Mathematics

Mathematicians have always been fascinated by numbers. One of the most famous problems is Fermat’s Last Theorem that, if n≥3, the equation xⁿ+yⁿ=zⁿ has no solutions with x, y, z all nonzero integers. An older problem is to show that one cannot construct a line of length ³√2 with ruler and compass, starting with just a unit length.

Often the solution to a problem will lie outside the confines within which the problem has been posed, and theories must be constructed in order to prove a claim. This is true here, and you will see the second problem solved in your course; the first is far too deep!

These are questions in pure mathematics. In applied mathematics we use mathematical concepts to explain phenomena that occur in the real world. For example, you can learn how a leopard gets its spots, examine the intricacies of quantum theory and relativity, or study the mathematics of financial derivatives.

We will encourage you to ask questions and find the solutions for yourself. But in order to do so, you must have a solid grounding in the concepts and the methods. In one sense, you will ‘start from the beginning’. We will teach you to think mathematically and so will start with careful definitions from which we build the edifice. Above all, Mathematics is a logical subject, so you will need to argue clearly and concisely as you solve problems. For some of you, this way of thinking or solving problems will be your goal. Others will want to see what further can be discovered. Either way, it is a subject we want you to enjoy.

This degree prepares students for employment in a wide variety of occupations in the public and private sectors. Graduates often secure jobs as actuarial consultants, teachers, investment analysts, management consultants, auditors and software developers. Recent information shows figures for first destinations of graduates as: further study 28%, teacher/academic 18%, analyst 11%, financial 11%, consultant 3%, other 29%. Recent Mathematics graduates include a managing director of an international school in Hong Kong, an analyst for a professional services organisation, a PhD researcher in geophysical fluid dynamics, and an IT consultant.

Christina, who graduated in 1996, is currently a Senior Research Fellow at University College London doing mathematical modelling/operational research applied to healthcare. She says: ‘I think having a degree in Maths from Oxford definitely opened doors and made people more open and receptive to letting me do things I didn’t have any experience in. Plus, having done Maths at Oxford, which required quite a lot of self-discipline and motivation, I had the confidence to believe I could tackle completely new things.’

Students interested in this course might also like to consider the three joint degrees with Mathematics.