BSc - Mathematics as a major
Second Major, Major
If you're intrigued by the natural world around you, or enjoy understanding how things work, Waikato's Bachelor of Science (BSc) is what you're looking for. Putting into practice what you learn in your lectures is a major part of this degree. You will gain hands-on experience with some of the most up-to-date and high-tech computing facilities and laboratory equipment.
Mathematics is a subject of vital importance that underpins many activities of our modern world. Employers recognise University of Waikato Mathematics graduates for their analytical and problem solving skills as well as their high level of numeracy, which are critical skills for a broad range of jobs.
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Key information
| Years: | 3 |
|---|---|
| Points: | 360 |
| Start Dates: | Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July) |
| Estimated Fees* (Domestic): | $7,821 per year |
| Estimated Fees* (International): | $36,830 - $38,305 per year |
| Entry Requirements: | Undergraduate International |
| Area of Study: | |
| All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). *Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. | |
Career opportunities
- Data Analyst
- Financial Analyst
- IT or Computing Analyst
- Mathematical Modeller
- Meteorologist
- Research Scientist
- Secondary School Teacher
Degree Planner
Degree planner — BSc in Mathematics
If no point value is listed, papers are worth 15 points. This structure applies to study starting in 2021.
Year 1
100 level
Science paper
100 level
Science paper
Elective
Elective
Year 2
200 level
Mathematics paper
200 level
Science paper
Elective
Elective
Elective
Year 3
300 level
Mathematics paper
300 level
Mathematics paper
300 level
Mathematics paper
300 level
Mathematics paper
One from List A:
Work-Integrated Learning
Elective
Elective
Elective
- Major
- Compulsory
- Elective
BSc Papers List
**100 level MATHS and DATAX papers
Choose one paper (15 points) from the following:
List A - Work-Integrated Learning
Choose one paper (15 points) from the following:
- COMPX374 Software Engineering Industry Project
- COMPX375 Information Systems Industry Project
- COMPX397 Work-Integrated Learning Directed Study
- COMPX398 Work-Integrated Learning Directed Study (30 points)
- MATHS397 Work-Integrated Learning Directed Study
- DATAX397 Work-Integrated Learning Directed Study
Please consult one of our undergraduate advisers when picking your Work-Integrated Learning paper.
Papers
Papers available within Mathematics
Mathematics is a language of fundamental importance which underpins many activities of society. It plays a crucial role, both theoretically and practically, in many areas such as science, computing, economics and finance.
Mathematics is available as a first major for the Bachelor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences with Honours (BCMS(Hons)) and the Bachelor of Science (BSc). Mathematics may also be included as a second major or minor in other undergraduate degrees, subject to approval of the Division in which the student is enrolled.
To complete Mathematics as a single major for the BCMS(Hons) or the BSc, students must gain 135 points from papers listed for Mathematics, including 105 points above 100 level, and 60 points above 200 level. Students must complete MATHS101 or MATHS104, MATHS102 or MATHS103, MATHS201, and MATHS202. Students may include up to 30 points of DATAX-coded papers as part of their Mathematics major. Students in the BCMS(Hons) will also need to take at least 60 points in the subject of Mathematics at 500 level, including MATHS520.
To complete Mathematics as part of a double major for the BCMS(Hons), BSc or other undergraduate degree, students must gain 120 points from papers listed for Mathematics, including 90 points above 100 level, and 45 points above 200 level. Students must complete MATHS101 or MATHS104, MATHS102 or MATHS103, MATHS201, and MATHS202. Students may include up to 30 points of DATAX-coded papers as part of their Mathematics major. Students in the BCMS(Hons) will also need to take at least 60 points in the subject of their first major at 500 level including MATHS520 if Mathematics is the first major.
To complete a minor in Mathematics, students must complete 60 points, including at least 30 points above 100 level. The 60 points must be chosen from the papers listed for the Mathematics major. MATHS135 may also be taken towards a minor. Students may include up to 15 points of DATAX-coded papers.
