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Search : Index : Faculty of Science
Faculty of Science
1. Subject choices
1.1. 100-level subjects
1.2. Choice by background
1.3. Standard and advanced subjects
1.4. VCE extensions studies students (UMEP)
1.5. Credit exclusions for 100-level subjects
1.6. 200-level subjects
1.7. 300-level subjects
1.8. Double major in mathematics and statistics and computer science
2. Subjects to complement major studies in other disciplines
2.1. Enabling mathematics education
2.2. Enhancing biological, environmental and social sciences studies
2.3. Enhancing commerce applications
2.4. Enhancing computer science applications
3. Bachelor of Science (Degree with Honours)
4. Further information
Subject Lists
Subject descriptions
100-level subjects
200-level subjects
300-level subjects
Mathematics and statistics subjects available to Bachelor of Optometry students only
Mathematics and statistics subjects available to engineering students only
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers a variety of subjects at first, second and third-year levels that are designed to prepare students for professional careers in mathematics and statistics, the pure and applied sciences, commerce, education, engineering, industry and technology, and the social sciences. Our subjects provide training in generic skills such as logical reasoning, problem-solving, oral and written communication and working together as a team. These skills are invaluable for professional life in any discipline.
The department is responsible for the major in mathematics and statistics, which includes the specialisations of applied mathematics, pure mathematics, statistics, operations research, financial mathematics, discrete mathematics and mathematical physics. Students wishing to choose one or more such specialisations can find the appropriate subject choices in the Faculty of Science entry, MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS. Statistics is required in the environmental science major. Subjects in mathematics or statistics are also valuable for students pursuing many other majors and courses.
Coordinator: K Baker (Director of Mathematics and Statistics Learning Centre)
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers a number of subjects at 100-level. The department has a Mathematics and Statistics Learning Centre through which the teaching and administration of first-year subjects is coordinated. This centre is located on the ground floor of the Richard Berry Building. Within the centre are the office of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics Director of First Year Studies, offices of tutors in mathematics and statistics, tutorial rooms, and a student workroom.
The two most important factors in determining subject choice at 100-level are the subjects taken and performance in secondary school mathematics and the likely choice of career or major.
An assumed VCE background for most but not all 100-level subjects is VCE Mathematical Methods 3/4. Mathematics and statistics 100-level subjects provides a list of 100-level subjects with their normal entry requirements.
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Where subject offerings are marked as Semester 1, repeat 2 this means that the subject is offered in both semesters, and a student may take the subject in either semester. However, for a natural progression into 200-level mathematics and statistics subjects, students are advised to take 620-121 or 620-141 in Semester 1, followed by 620-122 or 620-142 and/or 620-123 or 620-143 in Semester 2.
Students without VCE Specialist Mathematics 3/4 (or equivalent) are normally advised to select mathematics 620-161 and/or statistics 620-160. Students who wish to take more mathematics subjects after completing 620-161 are advised to take 620-140 in Semester 2 instead of 620-141. This enables entry into 620-142 and/or 620-143 in later years.
Students who wish to progress to 200-level mathematics, and who have a high level of achievement in VCE Mathematical Methods 3/4, should discuss the possibility of taking 620-141 in Semester 1 (and 620-142 and 620-143 in Semester 2) with the department's Director of First Year Studies.
Students with VCE Specialist Mathematics 3/4 should enrol in 620-121 or 620-141 in their first semester: they are not normally permitted to enrol in 620-161. Each of the subjects 620-121 and 620-141 has a linear algebra and analysis sequel in Semester 2 (620-122, 620-142) and an applied calculus sequel in Semester 2 (620-123, 620-143).
To open options for the study of probability and statistics in later years, students should select in their first year one of 620-131 (available in Semester 1 only) or 620-160 (available in both semesters). Since 620-131 contains a scientific programming component, it is particularly suitable for students who require hands-on programming experience but are not taking either of the computer science subjects 433-151 or 433-171. Taking 620-131 enables students to take 620-381 Computational Mathematics in a later year, which is a recommended subject for students interested in applied mathematics or financial mathematics.
