Extended majorUndergraduate

MATPURE11 Pure mathematics

Faculty of Science

Pure mathematics (MATPURE11) is an extended major worth 72 credit points, listing 37 units, taught at Clayton. It is offered in 3 courses, including Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Science Advanced - Global Challenges (Honours).

Credit points
72
Units
37
Campus
Clayton
Offered in
3 courses

This is the 2023 handbook entry. See the 2026 entry.

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Requisite map

Overview

Pure mathematics deals with the abstract, the rigour and the beauty of perfection. Although pure mathematics is motivated by reasons other than applications, it often becomes the basis for applied mathematics to solve the most concrete problems: the theory of prime numbers is fundamental to the security systems in electronic banking; notions of the curvature of space and time are applied in designing global positioning systems; imaginary numbers are used in everything from signal processing to the analysis of fluid flow. The examples are endless.

The School of Mathematics offers a comprehensive program of mathematics units at all undergraduate levels. It encompasses a wide range of areas of modern mathematics, from very applicable mathematical methods to statistics to pure mathematics. In addition to the major and extended major in pure mathematics, a broader major and extended major is offered in mathematics, along with specialised programs in applied mathematics, mathematical statistics, and financial and insurance mathematics. There are many cross links between pure and applied mathematics and statistics, and this is reflected in the mix of units you can choose from to complete a major or extended major. Our curriculum is continuously updated to ensure that you are exposed to the latest developments in mathematics.

By studying pure mathematics at university, you will also develop general skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, modelling, scholarship, analysis and research, which can be used wherever their career may take them. Successful companies and organisations know their competitive edge depends critically on the level of analytical skills of their workforce and therefore seek employees with a sound mathematical training. Pure mathematics graduates work in a wide variety of fields such as teaching; the finance, computing and insurance industries; medical and scientific research; the public service, and journalism.

Availability
Pure mathematics is listed in S2000 Bachelor of Science, S3001 Bachelor of Science Advanced - Global Challenges (Honours) and S3002 Bachelor of Science Advanced - Research (Honours) at Clayton as a major and extended major.

Structure

Mathematics requirement
This extended major relies on the successful completion of MTH1030 and MTH2010. Note that these two units have the following special enrolment rules:

MTH1030: You must have passed MTH1020 with a mark of at least 60 or VCE Specialist Mathematics units 3 and 4 with a raw study score of at least 30. Exceptions for students who passed MTH1020 with a mark in the range of 50 to 59 can be made with permission from the unit coordinator based on a diagnostic test.

MTH2010: Students must have passed MTH1030, MTH1035, or MTH1040 with a mark of at least 60. Exceptions for students who passed these units with a mark in the range of 50 to 59 can be made with permission from the unit co-coordinator based on a diagnostic test.
Level 1 science sequence12 credit points
You must complete 12 credit points from the following units. Your sequence choice will depend on your mathematics background and interests. Refer to individual units for prerequisites.
MTH1030 and MTH2010 may be replaced by their corresponding advanced version: MTH1035 and MTH2015.

Level 1 mathematics units

12 credit points
You must complete MTH1030 and an additional sequence unit

Double degree with engineering option

12 credit points
You must complete ENG1005 and an additional sequence unit
Calculus unit6 credit points
You must complete one of the following units.
Note: If MTH2010 or MTH2015 was completed as part of the level 1 science sequence, replace it with an elective unit from the list below.

Double degree with engineering option (except software engineering)

6 credit points
You must complete ENG2005 instead of MTH2010
Algebra unit6 credit points
Additional mathematics units12 credit points
You must complete 12 credit points from the following units, with at least 6 credit points at level 3.

Algebra and number theory

6 credit points

Real analysis

6 credit points
Pure mathematics elective units36 credit points
You must complete 36 credit points from the following units. Overall, you must complete 36 credit points at level 3 to complete the extended major.
You can only complete one of MTH2137 and MTH3137, MTH2222 and MTH2225, MTH3170 and MTH3175.
Notes: MTH2040 is only available to engineering students (except software engineering). You require the unit coordinator's permission to enrol in MTH3000.

Courses that offer it

Notes

Requirements for progressing to honours and other further studies
You must meet the entry requirements for S3701 Bachelor of Science (Honours) or meet the progression requirements to the fourth year of S3002 Bachelor of Science Advanced - Research (Honours).

You must also complete prerequisite study as per the intended discipline. Refer to the honours prerequisites table.

Learning outcomes

In addition to achieving the broad outcomes of your course, and successfully completing this area of study, you will be able to:
  1. 1

    Display basic knowledge and key technical skills in advanced calculus and linear algebra, as well as high-level knowledge of and skills in the important techniques, terminology and processes of the core areas of pure mathematics, in particular advanced analysis, algebra and geometry

  2. 2

    Develop, apply, integrate and generate knowledge through abstraction and insight, and use high-level critical thinking skills to analyse, use and interpret the mathematics that arises across a range of areas of pure mathematics

  3. 3

    Demonstrate skills in the written presentation of a precise mathematical argument that enable mathematical concepts, processes and results to be communicated effectively to diverse audiences

Contacts

Academic Coordinators
Associate Professor Burkard Polster

Common questions

What units are in Pure mathematics?

It lists 37 units, including ENG1005, ENG2005, FIT2014, MAT1830, MTH1030, MTH2010, MTH2015 and MTH2021. The structure above shows which are required and which you choose.

Extended major details

Type
Extended major
Study level
Undergraduate
Credit points
72
Faculty
Faculty of Science
Organisational unit
School of Mathematics
Handbook years
20222023202420252026