100 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSMAX170 | Foundations in Computing and Mathematical Sciences | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton), 24A (Tauranga), 24X (Hainan University, Haikou, China) & 24X (Hamilton Waikato College) |
| The objective of this paper is to provide students with the academic foundations for computing and mathematical sciences. The paper will cover the following areas: -Effective academic reasoning and communication -Information literacy and research skills -Academic integrity -Techniques and tools in the computing and mathematical sci... | |||
| ENGEN101 | Engineering Maths and Modelling 1A | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton), 24A (Secondary School - Unistart), 24A (Tauranga) & 24B (Hamilton) |
| A study of the fundamental techniques of algebra and calculus with engineering applications. | |||
| ENGEN102 | Engineering Maths and Modelling 1B | 15.0 | 24B (Hamilton), 24B (Secondary School - Unistart), 24B (Tauranga) & 24G (Hamilton) |
| A further study of the fundamental techniques of algebra and calculus with engineering applications. Includes an introduction to relevant statistical methods. | |||
| MATHS103 | Mathematics 1A | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton), 24A (Tauranga), 24B (Hamilton) & 24X (Hainan University, Haikou, China) |
| A study of the fundamental techniques of algebra and calculus. | |||
| MATHS104 | Mathematics 1B | 15.0 | 24B (Hamilton), 24B (Tauranga) & 24G (Hamilton) |
| A further study of the fundamental techniques of algebra and calculus. | |||
| MATHS135 | Discrete Structures | 15.0 | 24B (Hamilton), 24B (Secondary School - Unistart), 24B (Tauranga), 24C (Hamilton Waikato College) & 24X (Hainan University, Haikou, China) |
| An introduction to a number of the structures of discrete mathematics with wide applicability in areas such as: computer logic, analysis of algorithms, telecommunications, networks and public key cryptography. In addition it introduces a number of fundamental concepts which are useful in Statistics, Computer Science and further stu... | |||
| MATHS165 | General Mathematics | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton) & 24B (Hamilton Waikato College) |
| An introduction to algebra, calculus and applications for students without NCEA Level 3 Mathematics. Students who meet the prerequisites of MATHS103 should take this paper instead, followed perhaps by MATHS104. | |||
| MATHS166 | Management Mathematics | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton) & 24X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China) |
| An introduction to algebra and calculus for students in Management or Social Sciences. Students who meet the prerequisites of MATHS103 may wish to take this paper instead, followed perhaps by MATHS104. | |||
| MATHS168 | Preparatory Mathematics | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton), 24B (Hamilton), 24JS (Hamilton) & 24X (Hamilton Waikato College) |
| Basic algebraic concepts and an introduction to Calculus and Statistics. This paper provides a last chance for students to correct a weak background in mathematics. Students who meet the prerequisites of MATHS165 or MATHS166 should take one of those papers instead. | |||
| RPLCR103 | Recognition of Prior Learning - Introduction to Calculus | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton) & 24H (Hamilton) |
| A study of the fundamental techniques of calculus, including differentiation and integration for functions of one real variable, with applications to rate problems, graph sketching, areas and volumes. | |||
| RPLCR104 | Recognition of Prior Learning - Introduction to Algebra | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton) & 24H (Hamilton) |
| A study of the fundamental techniques and applications of algebra including Gaussian elimination, vector and matrix algebra, complex numbers, induction and recursion. | |||
200 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSMAX270 | Cultural Perspectives for Computing and Mathematical Sciences | 15.0 | 24B (Hamilton) & 24B (Tauranga) |
| The paper provides students with an understanding of scientific and culture-specific perspectives on issues in computing and mathematical sciences. Students will learn how these perspectives can be applied in diverse cultural, international, ethical, and professional contexts. | |||
| DATAX201 | Practical Data Science | 15.0 | 24B (Hamilton), 24B (Online) & 24B (Tauranga) |
| This paper gives students practical experience for the entire data science process. It covers the data collection process, data cleaning and manipulation, and data visualisation and presentation. | |||
| DATAX221 | Statistical Data Analysis | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton) |
| This paper introduces students to the R programming language which is used to investigate a collection of real data sets. Analysis of variance, multiple regression, non parametric methods and time series are covered. | |||
| DATAX222 | Principles of Probability and Statistics | 15.0 | 24B (Hamilton) |
| This paper introduces the theoretical background that underpins modern probability and statistics. Topics include discrete probability and mathematical statistics from a frequentist and Bayesian viewpoint. | |||
| ENGEN201 | Engineering Maths and Modelling 2 | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton) & 24H (Online) |
| Calculus of Several Variables and its Applications. Vector calculus (Green's, Gauss' and Stokes' theorems). Taylor's Theorem in n dimensions. Introduction to ordinary differential equations and methods to solve them. | |||
| MATHS201 | Continuing Calculus | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton) & 24X (Hainan University, Haikou, China) |
| Calculus of Several Variables and its Applications. Vector calculus (Green's, Gauss' and Stokes' theorems). Taylor's Theorem in n dimensions. The gamma and beta functions. | |||
| MATHS202 | Linear Algebra | 15.0 | 24B (Hamilton) & 24X (Hainan University, Haikou, China) |
| A formal approach to linear algebra, with applications. Topics include: axioms of a vector space, linear independence, spanning sets and bases. Linear transformations, the Gram-Schmidt process. | |||
| MATHS203 | Differential Equations and Modelling | 15.0 | No occurrences |
| Systems of ordinary differential equations and their applications, including phase plane methods. Introduction to partial differential equations. Fourier series. | |||
| MATHS204 | Mathematical Tools for Scientists | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton) |