620-121 Mathematics A (Advanced) requires a very high level of achievement in VCE Specialist Mathematics 3/4 - at least a study score of 37 in Specialist Mathematics 3/4. Students eligible for the advanced subjects 620-121, 620-122 and 620-123 are strongly advised to take these subjects since they deal with the subject material in a deeper and more intellectually challenging way. The advanced subjects have considerable assessment in common with the standard subjects 620-141, 620-142 and 620-143, so that students are not disadvantaged regarding marks by choosing the advanced subjects.
One advanced mathematics plus subject 620-113 is also available. Selected students will be invited to enrol in this subject by the Head of Department.
Students who have studied university-level mathematics at school via the University of Melbourne Extension Program (620-120 UMEP Maths for High Achieving Students) or equivalent, may be permitted direct entry into the 200-level subjects 620-201 Probability, 620-211 Mathematics 2 (Advanced) and 620-231 Vector Analysis. The recommended (minimum) mathematics and statistics enrolment for students who obtained a grade of H3 or better in UMEP mathematics is 620-211 in Semester 1, and 620-123 in Semester 2. All UMEP students should discuss their subject selection with the department's UMEP coordinator.
Credit exclusions for 620 (mathematics and statistics) subjects are as follows. Students cannot gain credit for:
more than one of 620-121, 620-140, 620-141;
more than one of 620-122, 620-142, [05]620-192, [05]620-194, 620-211;
more than one of 620-113, 620-123, 620-143, [05]620-193;
more than one of 620-152, 620-160;
more than one of 620-151, 620-161, [02]620-163.
Students enrolled in mathematics and statistics subjects prior to 2002 should discuss their course plans with a Department of Mathematics and Statistics course adviser.
At 200-level, the Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers subjects in several areas of pure and applied mathematics and several areas of probability and statistics. Students may focus on a single area (pure mathematics, applied mathematics, operations research, probability, applied statistics), or pursue interests in several areas. This may be in the form of recommended combinations of subjects at the 200-level and 300-level for one of the mathematics and statistics specialisations (see Mathematics and statistics), or subject choices to support studies in other majors or courses. Students may take any combination of subjects if the prerequisites and conditions prescribed are satisfied.
The 200-level subjects offered by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics are listed below in Mathematics and statistics 200-level subjects. For detailed information on prerequisites and credit exclusions, see the individual subject entries.
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For 200-level studies in pure or applied mathematics to ensure a reasonable choice of options, one of the following combinations is recommended for first year:
620-121, 620-122, 620-123; or
620-141, 620-142, 620-143.
If one of 620-142 or 620-143 (or their advanced versions) is not taken in first year, then unless that subject is taken in the Semester 1 of second year, enrolment in 620-232 is not possible in second year. High-achieving students from 620-142 may be allowed entry into the subjects 620-221 or 620-222. The subject 620-143 Applied Mathematics will be available in the Summer Semester.
Probability and statistics: 620-201, 620-202, 620-205 and 620-270. The subject 620-270 is an applied statistics subject which can be taken by students majoring in other disciplines and is required for students in environmental sciences: the emphasis is on applications and methods. The subjects 620-201 (or 620-205) and 620-202 constitute the basic second-year course for students intending 300-level studies in probability and statistics. These subjects are a core part of the statistics specialisation. Students in engineering degrees, especially those combined with science or commerce, may be better advised to select 620-201 and 620-202, which earn science points and are core subjects in the actuarial studies program, instead of the subjects 620-370 Statistics for Mechanical Engineers or 431-325 Stochastic Signals and Systems.
Analysis and algebra: 620-221, 620-222 and 620-252. These subjects are a core part of the pure mathematics specialisation.
Methods and applications: 620-231 and 620-232. These subjects are a core part of the applied mathematics and mathematical physics specialisations. 620-233 and 620-234 are advanced versions of 620-231 and 620-232 respectively.
