Mathematics teaches us how to define a problem with precision, how to break it up into a series of clearly defined steps and analyse it logically and how to assess the answer and its implications.

The skills developed when problems are defined and analysed in mathematics are universal and of value to anyone who has to face complex problems and make decisions.
Science and Technology are based on mathematical thinking and use the language of mathematics. The humanities as well as the natural sciences draw on the power of mathematics, particularly probability and statistics, to predict, plan and understand natural and human affairs. As society becomes increasingly dependent on technology, mathematics is becoming more of an essential tool in our lives.

The Level I courses build on high-school mathematics to give a broad introduction to the basic language and techniques of mathematics. Students who wish to major in other areas of Science are encouraged to take at least the Level I Mathematics courses. These are pre-requisites for the Level II Mathematics courses.

At Level II, ZPEM2301 Linear Systems builds on the basic concepts of linear algebra introduced in ZPEM1301 Mathematics 1A and looks at a variety of applications. ZPEM2304 Discrete Dynamics is the study of quantities that change at discrete points in time such as the size or genetic make-up of populations, while ZPEM2303 Modelling Continuous Systems shows how differential equations are used to describe aspects of the natural and artificial world.

The ZPEM2305 Networks and Patterns course provides an introduction to the mathematics of graphs and networks, looking at some of the key problems and applications.
Level III courses go into a variety of applications of mathematics and also delve into mathematical techniques in greater depth. Students wishing to obtain a major in Mathematics must complete at least 24 UOC at Level III.

Minor
A minor sequence in Mathematics and Statistics comprises two Level I courses

plus the following courses to make 12 UOC in Level ll Mathematics courses.

Major

A major sequence in Mathematics comprises of two Level I courses

plus the following courses to make 12 UOC in Level ll Mathematics courses

plus the following Level III courses to make a further 24UOC.

A fourth, Honours, year is offered to students with talent and enthusiasm for mathematics. In an honours year, students use the mathematics they have learnt to pursue a research project, as well as undertaking further coursework.