St Thomas More RC
Academy
Why choose Mathematics or
Mathematics related degree?
Careers Day
July 1st 2014
Phil Ansell, Jack Smith and Phil Boyle
©School of Mathematics & Statistics
Outline
• Introductions
• Mathematics and related degree programmes
• Course content
• Job opportunities
• Admission process and personal statements
Who we are (Dr Phil Ansell)
Senior Lecturer in the School of Mathematics
& Statistics at Newcastle University:
• Teach 1st and 2nd year courses in statistics and
probability
• Teach 2nd year statistics courses for psychology and
Civil Engineering students
• Research: Drug Treatment Strategies, Queueing
Systems, Analysis of Sports Data
• Admissions, Recruitment, Outreach
Key message!
• Mathematics and Mathematics related
graduates are:
• highly sought after by employers;
• have high starting salaries on average;
• can go into a wide variety of graduate jobs
What are your options?
Many Universities offer:
• Mathematics
• Mathematics and Statistics
• Statistics
Lots of Universities offer:
• MMath
• MMathStat
What are your options?
Also available are “with” degrees, e.g.
• Mathematics with Management
• Financial Mathematics
Joint Honours in Mathematics and X, e.g.
• Accounting, Computing, Economics, Psychology etc....
Other possibilities that could include some
Mathematics, e.g.
• Natural Sciences
• Combined Honours/Studies
• Physics
Some University degrees where
A-level Mathematics is important
Accountancy
Actuarial
Studies
Aeronautical
Engineering
Architecture
Biochemistry
Biology
Business
Chemical
Engineering
Chemistry
Computing
Dentistry
Dietetics
Economics
Electronic
Engineering
Environmental
Science
Geography
Geology and
Earth Sciences
Management
Materials
Science
Mathematics
and Statistics
Mechanical
Engineering
Medicine
Optometry
Pharmacy
Physics
Physiotherapy
Psychology
Sports Science
Surveying
Veterinary
Science
Red: Almost always necessary
Orange: Sometimes necessary
Green: Useful
What will you study?
• Most Mathematics and Statistics degree
programmes contain:
– Mathematical Methods
– Pure Mathematics
– Applied Mathematics
– Statistics
• “with”, Joint Honours and Combined degrees
take the same modules but fewer of them!
1st Year (Newcastle University)
An overview of the first year modules (the ones in BOLD are compulsory):
Semester One
Introduction to Calculus (15)
Linear Algebra: Vectors and
Matrices (15)
Sets and Counting (10)
Problem Solving and
Computing I (10)
Optimisation with Constraints*
(10)
Semester Two
Multivariable Calculus and
Differential Equations (15)
Probability and Statistics (15)
Number Systems (10)
Problem Solving and
Computing II (10)
Dynamics* (10)
* Can be replaced by modules from other Schools (subject to timetable):
e.g. Accounting, Computing, Languages, Psychology, Economics,
Biology, Business Management, Geography, Music, History, ...
2nd Year (Newcastle University)
An overview of the second year modules (the ones in BOLD are compulsory):
Semester One
Pure Mathematics (20)
Applied Mathematics (10)
Statistics (10)
Computing (10)
Key Skills and Career
Development* (10)
Semester Two
Pure Mathematics (10)
Applied Mathematics (20)
Statistics (20)
Group Project* (10)
* Can be replaced by modules from other Schools (subject to timetable and
appropriate skills being developed):
e.g. Accounting, Computing, Languages, Psychology, Economics,
Biology, Business Management, Geography, Music, History, ...
3rd Year (Newcastle University)
Numerical and
Computational
Modelling
Partial Differential
Equations with
Applications
Introductory Fluids
Relativity and
Cosmology
Instabilities and
Turbulence
Differential
Equations,
Transform Methods
& Fields
Electromagnetism
Foundations of
Group Theory
Linear Analysis
Topology
Geometries and
Designs
Number Theory
and Cryptography
Stochastic Calculus
and Applications
Coding Theory
Geometric Group
Theory
Applied Probability
Statistical
Modelling
Stochastic Financial
Modelling
Time Series and
Forecasting
Multivariate Data
Analysis
Bayesian Statistics
Survival Analysis
Randomized Clinical
Trials
Discrete Stochastic
Modelling
Mathematical
Education
Degree Structure
4 year degree (MMath/MMathStat)
1st, 2nd and 3rd years are very similar to 3 year BSc
4th year includes:
 Advanced Modules
 Project (Dissertation, Poster and Presentation)
 Possibility to interact with world-leading researchers in
hot research topics!
