| Code | Subject available through multiple programmes |
|---|---|
| Subject Title | Applied Mathematics |
| Qualifications | BA (Hons) |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 |
| Fees | See Fees and Costs for full details. |
Course Outline
Applied Mathematics is the application of mathematics to the modelling and solving of practical, real-world problems. The emphasis throughout this three-year course is on developing and enhancing problem-solving skills.
Areas of applied mathematics taught on the course include:
- aspects of more classical applied mathematics in the form of elements of mechanics
- mathematical modelling methods and techniques
- computer programming language and use of modern sophisticated symbolic software
- numerical experimentation
- general mathematical methods
- elements of the modern areas of chaos and dynamical systems.
Year 1 Modules
The first-year course assumes no previous knowledge of applied mathematics and extensive tutorial support is available throughout.
- AM1052 Introduction to Mechanics (5 credits)
- AM1053 Introduction to Mathematical Modelling (5 credits)
- AM1054 Mathematical Software (5 credits)
Note that students taking Applied Mathematics in First Arts must also take Mathematics in first year. However, you don’t have to continue with Mathematics after first year if you want to combine Applied Mathematics with another Arts subject. Applied Mathematics cannot be combined with modules from Mathematical Studies.
Academic Programme Catalogue
See the Academic Programme Catalogue for the complete and up-to-date content for this course. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year-to-year. For complete descriptions of individual modules, see the Book of Modules.
Course Practicalities
- In Year 1, you will undertake three 5-credit modules. Three 5-credit modules in Applied Mathematics corresponds to a workload of about 7 lecture hours and 3 hours of tutorials or computer laboratory per week.
- In Years 2 and 3, you will undertake six 5-credit modules per year. Most modules consist of two lectures per week, together with associated homework that is discussed in tutorials.
- Modules in applied mathematics that involve significant use of the computer have associated laboratory practicals. The School of Mathematical Sciences has dedicated, well-equipped computer laboratories for this purpose.
Why Choose This Course
The primary mission of the School of Mathematical Sciences at UCC is to provide you with the highest quality education in mathematics, applied mathematics, and statistics. Our tradition of excellence dates to George Boole (1815-1864), the first Professor of Mathematics at UCC who is renowned for transforming mathematics as a discipline.
Mathematics is at the very heart of many disciplines including business, economics, engineering, finance, geography & geology, and the sciences. Applied mathematicians develop analytical and numerical techniques and use them in the construction of mathematical models capable of describing a wide range of physical and related phenomenon.
If you have a good feel for puzzles, games and mathematical conundrums, and you’re generally considered to have an aptitude for mathematics and mathematical problems, this is a good indication that Applied Mathematics may be for you.
The emphasis throughout this three-year course is on developing and enhancing your problem-solving skills. Computers play a central role in Applied Mathematics, as many problems can be solved by making use of computers to perform immense numerical computations far beyond the power of human beings. Numerical computation encompasses scientific programming, the use of sophisticated mathematical software libraries, computer laboratory experiments and numerical analysis. The course content at UCC reflects this and the School of Mathematical Sciences has dedicated computer laboratories for this purpose.
Placement or Study Abroad Information
Work Placement
The College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences (CACSSS), where the School of Mathematical Sciences is located, will support you in developing your career interests through a workplace engagement. This Professional Work Experience module (PX3001) may be taken in any year of your undergraduate studies.
Study Abroad
If you study Applied Mathematics through CK108 Arts International, or any International Pathway, you will spend third year abroad, studying in an approved university. After your year abroad you will return to UCC to complete your final year of studies. The programme currently has links with universities in Belgium, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Mexico, and the USA, among others.
Skills and Careers Information
Graduate Study Options
Further study options for students who graduate with Applied Mathematics as part of their degree include:
- MSc Data Science & Analytics
- MSc Financial & Computational Mathematics
- MSc Mathematical Modelling & Machine Learning
- MSc Actuarial Science
- MPhil Applied Mathematics
- PhD in Applied Mathematics
Career Opportunities
As a graduate, your technical, practical and numeracy skills, as well as the soft skills you have acquired, such as oral and written presentation skills and the ability to work in teams, will prepare you for a wide range of employment opportunities.
Being able to effectively communicate about problems and their solutions with those from other related disciplines is essential. Regardless of the career path chosen, today’s employers demand these types of skills and flexibility of approach. A degree in Applied Mathematics will be seen by employers as evidence that you are able to think independently and quickly learn new skills.
Recent graduates have embarked on career paths such as accountancy & banking, civil service, data analytics, insurance, management services, pharmaceutical & biotechnological industries, software & computing, and teaching & academia.
Requirements
You can take this subject through a number of undergraduate programmes. You must meet the requirements for the programme that you apply for.
In addition, to meet the requirements to study this subject, you must have achieved at least a H3 in Mathematics in the Leaving Certificate (or equivalent).
Whilst prior knowledge of Applied Mathematics at Leaving Certificate level is helpful, it is not an essential requirement for this course.
Fees and Costs
See the Fees and Costs information for the programme that you are applying for.
How To Apply
To study this subject, you must apply to an undergraduate programme that offers this subject. You will then select it as one of your subject options in First Year.
This subject is offered through the following programmes:
- BA Arts
- BA Arts-Music
- BA Film and Screen Media
- BA Arts International
- BA English (in first year only)
Please note that this subject will not be available as a subject option to first-year students from September 2025 onwards.