| This paper gives students a practical introduction to mathematical modelling and real-world problem solving, especially as it relates to science. | |||
300 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| COMPX344 | Applied Computational Methods | 15.0 | 24B (Hamilton) |
| This paper explores numerical methods with applications to real world problems. A verity of classes of problems will be introduced, and appropriate numerical methods for each will be explored. | |||
| COMPX361 | Logic and Computation | 15.0 | 24B (Hamilton) & 24B (Tauranga) |
| The syllabus includes: further development of predicate logic with application to program verification; mathematical induction including structural induction; finite state automata and regular languages; Kleene's Theorem; Turing machines, the Church-Turing thesis, universal Turing machines and the Halting problem; formal grammars a... | |||
| COMPX364 | Cryptography and Number Theory | 15.0 | No occurrences |
| An introduction to number theoretic ideas with emphasis on their applications in cryptography. | |||
| DATAX321 | Advanced Data Analysis | 15.0 | 24B (Hamilton) |
| This paper covers the use of statistical packages for data analysis and modelling. The emphasis is on observational rather than experimental data. The topics covered are regression modelling and its generalisations, and multivariate analysis. | |||
| DATAX322 | Probability and Stochastic Processes | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton) |
| This paper introduces students to probability theory and stochastic processes. It covers formally the theoretical foundations of probability, random variables, statistics, stochastic processes and Markov chains. | |||
| ENGEN301 | Engineering Maths and Modelling 3 | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton) |
| Introduces numerical methods and statistical ideas relevant to Engineering. | |||
| MATHS301 | Real and Complex Analysis | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton) |
| Further real analysis, including a formal approach to continuity, differentiability and power series. An introduction to the calculus of complex functions and its applications. | |||
| MATHS302 | Group Theory | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton) |
| An introduction to abstract algebra via the theory of groups. | |||
| MATHS303 | Applied Mathematics | 15.0 | 24B (Hamilton) |
| Develops the most widely used methods for solving ordinary and partial differential equations, especially those arising in physical applications. | |||
| MATHS390 | Directed Study | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton) & 24B (Hamilton) |
| Students carry out an independent research project on an approved topic under staff supervision. | |||
| MATHS397 | Work-Integrated Learning Directed Study | 15.0 | 24X (Hamilton) |
| Students carry out an independent work-related project on an approved topic under staff supervision. | |||
500 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| COMPX502 | Cryptography | 15.0 | No occurrences |
| An introduction to cryptographic methods. | |||
| COMPX544 | Advanced Applied Computational Methods | 15.0 | 24B (Hamilton) |
| This paper explores numerical methods with applications to real world problems. A variety of classes of problems will be introduced, and appropriate numerical methods for each will be explored. Each problem will be solved by writing code from scratch. Aspects of parallel methods will also be introduced. | |||
| COMPX546 | Graph Theory | 15.0 | 24B (Hamilton) |
| An introduction to graph theory and combinatorics, including network optimisation algorithms. | |||
| MATHS503 | Advanced Applied Mathematics | 15.0 | 24B (Hamilton) |
| This paper develops in depth the most widely used methods for solving ordinary and partial differential equations, especially those arising in physical applications. | |||
| MATHS513 | Advanced Group Theory | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton) |
| An in-depth study of the theory of finite groups. | |||
| MATHS517 | Stochastic Differential Equations with Applications to Finance | 15.0 | No occurrences |
| A study of stochastic differential equations and their applications in the physical sciences and finance. | |||
| MATHS520 | Dissertation | 45.0 | 24X (Hamilton) |
| A directed investigation and report on an approved project or study topic. | |||
| MATHS553 | Fluid Dynamics | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton) |
| Basic principles of fluid dynamics with applications. | |||
| MATHS581 | Special Topic in Mathematics 1 | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton) & 24B (Hamilton) |
| One or more special topics in mathematics, at an advanced level. | |||
| MATHS582 | Special Topic in Mathematics 2 | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton) & 24B (Hamilton) |
| One or more special topics in mathematics, at an advanced level. | |||
| MATHS591 | Dissertation | 30.0 | 24X (Hamilton) |
| A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation. | |||
| MATHS592 | Dissertation | 60.0 | 24X (Hamilton) |
| A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation. | |||
| MATHS593 | Mathematics Thesis | 90.0 | 24X (Hamilton) |
| An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research. | |||
| MATHS594 | Mathematics Thesis | 120.0 | 24X (Hamilton) |
| An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research. | |||
800 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| MATHS800 | Mathematics MPhil Thesis | 120.0 | 24X (Hamilton) |
| No description available. | |||
900 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| MATHS900 | Mathematics PhD Thesis | 120.0 | 24I (Hamilton), 24J (Hamilton), 24K (Hamilton) & 24X (Hamilton) |
| No description available. | |||
Scholarships and prizes
Selected scholarships for Mathematics students.
New to Waikato? The International Excellence Scholarship is worth up to $10,000.
A Zulauf Trust Scholarship Accepting applications
This Scholarship is open to domestic and international students who are currently enrolled full-time at the University of Waikato in postgraduate study with a research component in mathematics or statistics. Applicants must have achieved at least a B+ average for their most recent undergraduate degree, and be able to show dedication to mathematics and to furthering the study of mathematics.
Closing Date: 15 March 2024
Looking for more scholarships?
Contacts
School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences
Phone: 0800 924 528 or +64 7 838 4625
Email: [email protected]
Website: cms.waikato.ac.nz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WUcms