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4. Mathematical Sciences

About This Course

Fact File

• Title

  Mathematical Sciences

• Code

  CK407

• College

  Science, Engineering and Food Science

• Duration

  4 years

• Teaching Mode

  Full-time

• Qualifications

  BSc (Hons)

• Fees

  EU State Student Contribution + Capitation: €3,138. See Fees and Costs for full details.

• Entry Requirements

  1 x H3, 1 x H5, 4 x O6/H7; H3 in Maths. See Requirements for full details.

• CAO Points

  2023: 556

Course Outline

Mathematical Sciences, both as a language and as a body of knowledge and technique, have provided the fundamental underpinnings of science and technology for centuries. Today, its influence stretches beyond the physical sciences and engineering into medicine, business and finance, the life sciences, and the social sciences. Mathematical Sciences are also studied for the elegance of their ideas and the intellectual challenges they pose.

In our programme you will discover that Mathematical Sciences underpin science, technology, engineering, finance, software development and countless other modern advances. Our Mathematical Sciences programme allows you to study all aspects of mathematics and offers three degree options. 

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 modules, especially in Years 3 and 4.

In your first year, you review much of what you learned in Leaving Certificate mathematics, with an emphasis on understanding, and build on this.

In your second year, you choose one of three degree programmes:

• Mathematical Sciences (Single Honours)
• Financial Mathematics and Actuarial Science (Single Honours) 
• Mathematical Sciences and Physics (Joint Honours)

Each year, you will encounter new areas in the mathematical sciences, from modules in theoretical aspects of mathematics to its practical applications. The balance will depend on your emerging interests.

You will learn programming skills in a mathematical context, you will gain experience working in groups, and you will learn written and oral exposition skills,  through your final-year research projects or through your work in statistical consultancy. 

Year 1 Modules

• AM1052 Introduction to Mechanics (5 credits)
• AM1053 Introduction to Mathematical Modelling (5 credits)
• AM1054 Mathematical Software (5 credits)
• MA1057 Introduction to Abstract Algebra (5 credits)
• MA1058 Introduction to Linear Algebra (5 credits)
• MA1059 Calculus (5 credits)
• MA1060 Introduction to Analysis (5 credits)
• ST1051 Introduction to Probability and Statistics (5 credits)

Plus 20 credits from the following: 

• AC1107 Investment in Capital Assets (5 credits)  
• AC1108 Introduction to Valuation and Risk (5 credits)
• BL1006 Habitats and Ecosystems (5 credits)
• CM1006 Introduction to Chemistry for Physicists and Mathematicians (10 credits)
• CS1061 Programming in C (5 credits)
• CS1065 Computer Applications Programming (5 credits)
• CS1069 Introduction to Internet Technologies (5 credits)
• EC1213 Microeconomic Reasoning and Practice (5 credits)
• EC1214 Macroeconomic Tools of Analysis (5 credits)
• MS2013 Geometry (5 credits)
• PA1003 Principles of Market Analysis (10 credits)
• PY1052 Introductory Physics I* (10 credits) 
• PY1053 Introductory Physics II* (10 credits) 
• PY1054 Special Topics in Physics (5 credits)
• ST1050 Statistical Programming in R (5 credits) 

*Students wishing to study BSc Mathematical Sciences & Physics must take these modules.

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 5-credits. This leads to 12 lecture hours and 6 tutorials hours per week on average.
• Most modules 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, the students 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.

Why Choose This Course

BSc Mathematical Sciences is an ideal degree course for students who wish to develop their mathematical knowledge and ability to a level that is highly valued by employers. Our students enjoy mathematics, were good at mathematics in school, and want to make significant use of their mathematical skills in their careers. This course will help you to capitalise on your interest in mathematics by completing a strongly numerate degree.

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

Work Placement

The course does not include any formal placement module, but you are encouraged to seek a summer internship at the end of Year 3. Staff in the School of Mathematical Sciences are willing and able to advise you in sourcing a suitable position through well-established contacts with companies throughout Cork and Ireland.

Study Abroad

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

Skills and Careers Information

Graduate Study Options

After completing your degree you will have access to many attractive postgraduate study options. There are a number of research-led or taught Masters programmes that you will be eligible to apply for, including:

• MSc Data Science & Analytics
• MSc Financial & Computational Mathematics
• MSc Mathematical Modelling & Machine Learning
• Higher Diploma in Statistics

Our graduates are also successful in pursuing research in disciplines outside of Mathematical Sciences depending on their interests.

Quite a few graduates are successful in obtaining PhD funding from the Irish Research Council and popular research disciplines for graduates of this programme include applied maths, financial maths, pure maths, statistics and mathematical studies.

Career Opportunities

As a graduate, you will have technical, computational and numeracy skills, as well as desirable soft skills, such as oral and written presentation skills and team work experience. These prepare you for a range of employment opportunities and are highly-valued by employers. A mathematical science degree will be seen by employers as evidence that you are able to think independently and quickly learn new skills.

Recent graduates have gone on to work for AIB, Allianz Insurance, Cork County Council, FBD Insurance, Flutter Entertainment, IPB Insurance, and UCC.

A mathematical science degree can lead to a wide range of careers in areas such as:

• Management consultancy
• Actuary
• Banking
• Accountant
• Options trading
• Scientific research 
• Software and Computing
• Pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries
• Engineering-based industries such as electronics and communication technologies

Requirements

Leaving Certificate Entry Requirements

At least six subjects must be presented. Minimum grade H3 in one subject, minimum grade H5 in one subject and minimum grade O6/H7 in four other subjects. English and Irish are requirements for all programmes unless the applicant is exempt from Irish. 

Applicants will need to meet the following minimum entry requirements:

English	Irish	Maths
O6/H7	O6/H7	H3

You don’t need to have studied Applied Mathematics for Leaving Certificate, though this would be an advantage.

Mature Entry Requirements

Find out about the mature entry requirements here.

Other Qualifications

EU/EFTA/UK students presenting an alternative school-leaving qualification (e.g. A-levels or International Baccalaureate) or QQI/FET course should visit our EU/EFTA/UK Applicants pages for further information. 

Fees and Costs

How Do I Apply