Mathematics

UNE has been offering mathematics since the university was founded in 1938. Our current offering ranges from service courses, through an undergraduate major, to honours, masters and doctoral degrees.

This page provides information about mathematics offerings at UNE, career opportunities and related information.

The best parts of studying science, and especially mathematics, at UNE were the small class sizes and the relationships we formed with our lecturers. Every lecture felt personal and each unit was really enjoyable for it. The staff are just brilliant, fascinating and very willing to share their experiences and stories.

Peter Newman - Bachelor of Science (Mathematics/Applied Physics)

Why study Mathematics at UNE?

Mathematics can be studied at UNE, full-time or part-time, either on campus, by attending lectures and tutorials on campus, or online, with all course material provided. Intensive schools are provided for online students to work with their colleagues and our staff in a focused manner. Whichever mode of study you choose, and you may change as needed, you can expect a high level of individual attention from your lecturers and tutors.

On campus students enjoy the benefits of the relaxed atmosphere of the city of Armidale, a university town with thriving cultural life in a rural setting.

Mathematicians at UNE are engaged in internationally competitive research in both pure and applied mathematics, supported by the Australian Research Council and other funding organisations.

Our students, whether studying on campus or online, have ample opportunity to engage in research with supervision from mathematicians with strong research background and international experience.

You will find studying mathematics at UNE a rewarding experience.

Computing facilities and support

The disciplines of mathematics, statistics and computer science share a dedicated computer system, "turing", supporting teaching and research. In addition to the usual software, turing offers a variety of specialised programmes for scientific, mathematical and statistical computing. Software is kept up-to-date by dedicated technical staff. Turing also provides access to the Beowulf cluster, a 24 node high performance parallel processing facility. Online students do not need to purchase any extra software to connect to or use turing. The School's technical staff provides support for all operating systems.

Courses

Undergraduate

Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Computer Science
Bachelor of Education (Secondary STEM)
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Laws
Diploma in Science

Bachelor honours
Bachelor of Science with Honours

Postgraduate
Graduate Certificate in Science (Mathematics)
The Mathematics major in the Graduate Certificate in Science covers subjects such as topology, abstract algebra, complex analysis and differential equations combined with probability and simulation, multivariable calculus, linear algebra and number theory.

Graduate Diploma in Science (Mathematics)
The Mathematics major in the Graduate Diploma in Science combines the same range of topics as the Graduate Certificate with the opportunity to complete a small research project.

Master of Scientific Studies (Mathematics)
In the Master of Scientific Studies, the Mathematics major includes advanced topics in geometry, analysis, algebra and applied mathematics together with multivariable calculus and differential equations with the opportunity to include advanced topics in applied statistics, probability and inference, stochastic process and multi-level models. You also have the opportunity to complete a research project.

Postgraduate research
Doctor of Philosophy
Master of Science

Units

Undergraduate

Year 1
AMTH140 Discrete Mathematics
MTHS100 Introduction to Quantitative Skills
MTHS110 Quantitative Skills with Applications
MTHS120 Calculus and Linear Algebra 1
MTHS130 Calculus and Linear Algebra 2

Year 2
AMTH246 Mathematical Methods in the Sciences
AMTH250 Introduction to Programming in The Sciences
MATH260 Probability and Simulation
PMTH212 Multivariable Calculus
PMTH213 Linear Algebra

Year 3
PMTH331 Introduction to Topology
PMTH332 Abstract Algebra
PMTH333 Complex Analysis
PMTH338 Number Theory
PMTH339 Differential Equations

Honours
SCI400 Honours in Science

Postgraduate
PMTH412 Multivariable Calculus
PMTH413 Linear Algebra
PMTH431 Introduction to Topology
PMTH432 Abstract Algebra
PMTH433 Complex Analysis
PMTH439 Differential Equations
MATH460 Probability and Simulation
MATH501 Advanced Topics in Geometry
MATH502 Advanced Topics in Analysis
MATH503 Advanced Topics in Mathematics
MATH504 Advanced Topics in Algebra

Careers

Graduates in mathematics and/or statistics are well-placed to pursue a wide range of careers. Their skills and background are highly sought in finance, computer science and IT, the insurance, banking, etc.

A degree in mathematics and statistics is an excellent and respected qualification for careers in the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the Department of Agriculture, and in Health Services.

Partnerships, networks and industry links
Research

Mathematicians at UNE are actively engaged in research in several areas of mathematics.

In the area of nonlinear and complex analysis we investigate both pure and applied mathematical problems through analytical as well as topological and algebraic tools. Our research involves national and international collaborations, and has been supported by various national and international competitive grants.