Operations research: 620-261 and 620-262. These subjects are a core part of the operations research specialisation.
The 300-level subjects offered by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics are listed below in Mathematics and statistics 300-level subjects.
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Students may take any combination of subjects provided prerequisites and conditions are satisfied. Suggested combinations are given under each specialisation for the mathematics and statistics major. The subjects shown in Mathematics and statistics 300-level subjects may be classified as follows.
Analysis, algebra and topology: 620-311, 620-312, 620-321 and 620-322. These subjects give the necessary background for students who wish to study fourth-year subjects in pure mathematics as part of an honours degree.
Applied statistics: 620-371, 620-372 and 620-374. These subjects teach useful strategies in the analysis and interpretation of data, modelling, and the design of experiments. They give the necessary background for students who wish to study fourth-year subjects in applied statistics as part of an honours degree.
Methods and applications: 620-331, 620-332, 620-342 and 620-381. These subjects are particularly suited to students of engineering, physics and other areas of physical science and technology. They give the necessary background for students who wish to study fourth-year subjects in the applications of mathematics in science and technology as part of an honours degree.
Operations research: 620-361 and 620-362. These subjects offer an introduction to the application of mathematics to problems arising in industry and commerce. They give the necessary background for students who wish to study fourth-year subjects in operations research as part of an honours degree.
Probability and stochastic processes: 620-301 and 620-302. These subjects deal with the modern theory of probability and its applications in science, engineering and economics. They give the necessary background for students who wish to study fourth-year subjects in probability and stochastic processes as part of an honours degree.
Discrete mathematics: 620-352 and 620-353. Discrete mathematics units are standard for students with interests in computing and software engineering. They are also electives for the pure and applied mathematics specialisations.
Additional subject: 620-351 Number Theory is supplementary to the subjects above and is designed to broaden the scope of studies in mathematics and statistics.
Generic skills: The subjects 620-361, 620-362 and 620-371 are designed to emphasise the development of generic skills. These subjects will involve group projects, where teams will work on unfamiliar problems, plan their project and deliver oral and written presentations.
Projects: Students with excellent results, or with interests not served by the standard subject selections, may consider taking one or both of the research project subjects 600-311 and 600-312. Enrolment in these subjects, the content of which varies from year to year, requires the permission of the Head of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. These units are not a substitute for the standard offerings.
Students proposing to take an honours degree should take careful note of the requirements for entry into the various honours schools as set out in this Handbook (see Bachelor of Science (Degree with Honours) and Bachelor of Information Systems (Degree with Honours)). In particular, students wishing to take mathematics and statistics honours should ensure that all prerequisites for 400-level subjects are satisfied. Honours entry is possible from an appropriate selection of four 300-level mathematics and statistics subjects. For a wider choice of honours options, additional mathematics and statistics subjects may be included.
Completion of the following subjects will lead to a major in mathematics and statistics with a specialisation in discrete mathematics and a separate major in computer science. The recommended subject sequence has been endorsed by both Departments.
First year
620-141 Mathematics A (or advanced version 620-121)
620-142 Mathematics B (or advanced version 620-122)
620-143 Applied Mathematics (or advanced version 620-123)
620-131 Scientific Programming and Simulation
433-171 Introduction to Programming (or advanced version 433-151)
433-172 Algorithmic Problem Solving (or advanced version 433-152)
Plus two additional subjects
Second year
620-201 Probability (or 620-205 Probability for Statistics)
620-222 Linear and Abstract Algebra (or 620-202 Statistics)
620-261 Introduction to Operations Research
620-262 Decision Making
433-252 Software Engineering Principles and Tools
433-253 Algorithms and Data Structures
433-254 Software Design
433-255 Logic and Computation
Third year
620-352 Graph Theory
620-353 Discrete Mathematics
620-381 Computational Mathematics
433-303 Artificial Intelligence
433-330 Theory of Computation
433-385 Modelling, Analysis and Visualisation
Plus one other 300-level Mathematics and Statistics subject and one other 300-level Computer Science subject. Suggestions include 620-301, 620-351, 620-361, 620-362, 620-374, 433-361, 433-380.
