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UCC Undergraduate courses

Mathematical Sciences (Single Honours)

Course Fact File
CodeCK407
Duration4 Years
Teaching ModeFull-time
QualificationsBSc (Hons)
NFQ LevelLevel 8

Course Outline

Mathematical Science underpins science, technology, engineering, finance, software and countless other modern developments. Mathematical Sciences allows you to study all aspects of mathematics, including Single Honours in Mathematical Sciences, Financial Mathematics and Actuarial Science, or Joint Honours with Physics. If you enjoy mathematics, this route offers you an exciting and challenging degree.

Our BSc Mathematical Sciences programme is a broadly-based degree course for students who wish to develop their mathematical knowledge and ability to a level that is highly valued by employers. You will study a wide range of topics across mathematics, applied mathematics and statistics, concentrating on the areas you like most, without becoming unduly specialised. There is a significant choice of courses, especially in years three and four.

In your first year, you will learn the basic skills which will serve you through the remainder of the course. This will include a review of your Leaving Certificate mathematics but with a strong focus on understanding and mathematical rigour. Depending on your interests, you will encounter new topics to consider from the mathematical world, from modules in theoretical aspects of mathematics to its practical applications and you will learn to apply these concepts and techniques in a real-world context. You will also gain important programming skills in a mathematical context, the experience of working in groups, and acquire written and oral presentation skills through project work and research.

Modules

Refer to CK407 for full details. All modules have 5 credits unless otherwise stated.

Year 1 

  • AM1052 Introduction to Mechanics
  • AM1053 Introduction to Mathematical Modelling
  • AM1054 Mathematical Software
  • MA1057 Introduction to Abstract Algebra
  • MA1058 Introduction to Linear Algebra
  • MA1059 Calculus
  • MA1060 Introduction to Analysis
  • ST1051 Introduction to Probability and Statistics

And elective modules to the value of 20 credits from the following:

  • AC1107 Investment in Capital Assets  
  • AC1108 Introduction to Valuation and Risk
  • BL1006 Habitats and Ecosystems
  • CM1006 Introduction to Chemistry for Physicists and Mathematicians (10 credits)
  • CS1061 Programming in C
  • CS1065 Computer Applications Programming
  • CS1069 Introduction to Internet Technologies  
  • PA1003 Principles of Market Analysis (10 credits)
  • PY1052 Introductory Physics I* (10 credits) 
  • PY1053 Introductory Physics II* (10 credits) 
  • ST1050 Statistical Programming in R  

Students from Mathematical Sciences (CK407) who pass First Science may opt to enter the Single Honours Mathematical Sciences programme or the Single Honours programme in Financial Mathematics and Actuarial Science. See the Academic Programme Catalogue (BSc Mathematical Sciences) for a full list of modules for all years.

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 a typical year, you will study 12 modules, each worth five credits, which leads to 12 lecture hours and six tutorial hours per week on average.

Most courses consist of two lectures per week, together with exercise sheets that you work through with support from a tutor in a weekly tutorial.

Modules that involve significant use of the computer will have associated laboratory practicals. Some modules incorporate practical laboratories and for these, you may be required to purchase basic safety items such as a laboratory coat or goggles. Other modules may require the purchase of a kit of components.

See the College Calendar for more detailed information on the programme and the Book of Modules for a more detailed description of programme modules.

Assessment

Written exams will take place before Christmas and in May. Not all modules will have formal examinations. Many modules use other types of assessment including in-class tests or take-home problems. Lecturers take care to give you as much feedback on your progress as possible.

The remaining marks for a module are allocated based on an end-of-semester or end-of-year written examination.

Some modules, project modules for example, are examined wholly by continuous assessment.

Why Choose This Course

I chose this course because I loved maths in school and the subjects offered at UCC really appealed to me...

Catherine Costigan, Graduate

BSc Mathematical Sciences, MSc Mathematical Modelling and Scientific Computing

Find Out More

The School of Mathematical Sciences is made up of the Disciplines of Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and Statistics and is part of the College of Science, Engineering and Food Science. Our primary mission is to provide high-quality education in mathematics, applied mathematics, and statistics, and to carry out research to the highest international standards in a spirit of community and professional service – much as our first Professor of Mathematics, George Boole, did in his day.

You will enter the jobs market with a top-class numerate degree from one of the strongest Mathematical Sciences departments in the country. The emphasis on developing problem-solving skills across a range of disciplines is highly regarded by employers. Our students have an excellent track record in both career development following
graduation and in postgraduate study. We have strong links with local, national and international companies, as well as a strong international reputation in research which will add value to your degree.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

The course does not include any formal placement module, but you are encouraged to seek a summer internship at the end of the third year. Our staff in the School of Mathematical Sciences will advise you in sourcing a suitable position through well-established contacts with companies in Ireland.

A number of our students use their third year of study to go abroad, either for one semester or a full year. Popular destinations in recent years include the National University of Singapore; North Carolina State University; University of California, Berkeley; University of California, San Diego; University of California, Santa Barbara; and the Technical University of Munich (TUM).

Skills and Careers Information

As a graduate, you will possess technical and numerical skills, as well as desirable soft skills, such as oral and written presentation skills and teamwork experience, all of which are highly valued by potential employers. A mathematical science degree can lead to a wide range of careers in areas such as accountancy, actuarial work, banking, management consultancy, options trading, pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries, scientific research, software/ computing, and engineering-based industries such as electronics and communication technologies. Recent graduates have gone on to work for AIB, Allianz Insurance, Cork County Council, FBD Insurance, Flutter Entertainment, IPB Insurance, and UCC.

Requirements

Refer to CK407.

Non-EU Applicants

Non-EU applicants are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate. In addition, where such applicants are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language.

To verify if you meet the minimum academic and language requirements visit our qualification comparison page and refer to our International Office page for more information.

Fees and Costs

  • Whether you are an EU or Non-EU student will affect the course fees applicable to you. See more information on EU Fees, Non-EU Fees, or Free Fees Status.
  • The State will pay the tuition fees for EU students who are eligible under the Free Fees Scheme. The annual student contribution and capitation fees are payable by the student.
  • See the Fee Schedule to find out the course fee.
  • Check out scholarships that may be available to you.
  • Explore our Nurturing Bright Futures free online course (Module 5) to learn about managing your money as a student and budgeting for university life.

How To Apply

Refer to CK407.

Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants

Apply via the CAO. See the CAO Handbook for useful information on applying through the CAO. 

Mature Applicants 

Apply via the CAO by 1 February. To apply for a place as a mature student, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the year of entry.

QQI/FET Applicants 

Apply via the CAOSee our QQI/FET Applicants page for information on the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) Further Education and Training (FET) application process. 

Non-EU Applicants 

If you are from outside the EU/EFTA/UK, apply online via the UCC Apply portal. See our International Office page for more information. 

For queries regarding course content or timetables please contact

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