In addition to its more traditional role in modelling in the physical sciences, mathematics is now a key component in the analysis of financial markets, coding and cryptography, the design of computer networks and weather and climate modelling. Mathematics can be used to solve problems in fields that range from psychology to biology, chemistry and physics to engineering and commerce, to information technology.
The need for mathematics in the biological sciences, economics and medical technology is ever increasing. Mathematics would be a suitable option for the science component of a combined degree such as arts, commerce or law.
The main areas of specialisation are pure and applied mathematics, and statistics. Mathematics is rapidly becoming the technical language of the computational, physical and biological sciences.
Operations research is a scientific approach to analysing problems and making decisions. It uses mathematics and mathematical modelling to forecast the implications of various choices and to make optimal decisions.
Some of the employment opportunities for mathematics graduates are in the following fields: weather forecasting, statistics, operations research, market forecasting, analysis of econometric data, computer programming, data processing, logical design, industrial consultancy, teaching and mathematical research. Typical employers include universities, schools, the CSIRO, government agencies (such as Defence and Australian Bureau of Statistics) and Telstra. In the private sector, opportunities exist with computer firms, insurance companies, mining companies and banks.
This 3-year (minimum) full-time or part-time course is offered by the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology and is available at Hobart, with the first year only available in Launceston in the Mathematics Specialisation. The main intake to the Bachelor of Science is February, however a mid-year intake in July is also available. There are numerous Mathematics specialisations to choose from. Students can opt to take a double specialisation in two areas of mathematics within the Bacehlor of Science.
This three-year full-time or six-year part-time course is offered by the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology and is available at Hobart. Antarctic and Southern Ocean is one of the University's theme areas and it is an area that is unique to the University of Tasmania. The course provides students with an opportunity to obtain a double specialisation; Antarctic Science, alongside a second area of specialisation of their choice, such as Mathematiccs.
This 1 year full-time, 2 year part-time (maximum) course is available at Hobart and, subject to available supervision, at Launceston. It aims to provide advanced training in the major area of the student's pass degree, opportunity for training in research, to prepare candidates for further research study (eg MSc and PhD) and employment in research organisations, and an in-depth knowledge in a single area of science.
The Graduate Diploma in Science allows students to obtain a science major in an area outside their specialisation, such as Geology. Applications are open to graduates from all disciplines provided that the prerequisites for the field of specialisation are met, or other evidence of fitness to undertake the work is provided.
The Graduate Diploma of Science with Honours allows graduates to obtain the necessary science major to pursue higher degrees in Science. It offers advances training in the area chosen with a research Honours year.
The Master of Applied Science is a four semester full-time or eight semester part-time course offered on the Hobart and Launceston campuses by most Schools within the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology.