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Engineering, Mathematics and Science
164
Mathematics
COURSE CODES:
PLACES 2012:
POINTS 2011:
DEGREE AWARDED:
TR031
30
485
B.A.
TR001 (TSM)
25
515*-565
TSM points:
See page 27
Special Entry Requirements:
Leaving Certificate
HB3
Mathematics
Advanced GCE (A-Level)
Grade B
Mathematics
TR031: Mathematics is studied as a single honor course.
TR001 (TSM): Mathematics must be combined with one
other subject within the two-subject moderatorship (TSM)
programme. TSM is a joint honor programme. An honors
degree is awarded in both subjects. For subjects that
combine with mathematics see page 36.
Single honor and TSM students follow the same
mathematics modules. However, for TSM students the
workload is less intense than that of the single honor
programme, and TSM students must be more selective.
See also:
TR035: Theoretical physics, page 168
Course overview
The course aims to provide you with a firm foundation in all the
basic areas of mathematics and then allow you to specialise in
the areas that most suit your interests and talents. Mathematics
is an excellent choice for anyone hoping to meet the demand
for mathematics graduates in the job market which values
numeracy, ability in abstract reasoning and the skill to turn ideas
into methods. With an academic staff that brings expertise and
experience from many parts of the world, the course aims to be
world class, while also catering for those with talents in different
mathematical areas.
Is this the right course for you?
If you have a natural ability in mathematics and are genuinely
interested in applying mathematical solutions to problem solving,
then this course will suit you well. It is also a great start for a
career in actuarial work, finance or accounting, although these
will require further training. The course has been successful over
a long period in providing diverse career opportunities for many
students.
Course content
This four-year programme is designed to provide you with a
broad mathematical training that will, in turn, allow you to work in
any environment that requires strong numerical and logical skills.
The modules offered can be grouped into four areas:
n
Pure mathematics which explores basic concepts and
abstract theories
n
Applied and computational mathematics to solve practical
problems
n
The mathematics of theoretical physics
n
Statistical models and methodology
All students take common modules in their first semester, and
gradually more choice is offered in subsequent semesters until,
as a Sophister (third and fourth-year student) you will be able to
specialise in the areas that appeal most to you.
The Freshman years
In the Junior Freshman (first) year there are core modules
in algebra and analysis, which introduce not only topics that
are fundamental to a wide range of mathematics but also
a structured way of dealing with mathematical ideas that is
absolutely universal to mathematics. They are quite intensive.
In addition, during your first semester you will be introduced to
the following topics. In the second semester, you will continue
with two of them.
n
Classical mechanics
(this leads on to many of the
mathematical modules essential for the Theoretical physics
degree)
n
Introduction to statistics
(this opens the way for many
subsequent optional modules)
n
Introduction to computer architecture and programming
(this will include practical work)
There are approximately twenty hours of classes per week in the
Junior Freshman (first) year.
In the Senior Freshman (second) year you will continue to study
algebra and analysis. In addition you will select modules of your
choice from a range that includes exploring some of the Junior
Freshman topics in greater depth, or you may choose new topics
or ‘Broad Curriculum’ modules (see page 14). This allows you
to begin tailoring the degree to your own strengths and areas
of interest.
The Sophister years
In the Sophister (third and fourth) years you will have the
opportunity to choose subjects from a selection of over 20
wide-ranging options. Many subjects cover topics from the first
and second year, but additional possibilities include computer
engineering, mathematical economics, cryptography and
computer-aided design.
An important aspect of the course is an
independent research
project
conducted under the supervision of a member of staff.