UCC Undergraduate courses

Mathematical Sciences (Single Honours)

About This Course

Fact File

  • Title

    Mathematical Sciences (Single Honours)

  • 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

    Refer to CK407 See Requirements for full details.

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 third and fourth year.

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 5 credits unless otherwise stated.

First Year Modules:

Core:

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 modules to the value of 20 credits from the following:

Electives:

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   

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  

 

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.

Second Year Modules:


Students take 60 credits as outlined below.

Applied Mathematics
AM2052, AM2060, AM2061, AM2071, AM2072 (each 5 credits)

Mathematics
MA2051, MA2054, MA2055, MA2071 (each 5 credits)

Statistics
ST2053 (5 credits), ST2054 (10 credits)

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 which 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 safely 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.

Why Choose This Course

...the subjects offered in UCC really appealed to me. The lecturers are really helpful and encouraged us to work together.

Catherine Costigan

BSc Mathematical Sciences (2014), MSc Mathematical Modelling and Scientific Computing (2015)

View Student

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 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 team work 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 in 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 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

The State will pay the tuition fees for students who satisfy the Free Fees Criteria. In 2022/23 the Student Contribution Fee will be €3,000 and the Capitation Fee will be €138. Full-time EU/EEA/Swiss State undergraduate students may be exempt from paying tuition fees.

For International Fees see our Fees Schedule page.

How Do I Apply

Refer to CK407.

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. 

For queries regarding course content or timetables please contact

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