Typical course plans for students wishing to major in mathematics and statistics are available from the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. Students planning to major in another discipline will also benefit by taking some mathematics and statistics subjects in their degree to complement their major studies.
Mathematics and statistics subjects that complement major studies in other disciplines are shown below.
Prospective secondary school mathematics teachers must take a minimum of two mathematics and statistics subjects at the 100 level and three mathematics and statistics subjects at the 200 level. However, for greater flexibility of choice in second year and a richer knowledge base, students are advised to take at least three mathematics and statistics subjects at the 100 level, at least three mathematics and statistics subjects at the 200 level, and some subjects at the 300 level. Any of the subjects listed below would be very useful for students wishing to teach mathematics.
First year
620-141 Mathematics A (or advanced version 620-121)
620-142 Mathematics B (or advanced version 620-122)
620-143 Applied Mathematics (or advanced version 620-123)
620-160 Experimental Design and Data Analysis
Second year
620-231 Vector Analysis
620-232 Mathematical Methods
620-261 Introduction to Operations Research
620-262 Decision Making
620-270 Applied Statistics
Third year
620-351 Number Theory
620-352 Graph Theory
620-353 Discrete Mathematics
620-361 Operations Research: Techniques
620-371 Linear Models
Students who are interested in the biological, environmental or social sciences are advised to take at least one unit in mathematics and one unit in statistics at the 100 level. Any of the subjects listed below would be very useful for students who will be involved in designing experiments and collecting and analysing data.
First year
620-141 Mathematics A (or advanced version 620-121)
620-143 Applied Mathematics (or advanced version 620-123)
620-160 Experimental Design and Data Analysis
Second year
620-270 Applied Statistics
Third year
620-371 Linear Models
Students enrolled in a BCom or the combined degree BCom/BSc would benefit from studying subjects that are included in the specialisations of financial mathematics or statistics. Any of the subjects listed below would be particularly useful for students who wish to pursue careers in finance.
First year
620-131 Scientific Programming and Simulation
620-141 Mathematics A (or advanced version 620-121)
620-142 Mathematics B (or advanced version 620-122)
620-143 Applied Mathematics (or advanced version 620-123)
Second year
620-201 Probability (or 620-205 Probability for Statistics)
620-202 Statistics
620-261 Introduction to Operations Research
Third year
620-301 Stochastic Modelling
620-302 Chance and Options Pricing
620-371 Linear Models
620-374 Sampling and Forecasting
Note that actuarial studies students should take 620-121, 620-123 and 620-131 at 100 level before proceeding to 620-201 and 620-202.
Students taking major studies in computer science would benefit from the subjects 620-141 and 620-142, which lead on to the specialisation of operations research and subjects involving discrete mathematics. Below is a list of subjects that complement studies in computer science.
First year
620-141 Mathematics A (or advanced version 620-121)
620-142 Mathematics B (or advanced version 620-122)
Second year
620-222 Linear and Abstract Algebra
620-261 Introduction to Operations Research
620-262 Decision Making
Third year
620-352 Graph Theory
620-353 Discrete Mathematics
For information about the faculty and departmental entry requirements for honours, please refer to Bachelor of Science (Degree with Honours) and Bachelor of Information Systems (Degree with Honours) for details. These requirements should be considered when planning your course.
Department of Mathematics and Statistics
The University of Melbourne
Victoria 3010
Tel: +61 3 8344 5550
Fax: +61 3 8344 4599
Web: http://www.ms.unimelb.edu.au
Status: Official 2007 Last Modified: Tuesday October 31 22:21 SGML to HTML Conversion: Information Division - CWIS (SDI) Authorised by: Academic Registrar Enquiries: http://unimelb.custhelp.com/
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