|
|
Joint Programmes
Whatever subjects you are currently studying at Otago (or thinking about studying), you should consider including Mathematics and/or Statistics in your overall course programme.
While both Mathematics and Statistics are worthy and valuable subjects for study as a major, they can both successfully enhance any other subject major. The skills that you learn in studying Mathematics or Statistics are of value not only in understanding the analytical side of other subjects at University, but also because they are highly regarded by many prospective employers.
The skills we are talking about here include problem solving, modelling, logical analysis, and organisational skills. Mathematics is also the language of science and its mastery, even if only to a fairly basic level, gives you a strong foundation for studying and comprehending any form of scientific endeavour.
Minors
Whatever your major, you should consider taking a Minor in Mathematics or Statistics. Check out what’s needed
Specific mixtures
Below we focus on Finance, Economics and Computer Science, but some of the same arguments apply to combining Maths or Stats with Psychology, Zoology, Chemistry, Physics, Information Science, Geology, and so on. In particular, see how Statistics enhances any degree.
|
Finance
Some combination of Finance with Mathematics or Statistics is now a familiar degree choice. We have recently had several students graduating with such a mix. Optimization methods, time series analysis, and stochastic differential modelling are all important facits of modern financial study.
The theory of finance, financial planning and decision making has always been very much mathematically based. In recent times statistics and probability have become important tools in establishing realistic financial models. The importance of mathematics and statistics in finance is typified by the Black-Scholes formula for pricing stock options, a formula based on “stochastic calculus”, a combination of probability and calculus.
|
|
Economics
Some combination of Economics with Mathematics or Statistics forms a valuable degree structure. Mathematics plays a very important role in Economics. This role has been significant for almost a century, and has been increasing in importance particularly in recent years. A comparison of academic journals reports an increase in the incidence of algebra in articles in the two leading economics journals from 10% in 1930 to 75% in 1980. The same is true also of textbooks at all levels.
Mathematics is increasingly important in terms of the expression and communication of ideas in Economics which has been undergoing a technical change, employing more mathematics and more sophisticated statistical techniques, that has improved the productivity of the discipline. Sophisticated mathematical analysis has become widespread in the field of macroeconomics, where dynamic models incorporating uncertainty are prevalent; these require somewhat different mathematical tools to the static constrained optimization predominant in microeconomics.
|
|
Computer Science
A combination of Computer Science with Mathematics produces a very strong degree programme. While 6 points of Mathematics is the minimum requirement for a Computer Science degree, the more Mathematics the better!
From hash tables to encryption, from graphics to virtual reality, computer science is basically mathematics applied to the workings of the computer. To fully understand efficient algorithms, polynomial versus exponential processes, rotations and projections in 3D, and convergence rates of solution methods, you need mathematics to provide a firm foundation for the study of computer science.
To quote one graduate:
“My current work concerns methods that allow faster and easier data access in a database system. I never thought my knowledge of finite geometry would have helped me define the first few methods. There are allocation methods using fractals and many other new methods that were introduced by mathematicians. Mathematics alone may seem powerless sometimes, but when it is combined with another science, nothing else can be more powerful. After working in the industry for over two years, I feel even more strongly about the importance of mathematics to computer science.”
|
|  |
JOINT PROGRAMMES
