About the Department

Mathematics & Statistics

Students have the opportunity to interact with researchers in Mathematics and Statistics and are introduced to the national and international mathematical science community. The Department participates annually in undergraduate mathematical competitions that develop skills and expose students to situations with no classroom counterpart. Upper year classes have excellent student-professor ratios; this allows for direct interaction and creates an excellent learning environment.

The Department of Mathematics & Statistics also offers scholarships and awards for top students and many Honours students, while completing their degree, are able to find summer employment in the Department of Mathematics & Statistics as research assistants or as markers or tutorial assistants.

A Stepping Stone

A degree in Mathematics & Statistics is a solid foundation for continued education in many fields. The traditional sciences, such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Geology have an ever-growing mathematical and statistical content. The study of Mathematics & Statistics develops a capacity for logical reasoning and efficient problem solving.

Mathematics or Statistics is often a first degree or a first joint degree for students pursuing further studies in Economics, Engineering Physics or Engineering Science, Business Administration, the Physical Sciences and Computer Science. It goes almost without saying that the very best preparation for future teachers of high school and elementary school Mathematics is to earn one's first undergraduate degree in the subject.

Career Opportunities

In the age of computers, sophisticated technology and scientific progress many jobs require a sophisticated knowledge of Mathematics, Science and Engineering. A degree in Mathematics or Statistics opens the door for graduates to pursue careers in diverse fields such as:

  • Geophysics
  • Actuarial Science (Insurance and Pensions)
  • Transportation Systems, Air Traffic Data
  • Communications Scheduling
  • Modeling: Social, Economic, Agricultural, Urban
  • Cartography
  • Meteorology
  • Survey and Market Research

Choose Your Program!

Students in the Department of Mathematics & Statistics develop a strong mathematical foundation and then have the opportunity to concentrate in Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics or Statistics.

Pure Mathematics prepares a student for graduate study towards the pursuit of a research career in mathematics at educational institutions.

Applied Mathematics is intended for students who have a keen interest in applying mathematical techniques in order to solve problems arising in fields such as the Physical Sciences, Engineering, Medical Sciences, Social Sciences including Economics and Psychology.

Statistics exposes students to concepts such as experimental design, sampling techniques, data analysis and statistical inference. This concentration prepares students for employment with research agencies or to proceed in graduate studies in applied Statistics.

Mathematical Physics is an interdisciplinary program, offered jointly by the Department of Mathematics & Statistics and the Department of Physics & Engineering Physics.