Our research on nonlinear partial differential equations focuses on various important nonlinear models arising from differential geometry and natural sciences such as biology, ecology and quantum mechanics.

In algebraic topology, homotopy theoretical models for manifolds from differential geometry provide a link between geometry and algebra and category theory. As a result, these are being increasingly applied to current research in theoretical physics. 

Specific research topics include:

  • Nonlinear partial differential equations
  • Reaction-diffusion equations
  • Mathematical biology
  • Nonlinear functional analysis
  • Complex analysis
  • CR-Geometry
  • Complex analytic geometry
  • Pseudoholomorphic curves
  • Poincaré duality
  • Applications of algebraic topology to mathematical physics

Our staff are also involved in the Mathematical Analysis and Modelling Research Group.

This group develops theoretical techniques through analytical as well as topological and algebraic tools, and apply the ideas and results obtained in the theoretical investigation to problems arising from a wide range of areas, including various important models in differential geometry and natural sciences (biology, chemistry, ecology, physics and rural sciences). The concrete problems we currently work on include the Chern-Simons model in condensed matter physics, the logistic and related models in population biology, and image reconstruction for diffraction and phase contrast tomography. Important problems in these applied areas serve as a key source of the topics for investigation by the group.

The research undertaken by this group has been supported by several ARC discovery grants and involves intensive collaboration with leading researchers around the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications and background do I need to be able to enrol for one of the postgraduate courses in Science/Scientific Studies?

The basic qualification is an AQF Level 7 Bachelor qualification plus you must be able to demonstrate you have the minimum assumed knowledge required, as specified in the individual Admission Requirements for each course, for the major you intend completing.

If your formal admission qualifications do not clearly demonstrate you have this knowledge, you may include a cover letter with their application describing how you have achieved the minimum assumed knowledge.

Can I go onto further study in Science/Scientific Studies?

  • On completion of either the Graduate Certificate or the Graduate Diploma in Science you will be eligible to enrol for the Master of Scientific Studies
  • On completion of the Master degree, including the thesis, you will be eligible to apply for admission to candidature for a research Master degree or a PhD.

Will I have to re-locate to Armidale complete a course Science/Scientific Studies?

All of our postgraduate Science/Scientific Studies courses are offered both on-campus or online on a full-time or part-time basis.

What are the benefit of studying on campus?

Many UNE students choose to study on campus to take advantage of the location, the unique residential accommodation options and the teaching, research and sporting facilities.

Studying on campus in Armidale gives you the traditional university experience, with the added benefit of small class sizes and great access to lecturers. Academic staff are passionate about what they teach and keen to see you succeed.

How does online study work?

UNE is at the forefront of online learning.

You will access your materials via our Student Portal myUNE. Teaching material including study timetables, details of assessments, topic notes, readings, podcasts, discussion spaces and links to online resources are located on our Learning Management System, myLearn. Your lecturer will interact with you via myLearn and is also available by email or phone.

You are able to purchase textbooks through the UNE Life Shop.

You are also able to access the facilities and services of Dixson Library.

How long does it take to complete a course in computing/IT?

  • for the Graduate Certificate you will have a maximum of two years
  • if you wish to complete the Graduate Diploma you will have a maximum four years
  • the Master permits you a maximum of six years

How much will it cost?

All Science/Scientific Studies courses are available on a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) basis (please note:  quotas do apply) or a Full-Fee basis.  Go to Tuition Fees for further details.

How do I apply?

Go to How to apply and follow the instructions.

I’ve completed study at another university – can I get advanced standing (credit) for that?

If you have completed study at another tertiary institution you are able to apply for Advanced Standing (please note:  this is a separate process to applying to enrol for the course).

When I’m actually enrolling for a course how do I select which units I should be completing for my major?  How do I plan my study?

All units approved for your major are listed in the Program of Study for your course.

For the Master degree, you will normally complete the Core Units (the Research/Capstone Experience units) at the end of your study period.  Your coursework studies will inform your decision on the particular area of Mathematics you wish to concentrate on when completing these units.

It is strongly recommended that you follow the Course Plans provided for your course.  These have been developed taking into account unit pre-requisite, co-requisite and timetabling requirements and are located below the Program of Study.

Who can I contact for further information and advice on admission requirements, programs of study and course plans?

If you interested in furthering your career in Science/Scientific Studies, or are keen to start a career in these areas, the Course Coordinator is more than happy to discuss your options and help you choose the program which most suits your needs and background.

Contacts

For further information on Mathematics at UNE, please contact the Discipline Convenor or for postgraduate mathematics enquiries, please contact Dr Adam Harris.

For administrative and general enquiries:  askUNE