a unit from four out of the following discipline areas: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geology, Mathematics and Physics.

Recommended Full-time Sequence

Year 1

200189

Concepts of Mathematics

300155

Programming Principles 1

200042

Introduction to Operations Research

200192

Statistics for Science

And two additional Level 1 core or alternate units [as listed in 3516 - Bachelor of Science (General Science)]

And two electives

Year 2

200028

Advanced Calculus

200027

Linear Algebra

200034

Statistical Theory

Choose two of: *

200033

Applied Statistics

200035

Decision Analysis and Statistical Process Control

200030

Differential Equations

200029

Numerical Analysis

And two additional core or alternate units [as listed in 3516- Bachelor of Science (General Science)]

And two electives

Year 3

200045

Quantitative Project

Choose three of: *

200193

Abstract Algebra

200023

Analysis

200036

Data Mining and Visualisation

200171

Financial Modelling Methods

200024

Mathematical Finance

200022

Mathematical Modelling

200197

Optimisation 1

200198

Optimisation 2

200040

Probability & Stochastic Processes

200037

Regression Analysis & Experimental Design

200044

Simulation Techniques

200043

Stochastic Decision Theory

200039

Surveys and Multivariate Analysis

200038

Time Series and Forecasting

And four electives

* Students wanting to complete a major in a particular mathematical area should select units in Years 2 and 3 according to the list below.

Majors

A major comprises a suite of 8 related units with a MAXIMUM of 3 at Level 1 and a MINIMUM of 3 at Level 3. Sub-majors (comprising 6 related units) are also available.

RU3034

Mathematics

RU3036

Statistics

RU3038

Mathematics and Statistics

RU3040

Mathematics and Operations Research

RU3042

Statistics and Operations Research

Sub-majors

Sub-majors may be completed in science and non-science areas, while undertaking the key program area in mathematical sciences.