Course Sequence-Mathematics Degree
What does an undergraduate degree in Mathematics look like? It is important to recognize that each university is unique in the way that it offers and delivers its programs and degrees, but often there are a lot of similarities in the sequence of courses, especially in a mathematics degree. Often the degrees are 8 semesters in length and split up over 4 years.
Semester 1
The first semester often lays the groundwork and has classes that cover the basics. This can include one or several courses that cover things like algebra, linear algebra, basic statistics, etc. These courses are often intended to level the playing field and ensure that all students have the fundamental knowledge and understanding to continue through the other courses and streams. The first semester typically contains optional courses which are often referred to as electives in some cases and at some schools. These range from accounting to ecology depending on your interests and the school that you choose.
Semester 2
Once again, depending on your school or institution and/or program, you will
have some combination of mandatory or compulsory courses as well as optional or elective courses. Often the man
datory courses will be a direct extension or in direct correlation with the mandatory mathematics course or courses from the first semester but will introduce more complex concepts of algebra, probability, linear algebra, polynomials, etc. The optional courses are once again up to you to choose depending on your interests, career and further education goals. Some universities have certain requirements such as you must take at least one science elective or must choose at least one computer science course.
Semester 3
This is where mandatory courses become more focused or specialised depending on your specialization (if applicable). There are often courses focused on analysis and related disciplines that help students understand how to use data, numbers and math and how to turn numbers into valuable information.
Semester 4
The focus on what to do with numbers continues and often this is where real world examples and application comes into play. This helps take the knowledge and skills students have and turns it into valuable and transferable skills.
Semesters 5-8
These semesters can be more compulsory and optional courses or can be work experience or can be a mix of both. These semesters are the most varied from university to university.