Examples of recent projects:
 Modelling Magnetic Activity in the Sun
 Bayesian inference for ranking models applied to
Formula One data
 The Riemann Mapping Theorem
Jack Smith
• A-levels : Maths, Further Maths, French (Music)
• Extra Curricular – Football, Guitar, Columbus
Fellowship, Part Time Job
• Work Experience – Week at Scottish Widows
Accounting, Audit, Actuarial, Finance
• 2nd year going into 3rd – MMath – Applied
Jack Smith
• Modules – Chaos, Bayesian Stats, Finance,
Computing, Turbulence… so much variety
A-level to Degree
• Tougher Work!
• Independent – Work, Living, Waking Up…
• So much fun!
Jack Smith
• Future… Completely undecided!
• Graduate Schemes
• Aim to gain experience in as many areas as
possible.
Where is Maths and Stats used?
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Business and Management
Finance and Economics
Aerodynamics
Pharmaceuticals
Medicine
Logistics, Communication and Security
Energy production (wave and wind power)
Extreme weather events
Job Opportunities
Accountant
Air Traffic
Controller
Aircraft
Designer
Computer
Game Designer
Software
Developer
Consultant
Government
Statistics
Cryptographer
Risk
Management
Lecturer
Actuary
Crime Analysis
Teacher
Further Study
...
But more importantly.....
What you gain from a Maths & Stats degree:
Numerical Skills
Problem Solving
Skills
Presentation
Skills
Experience of
Team Work
Experience of
Report Writing
Analytical Skills
Statistical Skills
...
Example
• In a warehouse you obtain a 20% discount but
you must pay a 15% sales tax
• Question: Which would you prefer to have
calculated first? Discount or Tax?
• Let’s try some examples....
Solution
• It looks like it doesn’t matter!
• Can we explain it for all cases?
• A 20% discount is the same as paying 80% of it
• Adding 15% is the same as paying 115% of it
• Discount first: you pay
• Tax first : you pay
• Can we generalise?
1.15 x (0.8 x £100)
0.8 x (1.15 x £100)
Admissions at Newcastle University
• The standard offer is AAA-AAB
• Further mathematics is not required, but of course is helpful! (less than
50% of our students have this)
• PARTNERS students may be given a lower offer with an additional
requirement of completing the PARTNERS Summer School
• Offers for Joint Honours combinations are typically AAB and Combined
Honours typically AAA-AAB
• Once you have your offer, we will invite you to a School Open Day, where
you can find out more details about the degree programmes that we offer
and you can talk to current students and staff. There is also a tour of the
University and Newcastle. Parents are very welcome and have some
separate sessions
Phil Boyle
• A Level - Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry,
Physics
• Top Modules - Cryptography, Randomized Clinical
Trials, Quantum Mechanics
• 4th Year Project - Pattern Formation in Superfluids
• Work Experience - Sellafield, University summer
placement
Why Do Maths at Newcastle?
• Great course
• 4th Year option
• Great city
• MathSoc
• Job opportunities
Personal statements
When are they used?
• When making an offer or inviting for interview
• As the basis for an interview or chat with
academic member of staff
• After the A-level results have come out
Personal statements (Maths & Stats)
Newcastle University:
• Personal
statements help the discussion
when students meet staff at Postapplication Open Day
• Personal
statement used after results
have been published to help choose
between “near-miss” candidates
Making a good impression
The personal statement is an opportunity
for you to demonstrate:
• Why you would be a good student for the
programme you are applying to
• Why the university should select your
application over those of other candidates
A chance for you to sell yourself!
Structure
Things to consider
• Choice of course
• School/college experience
• Work experience
• Outside school/college experience
• Concluding statement
Summary
• Mathematics and related degrees are
excellent choice of degree programme
• Good career opportunities
• Variety of degrees available – research the
options and entry requirements
• Take care over your personal statement
• Good luck!!