Pure Maths - The What & The Why?

[3Xamz]

Hey Guys,

Just finished up on my last VCE exams and I've gotten into looking at Uni courses and already I'm having a feeling that I will need to change my choice selection sheet.

So far I'm looking at a double Commerce/Business Information Systems at Monash.
However picking this was a bit of a negative for me, as I wont be as involved in the field of mathematics as much as I want to (Apart from the maths thats in the Finance major that I'll be after.)

However, I spoke to TrueTears and a few other members here and heard about the Major offered in a BSc called Pure Maths.
I've done a bit of research and the more and more I look into it the better it sounds..

I just want to know what the broader community thinks about this?
Is Pure maths really just desserts for those that enjoy maths?
Would it be worth doing a BSc solely because I want to get involved in that mathematics?
IN hindsight that I will be dropping my Information Technology degree for it?
Commerce & IT is what I enjoy doing, but maths is also something I really want to incorporate into my higher studies.

Any thoughts or input?

[pi]

I am only in year 11, but I have a teacher who has a phD in pure maths and he says it was the best thing he has ever done in life (and the hardest).

I suppose if you are really into maths, then go for it (but then again, I am only in year 11).

Good luck in the future anyway! 

[Souljette_93]

What would you be working after you graduate? (Except teacher, ofcourse)

[TrueTears]

It's really great to see that you enjoy mathematics and have an interest in commerce & IT, have you checked if your Business information systems degree allows you to do a minor in mathematics? Actually just checked in the handbook: http://monash.edu/pubs/handbooks/courses/3830.html looks like you won't be able to do anything pure maths related with that degree. What I suggest is that you think carefully about what you really enjoy and pick that one. I suspect that your IT degree will help commerce quite a bit (after checking some units in the handbook) but (pure) maths will definitely help you as well in the finance field. So since they are both quite good degrees to do alongside commerce, the choice is entirely up to you, do what you enjoy the most. Relating pure maths however, I can say it is definitely one of the funnest and possibly hardest areas of mathematics if you enjoy maths. It is definitely very rewarding (UoM's actuarial studies head graduated from MIT with a degree in pure maths). But yeah, basically it's up to you, good luck and if you decide to do a Bsc in pure mathematics, then I'll be looking forward to seeing you @ Monash next year

[Ahmad]

I switched my first preference from commerce to science after ENTERs were released back in 2007. Right now I'm a week away from finishing my last exam to complete my degree (BSc, pure maths @ UoM). Switching was one of the best decisions I've ever made, and I think as time moves forward I'll look back on it with increasing admiration.

I don't know how the job market is like for pure mathematicians but since you intend to do a double degree with commerce I don't think you'll find it a problem. In addition to being intellectually rewarding you'll find that both the specific techniques you learn and the general reasoning skills you develop to be valuable in solving problems, which is useful wherever you plan to head. I don't know too much about IT degrees so I can't compare the pros and cons, but if you enjoy maths I do recommend it!

[jimmy999]

You can study IT in your science degree. You need to complete two majors in the science degree, so you could do a major in Pure maths and a major in Computer Science. These two go well together as you are required to complete maths units for your computer science major anyway. Commerce/Science would be a better degree.

[AzureBlue]

I would do BComm (Actuarial) and BSc (Pure mathematics) if that was possible via sequential degrees at UniMelb in 5 years (from cross-crediting) but it seems impossible as actuarial subjects aren't available as breadth so you can't cross-credit much at all (esp. in 3rd year). At least I get a bit from DipMSc... I liked the old Melbourne model better.

[nex]

epic edit

[m@tty]

epic edit

+1 lol

[QuantumJG]

Pure Maths is definitely an interesting, but hard field of Maths (I'm studying for my group theory and linear algebra exam atm). Pure Maths is something you won't really have seen at school before (I.e. Any of the VCE Maths) so it took me (well still taking me) a while to adjust to it as the Maths you do really is a big leap, but after exposure to it enough and if you are passionate about it then that leap calms down.

Most of the people I know doing pure Maths are either wanting to go into academia but there are also those who want to get into banking. I guess that through developing analytical skills in it you will have employability in a lot of areas where Maths is required.

[Bozo]

Hey guys, this isn't bozo, one of this mates. Just posting this to ask you guys!

I'm interested in doing a pure maths PhD and I have a few questions:

1. How long would I be at university for in total and could you explain the route there?
2. How hard is it to become a university professor/lecturer whereby you lecture a bit and do some research? Is competition competitive?
3. As I was never into maths at at younger age, I only developed an interest at 16, would I be too far behind the likes of Thushan in getting into a job like this. Like for instance, to be a professional athlete in soccer, you need to be trained from the age of 3-4 to stand any chance. Is this the same case for mathematics?
4. What pay does a lecturer/professor receive. I don't care much about money so long as I can live comfortably and support a family.
5. Job security?

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!
It's my dream to be a mathematics professor, just not sure if it's a possible reality

[Bozo]

Also, True Tears, this question was pretty much posted for you and Ahmad!

[mark_alec]

1. You can expect it to take at least 7-8 years (4 years for honours, 3-4 for PhD).
2. Very difficult, there are not many academic positions available.
3. It won't matter if you haven't done much maths before uni, the only assumed knowledge is high school level.
4. Pay - http://policy.unimelb.edu.au/UOM0115#section-1.1 - better than average but much less than in other professions.
5. If you are tenured, then great, otherwise you can expect stress every 2-3 years as you will constantly be required to apply for grants.

Don't let the difficulty put you off, if it is what you love doing then 1) doing what you love will make you happy 2) you can get a job in any field that requires quantitative and analytical skills.

[Bozo]

With regards to question 2:

How is it comparing to get into medical school in terms of difficulty?

Look, not to blow my own trumpet, but my teacher's words,"you are the most mathematically gifted student I have ever had" and he has tutored 50s in spesh. I want to study medicine, it's comfortable lifestyle, social respect, fascinating job and rewarding. But my heart is telling me to study maths.

Just how difficult is it, could you please elaborate?

[mark_alec]

Across Australia there will be more positions in medical school than academic positions in maths departments - both will be difficult but it will be easier getting into a course (medicine) than finding an academic post.

If maths is what you love and if you are talented at it, then by all means pursue it - nothing stops you from jumping across to medicine in the future if that's where your fortunes will lie.