General information
Mathematics is a fundamental component within every aspect of scientific endeavour and underlies much of our daily activities. Mathematics is a key component of problem solving, from the modelling of atmospheric physics to the complexities of managing risk in financial markets.
Students in the Applied and Industrial Mathematics program will learn concepts, principles, qualitative and quantitative methods, as well as innovative problem solving skills. Students will gain valuable experience by learning state-of-the-art algorithms and software in courses and by means of research projects related to the workplace.
Mathematics graduates need to be able to apply relevant advanced numerical skills, including statistical analysis of data, modelling of physical or biological phenomena, and computer implementation of algorithms related to their eventual employment. These abilities will be developed in the mathematics courses offered in the upper years. Exposure to the distinctive assumptions and modes of analysis of other disciplines will be provided in the non-science electives available in each year of the program.
The curriculum also provides a basic foundation in chemistry, physics, and computer science, providing settings within which to apply the mathematical concepts and expertise acquired in the program; students are particularly encouraged to explore a deeper understanding of one of these disciplines by means of a minor program of study.
The emphasis on Applied and Industrial Mathematics is reflected in the wide range of courses focused on the applications of mathematics (e.g., Differential Equations, Mathematical Modelling, Optimization, Computational Science, Partial Differential Equations, and Industrial Mathematics).
The Faculty of Business and Information Technology offers a Finance minor specifically for students in Applied and Industrial Mathematics.
Double major
The Faculty of Science offers separate Honours Bachelor of Science degrees in Applied and Industrial Mathematics and in Physics . Students with interest in both disciplines may wish to complete the academic requirements of both programs and be awarded a single degree, Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Applied and Industrial Mathematics and Physics. Eligibility requirements and academic information can be obtained from the academic advisor.
Admission requirements
Admission is competitive. The specific average or standing required for admission varies from year to year. Students are selected by taking into consideration a wide range of criteria including school marks, distribution of subjects taken, and performance in subjects relevant to the academic program. Possession of the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Preference will be given to applicants with the best qualifications.
Current Ontario secondary school students must complete the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with six 4U or 4M credits including English (ENG4U), Advanced Functions (MHF4U), and two of Biology (SBI4U), Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U), Chemistry (SCH4U), or Physics (SPH4U). In addition, a combined minimum 70 per cent average in math and science courses is required. It is recommended that all four MCV4U, SBI4U, SCH4U and SPH4U be taken. All other applicants should refer to admissions for the requirements for their specific category of admission.
Program details and degree requirements
The requirements for the four-year Applied and Industrial Mathematics program are detailed in the following program map. In addition to the regular program, a co-op program is also available. Students interested in the co-op program , should contact the Faculty of Science Co-op Coordinator as early as the fall of their second year.
Although reasonable efforts will be made to adhere to the following program map, course requirements and term offerings may change.
*Electives and breadth requirements
All students must complete 42 elective credit hours including the 12 credit hours in Applied and Industrial Mathematics electives. Students not accepted to take MATH 4410U and MATH 4420U must take an additional two senior science electives for a total of 48 elective credit hours. A senior science elective is defined as any 3000- or 4000-level science course not specified in the program map, excluding SCIE and ENVS courses. At least 24 elective credit hours must be in courses offered by the Faculty of Science including the 12 credit hours in applied and industrial mathematics electives. The additional two senior science electives required for students who are not enrolled in thesis cannot be used to meet this requirement. In order to satisfy breadth requirements, no more than 21 elective credit hours total may be in mathematics (MATH); at least 12 elective credit hours must be in courses outside the Faculty of Science. Students must take the remaining 6 elective credit hours in a general elective (offered by the Faculty of Science or outside the Faculty of Science).
Applied and Industrial Mathematics electives:
**Thesis Project or Senior Science electives
Students in clear academic standing who have completed 90 credit hours of their MATH program and five third-year required courses may optionally apply to take a two-course sequence consisting of MATH 4410U – Mathematics Thesis Project I and MATH 4420U – Mathematics Thesis Project II . Students not accepted to take the thesis courses must complete two additional senior science electives instead. A senior science elective is defined as any 3000- or 4000-level science course not specified in the program map, excluding SCIE and ENVS courses. A student meeting the above requirements who does not take MATH 4410U and MATH 4420U may optionally apply to take MATH 4430U – Directed Studies in Mathematics as one of the required senior science electives. Opportunities for the Thesis Project and Directed Studies options are limited; for either of these options, students must apply through Science Advising by March 30 following completion of the first three years of the program.
Recommended senior science electives that students in the Applied and Industrial Mathematics program may choose to take include:
