Diploma in Mathematical Sciences
A new course, the Diploma in Mathematical Sciences is planned to commence in 2009. The Diploma will only be available in combination with a new generation degree or a Bachelor of Engineering. The Diploma will be available to most students in the new generation degrees. Within the Diploma, students will complete the requirements of the mathematics and statistics major from the Bachelor of Science.
Rules:
- Students undertaking a Diploma must complete a minimum of 350 points and a maximum of 400 points for their bachelor degree plus the Diploma including at least 100 points of Mathematics and Statistics subjects.
- Students must complete a major in Mathematics and Statistics plus a major in any other area except Mathematical Physics.
Applying for Entry
- Students may apply for entry at any time from the start of their degree to the commencement of their final semester. The Diploma is subject to a competitive selection process.
- It is recommended that students complete their first year of study including two subjects from those on which the Diploma is built before applying. These two subjects will be classified as breadth in some degrees and in core in others. Performance in these subjects will be considered in the competitive selection process for the Diploma.
- Under some degree programs and some areas of major studies it is not possible to do two first year subjects in the mathematics and statistics major in first year. Students in this situation will need to apply for entry at the commencement of first year. In this case, students must have completed VCE Mathematical Methods 3/4 or equivalent. Entry will be competitive, based on achievement in VCE Mathematical Methods 3/4 (or equivalent) and, if taken, VCE Specialist Mathematics 3/4 or equivalent.
Course Objectives
Upon completion of the Diploma in Mathematical Sciences, students will be able to:
- demonstrate their understanding of the fundamental principles of at least one area in mathematics or statistics and its applications;
- think critically and argue logically to solve mathematical or statistical problems;
- provide mathematical or statistical advice to, and work collaboratively with, people in other disciplines such as science, industry, technology and commerce;
- engage in mathematical discourse with the wider community.
Course Structure
The Diploma in Mathematical Sciences involves a total of 100 to 112.5 points of specified study (125 points for students who have not completed Specialist Mathematics 3/4). Below are two possible degree structures are given. Both are based on a total of 350 points for the degree plus the diploma. For more detailed sample course pathways, please choose from the following options:
Standard Pathway
There are three alternative programs under subject 4. The choice of program depend upon the student's degree and their school preparation in mathematics.
Accelerated Pathway
Such pathways are available to students who demonstrate their engagement with University study by obtaining the necessary degree-specific average mark during their first year of enrolment, and are then willing/permitted to overload in subsequent semesters. The following accelerated six-semester “fast track” sequence is one possibility. There are three alternative programs under subject 4. The choice of program depend upon the student's degree and their school preparation in mathematics.
