UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM IN MATHEMATICS
Introduction
There have been many changes and exciting developments in mathematics over the last twenty to thirty years, and greater emphasis has been made on new areas of mathematics as well as on the application of mathematics to an ever widening range of pursuits in many different areas.
Much of the change has taken place as a result of the advent of the computer, the impact of which has been manifold. First of all, it has revitalized and extended many classical areas. For example, modern treatments of linear algebra extend on traditional approaches and give extra emphasis to its relevance to large scale computations that arise in imaging, weather forecasting, optimization and diverse areas of mathematical modelling, just to name a few. Secondly, the development of nonlinear dynamics and chaos has relied heavily on extensive computation that has forced an astonishing truth on the mathematical, scientific and engineering community - that determinism does not ensure regular or predictable behaviour. Finally, contemporary mathematical analysis is much more closely attuned to effective computational models arising in science, engineering and economics.
The Department of Mathematics is sensitive to the needs of the programs within the Division of Information and Communication Sciences, and participates actively in their design and delivery, with the aim of producing well rounded graduates educated with the mathematical skills that underpin the pursuit of their chosen professions. Within the wider Macquarie University community, the Department contributes to programs where there are opportunities to enhance the quantitative and modelling skills of our graduating students.
The Department of Mathematics is in the enviable position of being within the same Division as the Departments of Physics and Electronics, both vibrant units in their own rights. Such arrangements do not appear to be reflected in comparable universities in the Sydney area, and this presents us with a unique opportunity. The Department pursues opportunities to offer students in these areas units that integrate mathematics seamlessly into their programs of study.