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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:

• Pure mathematics which explores basic concepts and abstract theories
• Applied and computational mathematics to solve practical problems
• The mathematics of theoretical physics
• 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.

• Classical mechanics (this leads on to many of the mathematical modules essential for the Theoretical physics degree)
• Introduction to statistics (this opens the way for many subsequent optional modules)
• 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. 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.

Did you know?

• Trinity College Dublin is ranked as the world's 15th-best university for mathematics (2011 QS rankings).

Assessment

You will be assessed by a combination of continuous assessment and end-of-year examination, with all work undertaken during your last two years counting towards your final degree result.

Study abroad

You may choose to spend the Junior Sophister (third) year at a European university as part of the Erasmus exchange programme.

Career opportunities

A degree in mathematics opens up the possibility of a career in a variety of industries and sectors. Graduates have found employment in computing, where mathematics skills have immediate and practical application. The financial services and internet security sectors are also common first destinations for graduates. Other options include statistics, teaching, accountancy, actuarial work, finance, and all areas of pure and applied mathematics. Many of these involve further study or intensive research.

Further information

www.maths.tcd.ie
Tel: +353 1 896 1949