MAT MathematicsOn this page: Introduction | Programs | See also: Faculty Members | Course Descriptions | Course Winter Timetable | More on Department IntroductionMathematics teaches you to think, analytically and creatively. It is a foundation for advanced careers in a knowledge-based economy. Students who develop strong backgrounds in mathematics often have distinct advantages in other fields such as physics, computer science, economics, and finance. The past century has been remarkable for discovery in mathematics. From space and number to stability and chaos, mathematical ideas evolve in the domain of pure thought. But the relationship between abstract thought and the real world is itself a source of mathematical inspiration. Problems in computer science, economics and physics have opened new fields of mathematical inquiry. And discoveries at the most abstract level lead to breakthroughs in applied areas, sometimes long afterwards. The University of Toronto has the top mathematics department in Canada, and hosts the nearby Fields Institute (an international centre for research in mathematics. The Department offers students excellent opportunities to study the subject and glimpse current research frontiers. The Department offers three mathematical Specialist programs - Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Mathematics and its Applications - as well as Major and Minor programs and several joint Specialist programs with other disciplines (for example, with Computer Science, Economics, Philosophy, Physics and Statistics. The Specialist program in Mathematics is for students who want a deep knowledge of the subject. This program has been the main training-ground for Canadian mathematicians. A large proportion of our Mathematics Specialist graduates gain admission to the world’s best graduate schools. The Specialist program in Applied Mathematics is for students interested in the fundamental ideas in areas of mathematics that are directed towards applications. The mathematics course requirements in the first two years are the same as in the Mathematics Specialist program; a strong student can take the courses needed to get a degree in both Specialist programs. These programs are challenging, but small classes with excellent professors and highly-motivated students provide a stimulating and friendly learning environment. The Specialist program in Mathematics and its Applications is recommended to students with strong interests in mathematics and with career goals in areas such as teaching, computer science, the physical sciences and finance. The program is flexible; there is a core of courses in mathematics and related disciplines, but you can choose among several areas of concentration. The mathematics courses required for the program are essentially the same as those required for a Major in Mathematics. (They are less intense than the courses required for the Specialist programs above.) If you are interested in mathematics and are contemplating a double Major in Mathematics and in another discipline (let us take Computer Science, as an example), you should consider the advantages of fulfilling the requirements for a Specialist degree in Mathematics and its Applications with a computer science concentration. In this way, you can also get a Major in Computer Science; the difference in course requirements with a double major is that, among the courses you can choose for a Computer Science Major, you will be required to take some of a more mathematical nature. You might even consider choosing your options to fulfil the requirements for a double Specialist degree, in both Mathematics and its Applications and in the other discipline. The Professional Experience Year program (“PEY”: see also Page 21) is available to eligible, full-time Specialist students after their second year of study. The PEY program is an optional 16 month work term providing industrial experience; its length often allows students to have the rewarding experience of initiating and completing a major project. The Department operates a non-credit summer course, PUMP, limited to students admitted to the University. It is designed for students who require additional pre-university mathematics background. Details can be found at www.math.utoronto.ca/pump Associate Chair for Undergraduate Studies: Professor J.W. Lorimer, Sidney Smith Hall, 100 St. George Street, Room 4072 (416-978-5164) Student Counselling: Sidney Smith Hall, Room 4072 Mathematics Aid Centres: Sidney Smith Hall, Room 1071; University College, Room UC48 Departmental Office: Sidney Smith Hall, Room 4072 (416-978-3323) Mathematics ProgramsEnrolment in the Mathematics programs requires completion of four courses; no minimum GPA is required.Applied Mathematics (Science program)Consult Professor J.W. Lorimer, Associate Chair, Department of Mathematics Specialist program: First Year: First or Second Year: Second Year: Third and Fourth Years: Mathematics (Science program)Consult Professor J.W. Lorimer, Associate Chair, Department of Mathematics Specialist program: First Year: Second Year: Third and Fourth Years: Major program: First Year: Second Year: Higher Years: Minor program: Mathematics and Its Applications (Science program)Consult Professor J.W. Lorimer, Associate Chair, Department of Mathematics Specialist program: First Year: Second Year: Second or Third Years: Third Year: Mathematics and Philosophy (Science program)Consult the Undergraduate Coordinators of the Departments of Mathematics and Philosophy. Specialist program: First Year: Higher Years: Mathematics and Physics(Science program)Consult Professor J.W. Lorimer, Associate Chair, Department of Mathematics, and the Associate Chair, Department of Physics. Specialist program: First Year: Second Year: Third Year: Fourth Year: |
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