What is the difference between major in mathematics and major in applied mathematics?

Both majors share common essential modules that are compulsory. These provide the basic background knowledge in mathematics.

For major in mathematics, you would study topics such as algebra, analysis, geometry and topology which focus more on foundations, theory, and proving techniques. For major in applied mathematics, you would focus more on mathematics that deals with applications, including modeling and algorithms. We offer a variety of subjects including financial mathematics, coding theory, numerical analysis and optimization.

What is the difference between mathematics and statistics?

Mathematics deals with numbers, discrete and continuous quantities, geometric figures and images, etc in all their generalities. It ranges from the most abstract and fundamental theories in pure mathematics to the most concrete methods and practical algorithms in applied mathematics. 

On the other hand, statistics deals with the collection and analysis of data and information in surveys, experiments, databases, etc in order to reach conclusions or decide on a suitable course of action.

Would I be learning mathematics that’s very much different from those taught in junior colleges?

The topics would be mostly new and are naturally at a higher level than what is required in JC. You should also expect some changes in the emphasis of and the way you deal with materials. You would need to develop analytical skills and learn more on fundamental ideas, proving techniques as well as application of mathematical theories.

If I do not have A-level H2 mathematics, can I still read a major in mathematics or applied mathematics?

Yes, you may still read a major in mathematics or applied mathematics. Our programme provides a bridging module MA1301 to help students attain the A-level H2 mathematics standard before they embark on a major in mathematics or applied mathematics.

Admission Requirements

How can I be admitted to read a major in mathematics or applied mathematics?

You should first apply for admission to the Faculty of Science. Once you are admitted to the Faculty of Science, you would be allowed to read any of the open major programmes within the Faculty, including mathematics and applied mathematics. Open major programmes are those that do not impose additional admission requirements on students admitted to the Faculty.

What is the minimum requirement to read a major in mathematics or applied mathematics?

You need at least a pass in A-level H2 Mathematics (or its equivalent) to be able to read the first year core modules. If you do not have the background, you may read the bridging module MA1301 first.

If I register for a major in mathematics or applied mathematics, would I be rejected?

If you are admitted to the Faculty of Science and you have A-level H2 (or its equivalent) mathematics, you would have satisfied the prerequisites for reading either of these majors. You may simply choose either of these majors during the online registration of modules.

I am admitted to the Faculty of Science for a particular major other than mathematics, can I still read a second major in mathematics or applied mathematics?

Yes, you may still read a second major in Mathematics as long as you have the prerequisites to read the required mathematics modules. The same applies even if you are admitted to other faculties. There is no second major in applied mathematics.

Career Prospects

Am I right to say that I can only go into teaching with a mathematics degree?

This is far from true. Mathematics graduates are much in demand wherever quantitative analysis is needed and/or rigorous, objective, critical analysis is valued. They are widely employed in commerce, industry and government sectors.

What sort of jobs and industries can I seek employment in?

The various areas that our mathematics graduates can build a career include operations management, financial analysis, risk management, information processing, IT, administration, education and research. The following are some examples:

How is mathematics relevant to these jobs?

There are many mathematics courses that prepare a mathematics major student with the relevant skills to work in the specific area. The mathematics training in general also equips students with the analytical skills that are essential in many jobs, especially executive works. The table below serves as a guide.

Module & Tutorial Registration

Modular study is a new concept to me. How should I plan my studies?

Take a look at our recommended study plans.

When should I register for tutorials?

Refer to instructions and schedule for CORS. Most tutorial and lab registration will be done via CORS, unless the lecturer informs students of other modes of registration. You should, therefore, pay attention during the first few lectures when such announcements may be made.

Some modules that I want to read are not listed for bidding. What should I do?

Modules that are not listed for bidding or not listed in the timetable are usually not offered in that semester. Refer to our Module Information page for the most updated list of modules being offered.

How do I sign up for tutorials?

Refer to instructions for CORS for online registration. For other modes of registration, consult the lecturer.

When would I know if I have been allocated the tutorial group that I have registered for?

For registration done via CORS, refer to online instructions. For other modes of registration, consult the lecturer.

Course Requirements

As a mathematics major student, can I use modules in the department to satisfy unrestricted electives (UE) requirements?

Yes, since the definition of UE means it could be a module from any department or faculty. But note that the MC for each module may only be counted once.

As a mathematics major student, I am sometimes allowed to use selected modules from other faculties to fulfil the graduation requirements (for e.g. CS3231). Can I also use this to satisfy the breadth requirement?

Yes, since CS module is offered by another faculty (School of Computing). But note that the MC for the module may only be counted once.

Can I use CS1101 or CZ1102 to satisfy Applied Mathematics major requirement as well as faculty requirement?

Yes, since CS- and CZ-coded modules are also categorized under the Computing Sciences subject group which are outside your major subject group. Click here for more details.

There are so many versions on CS1101. Which one should I be reading?

CS1101C and CS1101S are different versions of CS1101 that are offered to selected group of students. Their course content vary slightly from CS1101.

CS1101X/Y/Z are simply different lecture groups of CS1101 and students may choose to read any of these groups. While students with experience in programming  or who are confident to be in a class of students with experience in programming may register for CS1101X, those without experience should go for CS1101Y or CS1101Z. Read more about CS1101X here.

What is the impact of recoding MA2222 to QF2101?

Course Combinations

Can I read double major in Mathematics and Applied Mathematics?

No, because of the restriction of no more than 1/3 module overlap in both majors.

Can I read double major in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics with Quantitative Finance?

Yes. However, the course structure for Quantitative Finance is very packed due to its multidisciplinary nature. As such, you would have time disadvantage if you were to read such a combination.

If you insist on reading such a combination, note that only the three modules - MA1101R, MA1102R, MA1104/MA1104S - and at most two other modules may be used to satisfy both major requirements.

This is only applicable for students reading this double major combination under the old structure. It does not apply for the new second major programmes.