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The Department of Mathematics and Statistics
To understand the world we live in we invent models of aspects of it. To investigate the models from a theoretical perspective we need Mathematics. To test the models we often need Statistics, especially when the models involve the element of chance. Thus together, Mathematics and Statistics provide the foundations for the theoretical and experimental methods used in the biological, health and physical sciences, as well as the newer economic and social sciences. We welcome you to the department at the University of Otago devoted to the teaching and study of these foundations.
The Department has three basic teaching goals:
- To provide the background and foster the intellectual development
expected of a Mathematics or Statistics major or honours student.
- To meet the needs of students of other disciplines by providing mathematical
or statistical training that adds value to their major interests.
- To provide a supportive environment at all levels in which the first
two goals may be achieved.
In 2004 there were almost 2700 enrolments in Mathematics and Statistics papers, and 18 registered graduate students in the Department. Students from every background imaginable come to the Department for tuition. Papers range from the most basic to a level that allows post-graduate study. Many of our students have joined graduate schools abroad or returned to their native countries. The majority have stayed in New Zealand, some to pursue postgraduate studies, while most have left University to enjoy successful employment in jobs as different as being a meteorologist or an actuary.
The Department aims to provide a friendly and stimulating atmosphere. Regular seminars are held, often given by visitors to the Department but also by its own staff and graduate students.
Where are we? The Departmental offices and most staff offices are located on the second floor of the Science III building (next to the St David Lecture Theatre) at the corner of Cumberland Street and St David Street. Access to the building and all floors is suitable for wheelchair users. The Science Library, conveniently part of Science III, provides excellent study facilities and access to reference material between classes. Also on the ground floor of Science III is one of the University of Otago’s larger Computer Aided Learning (CAL) labs.
Computing facilities: As a student taking a paper in our Department, you will have access to first-class computing facilities housed in four student computing laboratories, each equipped with 30 or more PCs and one or more laser printers; and in any tutorial requiring them, there is one computer per student. The new computer lab at 359 Castle Street is used for 100-level Statistics teaching, while the basement lab is used mainly for higher levels of Statistics. The first and second floor labs are used extensively by various Mathematics courses. All the computers can run Windows or Linux, and link with one of several servers, especially provided for high speed, computation-intensive work and some teaching at higher levels. The most modern mathematical applications such as Mathematica, MATLAB, Minitab and SPSS plus popular word processors and spreadsheets are available, as is Mathercize, an invaluable testing program to help students revise background or course material. These computing facilities are used in many papers, achieving overall a balance of modern computer-based teaching methods with the traditional lecture format that is preferred for some topics. Other research-related computing equipment is available within the Department.
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ABOUT
