To be admitted to read a Major in Applied Mathematics, you will first need to apply for admission to the Faculty of Science. After you are successfully admitted, you would be able to declare Applied Mathematics as your major as there are no quota restrictions for this major.
To be able to read the first year core modules, you will need at least a pass in A-level H2 Mathematics (or its equivalent). If you do not have the background, you may read the bridging module MA1301 first.
Students admitted from 2014/15 will also have the option to choose (although not necessary or compulsory), during their 3rd and 4th year of study, one of the following areas to specialize in:
- Mathematical Modelling and Data Analytics (MMDA);
- Operations Research and Financial Mathematics (ORFM).
It is a student's responsibility to ensure that the graduation requirements applicable to his/her cohort will be satisfied within the given candidature. As modules offered by the Department of Mathematics may vary from year to year, it would be in a student's interest to have several options for his/her study plan.
The following sample study plans serve to help students (especially freshmen) better plan their studies. Students may also plan a different combination depending on their personal interests and circumstances.
Sample Plans for students admitted from 2007/08 to 2013/14:
Sample Plans for students admitted from 2014/15:
In addition, a student with good mathematics background and a student with average mathematics background may want to proceed differently in terms of study schedules. They may use these Sample Schedules as reference for planning, taking note that examples A and C are for slow-pace progression, and examples B and D are for fast-pace progression.
Students are also advised to have some understanding of the prerequisites of the modules they want to read, and to pay due attention to those modules which are prerequisites of other modules in later studies. This is especially important for students intending to pursue Honours. They may use the Maths Module Planning Tool for this purpose.
Students who were admitted from 1999/2000 graduate with B.Sc. or B.Sc. (Hons) with Major in Applied Mathematics.
Students who were admitted in 1998/1999 or earlier graduate with B.Sc. or B.Sc. (Hons) with Major in Mathematics with Emphasis in Applied Mathematics.
Students will follow the requirements that correspond to their year of admission:
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. The latter is particularly helpful in the training of a rigourous mind. 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. An undergraduate math major paves the way for a variety of quantitative disciplines at the postgraduate level, including statistics, economics and management science.
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 Applied Mathematics?
Yes, you may still do that as long as you are admitted to the Faculty of Science. Our programme provides a bridging module MA1301 to help students attain the A-level H2 mathematics standard before they embark on a major in Applied Mathematics.
As an Applied 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 modular credit (MC) for each module may only be counted once.
As an Applied 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 modular credit (MC) for the module may only be counted once.
Read more about breadth requirements.
Can I use CS1101, CS1010, CS1010E, CS1010S, CZ1102 or IT1006 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.
IT1006 may also be used to satisfy Applied Mathematics major requirement as well as faculty requirement.
Read more about faculty requirements.
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.
From AY2010/2011, they are replaced by CS1010/CS1010E/CS1010S.
Can I read double major in Applied Mathematics and Mathematics?
No, because of the restriction of no more than 1/3 module overlap in both majors.
Can I read double major in 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 and MA1104 – 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.
I'd like to read double major in Applied Mathematics with Statistics. What are the common modules that I can use to fulfil both sets of graduation requirements?
Only the three modules – MA1101R, MA1102R and MA2101 – 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.
I'd like to read a major in Applied Mathematics with minor in Statistics. What are the common modules that I can use to fulfil both sets of graduation requirements?
Only MA1102R and ST2131/MA2216 can be used to satisfy both major and minor requirements.
I'd like to read double major in Computational Science with Applied Mathematics. What are the common modules that I can use to fulfil both sets of graduation requirements?
Only the two modules – MA1101R and MA1102R – and at most three 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.
I'd like to read a major in Applied Mathematics with minor in Computational Science. Are there any restrictions?
At most two CZ modules may be used to satisfy both major and minor requirements.
I'd like to read a primary major in Applied Mathematics with a second major in Statistics. Are there any special conditions to fulfil?
You must satisfy all the following conditions:
- You may use the following five modules to count towards the graduation requirements of both majors:
- CS1101/CS1101C/CS1101S/CS1010/CS1010E/CS1010S or CZ1102/IT1006
- MA1101R
- MA1102R
- MA2108/MA2108S
- MA2216/ST2131
- You are not allowed to use modules other than those listed above to count towards the graduation requirements of both majors;
- For students who were admitted before 2014/15, you must read three additional MA or ST modules at level 2000 or above, and which are not overlapping with any other modules used to satisfy the respective primary major or second major requirements. The additional MA or ST modules must belong to the elective lists of the primary major or second major.
- For students who were admitted in or after 2014/15, you must read one additional MA or ST modules at level 2000 or above, and which are not overlapping with any other modules used to satisfy the respective primary major or second major requirements. The additional MA or ST modules must belong to the elective lists of the primary major or second major.
I can't find answers in the FAQs above.
Check the FAQ page by the Faculty of Science. If you still can't find the answers, drop us an email.