Why Honours?

WHY NOT HONOURS!? Why would you do an honours degree in mathematics or statistics? There are several reasons. Firstly, because you like mathematics or statistics. Secondly, because you are good at it. Thirdly, because you enjoy a challenge.

And fourthly, a very practical reason, which could turn out to be of crucial importance after you graduate: an honours degree in Maths or Stats is a much stronger qualification than the corresponding ordinary degree.

How much stronger? In terms of MATH/STAT points, about twice as strong! An ordinary bachelor’s degree in mathematics comprises 360 points in total, of which only 162 are normally required to be MATH/STAT points. But a typical MATH/STAT Honours student will take 522 in total over four years, of which 360 or more will be MATH or STAT papers. And at least 108 of these points will be at 400 level, usually beyond the reach of the ordinary degree.

Don’t imagine, however, that all this mathematics and/or statistics will lack variety. The subjects are so vast, and their applications are so many and varied, that the real problem is how we can give you an adequate introduction to it in only four years! Besides, we will encourage you to broaden your horizons with other subjects. These may be papers that you take “just for fun”, though it’s likely that the subjects of most interest to you will be allied to mathematics and statistics — computer science and physics are probably the most obvious ones. But there are many other possibilities, and they are not necessarily sciences.

If you have a strong interest in another subject, a good way to accommodate it may be through a Combined Honours or Double Honours degree. Combined Honours, especially, is becoming a popular option, and because Mathematics and Statistics may be taken for either a BA (Hons) or a BSc (Hons), they have a very wide range of potential partners. When you enrol for Combined Honours, the possibility of Double Honours generally remains open until your final year.

Being an Honours student

Although it is not enough, and we would like a lot more, we do have some space within the Department for our MATH/STAT Honours and COMO students to work and relax. There are 16 carrels in total (see photo above), with 4 computers available for general use. There is also a separate room equipped with sofa, chairs and basic kitchen facilities.

Students who have a carrel are issued with a key to these rooms. Inquiries should be made to the Departmental Secretary, Lenette Grant.

Social events are organized at intervals through the year. The staff-student cricket match is an annual ritual of very long standing, and in recent times we have also had a squash tournament, a quiz night, and a movie evening. Happy Hours are a regular feature — there are usually at least a couple of these each semester, often in conjunction with Physics.