About This Course
Fact File
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Title
Mathematical Sciences
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Code
CK407
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College
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Duration
4 years
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Teaching Mode
Full-time
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Qualifications
BSc (Hons)
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Fees
EU State Student Contribution + Capitation: €3,138 See Fees and Costs for full details.
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Entry Requirements
1 x H3, 1 x H5, 4 x O6/H7; H3 in Maths. See Requirements for full details.
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CAO Points
2022: 578
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CAO Points Range
578-625
Course Outline
BSc Mathematical Sciences is an ideal broadly-based 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 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 3 and 4.
You don’t need to have studied Applied Mathematics for Leaving Certificate, though naturally, this would be an advantage.
Year 1: You review much of what you learned in Leaving Certificate mathematics, with an emphasis on understanding, and build on this.
Year 2: You choose your degree programme:
- Mathematical Sciences (Single Honours)
- Financial Mathematics and Actuarial Science
- 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 depending 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, not least through your final-year research projects or through your work in statistical consultancy.
Students enter the Mathematical Sciences programmes through CK407 (Mathematical Sciences).
Modules
All modules 5 credits unless otherwise stated.
Year 1 core modules
- 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
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
- EC1213 Microeconomic Reasoning and Practice
- EC1214 Macroeconomic Tools of Analysis
- MS2013 Geometry
- PA1003 Principles of Market Analysis (10 credits)
- PY1052 Introductory Physics I* (10 credits)
- PY1053 Introductory Physics II* (10 credits)
- PY1054 Special Topics in Physics
- ST1050 Statistical Programming in R
If you wish to pursue Mathematical Sciences and Physics (CK407, CK408) you need to take Physics electives marked with * (equivalent to 20 credits ) in your first year.
See the College Calendar for more detailed information on the programme and the Book of Modules for a more detailed description of programme modules.
Course Practicalities
In a typical year you will study 12 modules, each worth 5-credits, which leads to 12 lecture hours and 6 tutorials 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, 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.
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.
Who teaches this course
Staff across the disciplines of mathematics, applied mathematics, and statistics teach modules on this course, which is one of the top two degrees offered by the School of Mathematical Sciences, thereby putting a wide breadth of mathematical knowledge and research experience at your disposal. This is evidenced by the high level and the wide range of final-year undergraduate projects which we offer.
Why Choose This Course
- 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 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 in Ireland.
Skills and Careers Information
As a graduate, you will have the technical and numeracy skills, as well as desirable soft skills, such as oral and written presentation skills and team work experience, which prepare you for a range of employment opportunities.
A mathematical science degree will be seen by employers as evidence that you are able to think independently and quickly learn new skills.
Career paths of recent graduates include:
- management consultancy
- actuary
- banking
- accountant
- options trading
- scientific research
- software/computing
- pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries
- engineering-based industries such as electronics.
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 |
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/FE course should visit our EU/EFTA/UK Applicants pages for further information.
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 appicants 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
Course fees include a tuition fee, student contribution fee and capitation fee. 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. In 2022/23 the Student Contribution Fee will be €3,000 and the Capitation Fee will be €138.
Please see Fees Office for more information.
For International Fees see our Fees Schedule page.
How Do I Apply
EU applicants
Application to Year 1 of the degree programme is made directly through the Central Applications Office (CAO). Applicants should apply online at www.cao.ie. The normal closing date for receipt of completed applications is 1st February of the year of entry.
Mature applicants
Application is made through the CAO and the closing date for the receipt of completed applications is 1st February of the year of proposed entry.
EU Applicants
The Central Applications Office (CAO) processes applications for undergraduate courses in Irish Higher Education Institutions. Refer to the CAO page for further information.
Mature Applicants (age 23 or over)
All interested mature applicants must make an application through the Central Applications Office (CAO). See the CAO Mature Applicants and the Mature Students Admissions Pathway (MSAP) pages. Visit our Mature Student Entry page for more information.
QQI/FET
See our QQI/FET Applicants page for information on the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI)/Further Education and Training (FET) application process.
Non-EU Applicants
Non-EU applicants apply online via the UCC Apply portal. See our International Office page for more information.
All Applicants
Please note that the modules listed are indicative of the current set of modules for this course and are subject to change from year to year. Check the College Calendar for the full academic content of any given course for the current year.
- In UCC, we use the terms programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.