Welcome to Mathematical Sciences

Mathematics provides us with a universal language with which to describe, model, and understand phenomena in our world. Like most similar departments in universities around the world, we focus on the three main pillars of mathematical sciences: pure mathematics, applied mathematics, and statistics. Our breadth of interest and expertise is expanded though to include the application of mathematics to understand phenomena in our physical environment (e.g. stellar and planetary astrophysics, atmospheric science, geophysics) as well as phenomena of our own making (e.g. financial mathematics, operations research, biological mathematics, industrial mathematics). This breadth of mathematical sciences makes us quite unique, and enables us to play a critical role in interdisciplinary partnerships through collaborations with other disciplines and industry. The interactive map here depicts our strengths, and you can hover over and click on different sections to explore further.

In addition to providing majors in mathematical sciences (Mathematics, Statistics, Astronomy & Astrophysics, and Atmospheric Science) to B.Sc. students and double degree students, the School provides all of the teaching in mathematics and statistics across the university for students undertaking degrees in Science, Engineering, Computer Science, I.T., and Pharmacy.

Our curriculum is continually revised to ensure relevance to the needs of industry, and to expose students to the latest developments in mathematics. The School has an Industry Advisory Board, who meet with us twice per year to inform us of the changing needs of industry, to discuss the kind of attributes they value in graduates and to ensure our courses are producing graduates whose skill sets are highly valued. Mathematics graduates are highly sought after for their analytical skills and problem solving abilities. A recent survey published in the Wall Street Journal revealed that mathematicians and statisticians polled top place for the best occupations based on criteria including work environment, income, employment outlook, physical demands and stress. We enjoy keeping in touch with our graduates, and maintain a selection of profiles to inspire future students about where a degree in mathematical sciences can lead!

Our connections with industry are also critical for our research, and we work closely with CSIRO, Bureau of Meteorology, the banking sector, and other organisations. Our research is carried out by our academic staff and our research students (including honours, Masters and Ph.D. students). Generous scholarships are available to join us for a research degree.

The Mathematical Sciences have long been known as the “Queen of the Sciences”. It is clear from the 2006 National Strategic Review of Mathematical Sciences in Australia that any vision for the future research and educational needs of the mathematical sciences must acknowledge that the mathematical sciences cannot and should not exist in isolation from other disciplines. Quoting from the opening paragraph of the review document, the cross-disciplinary relevance is paramount to securing a strong place for the mathematical sciences into the future:

“The mathematical sciences are fundamental to the well-being of all nations. They drive the data analysis, forecasting, modelling, decision-making, management, design, and technological principles that underpin every sector of enterprise. Their influence extends beyond science related disciplines to financial services, the humanities, arts and the social sciences. They are vital to research, development and innovation in business and industry, science and technology, national security and public health. Worldwide demand for new mathematical solutions to complex problems is unprecedented and has led to an appreciation of the power of cross-disciplinary research within the mathematical sciences and with other disciplines.”

The School of Mathematical Sciences at Monash University has a vision for the mathematical sciences to move beyond the label of “Queen of the Sciences” and to be fully appreciated for their cross-disciplinary pivotal role. Much of our society’s future directions depend on the extent to which mathematical solutions can be found for critical problems in the medical, environmental, economic, infrastructural and other key domains.

We invite you to join us in achieving this vision. If you are a prospective undergraduate student, we hope to see you at Open Day or in a lecture theatre soon! If you are a prospective postgraduate student, please contact academic staff in the school to initiate discussions to find a suitable supervisor and discuss scholarship options. If you are a colleague from another institution, we welcome contributions to our seminar series or hosting your sabbatical visit to Monash. If you are from industry we would welcome discussions about possible collaboration. If you are from a primary or secondary school, we would be happy to come and talk to your school about what a mathematician does and what study and career pathways are available as part of our outreach program.

We invite you to explore the School and its strengths via this website, and to contact us if you cannot find the information you seek.

Professor Kate Smith-Miles

Head, School of Mathematical Sciences

Monash University