Course details

Summary

The Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci) is an opportunity for Bachelor of Science graduates to advance their qualifications.

Modern science relies absolutely on applied mathematics. It is the job of an applied mathematician to show how mathematical techniques can be applied to science and technology to answer interesting questions. Our goal is to use mathematical equations to study real-world problems rather than to study equations for their own sake.

The Department of Mathematics uses mathematics to study such diverse areas as physiology, ice flow, floating runways, astronomy, quantum chemistry, nonlinear systems, the human genome and many other areas. Elements of these research areas are incorporated into our courses wherever possible.

Each of the courses in the Applied Mathematics programme deals with some aspect of the "Mathematical Models" that are used for describing problems from a variety of areas within Science and Technology. The core skills taught in these courses are:

How to build mathematical models.

The mathematical ideas most useful for modeling

Solution of models, often by computation

Requirements:

At least 60 points from MATHS 761, 762, 763, 764, 765, 766, 769, 770, PHYSICS 701, 707

Up to 60 points from approved 700 level courses in Mathematics or related subjects with approval of the Head of Department

Career opportunities

With a good degree in quantitative methods (mathematics, statistics, operations research and computing), career opportunities may include industry or government, computer development, insurance, meteorology, traffic engineering, systems analysis, computing programming, statistics, biometrics or operations research, and many other fields. There is also currently a strong demand for mathematics teachers.

Recent University of Auckland graduates work as/in:

1. Actuaries or actuarial associates
2. NIWA scientists
3. Research
4. Investment Banks
5. Financial, Business and Risk Analysts
6. National Institute of Health, USA
7. Biotech companies
8. Academic careers

Further study options

• Master of Science
• Master of Speech Language Therapy Practice
• Master of Bioscience Enterprise
• Doctor of Philosophy
• Doctor of Clinical Psychology

Entry criteria

The prerequisite is a major in Applied Mathematics, or equivalent.

English language requirements: IELTS 6.5; TOEFL (iBT) 90; TOEFL (paper-based) 575; CAE or CPE 176; PTE 58; MELAB 85.