Mathematics

Course Information

BSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)

Full Time – Undergraduate Studies

CAO Code: DN200
CAO Points Range 2019: 521
Length of Course: 4 Years
Average Intake: 400

Leaving Certificate:

  • O2/H6 in Mathematics
  • O2/H6 in a laboratory science (Applied Mathematics, Computer Science or Geography may be used instead of a laboratory science subject) and
  • O6/H7 in English, Irish and two other recognised subjects

Special Entry Recommendations: We recommend that all students in Mathematics should have a minimum Grade H3 in Leaving Certificate Higher Level Mathematics or equivalent.

Click below for equivalent entry requirements information for:

Why is this course for me?

Mathematics is a universal language and a tool of fundamental importance in the physical and social sciences, engineering,
technology, computer science, statistics, finance, data analytics and many other fields. The subject is thousands of years old and yet thoroughly modern. In the past 100 years the growth of mathematics has been spectacular, stimulated not only the by the needs of science, technology and commerce, but also by the intellectual challenges provided by the discipline itself. The interplay between mathematics and neighbouring subjects continues to yield many fascinating problems that require creative solutions. If you find mathematics interesting and enjoyable then this degree could be for you.

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

Each year sees new applications of sophisticated mathematical models and procedures in insurance and actuarial services, data analytics, the stock market, banking and industry. Employers in all of these areas seek mathematics graduates for their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Our recent graduates have found work in diverse areas, including:

  • Actuarial science
  • Banking and financial services
  • Civil service executive and administrative grades
  • Coding and cryptography companies
  • IT industry
  • Meteorology
  • Research

Opportunities for further study include include MSc and PhD programmes in Mathematical Sciences in Ireland and abroad, leading to research positions in universities or industry.

What Will I Study

This is a sample pathway for a degree in Mathematics. Topics include linear algebra and geometry, differential and integral calculus, graphs and networks, theory of games, groups, rings and fields, metric spaces, differential geometry and functional analysis.

First Year

  • Mathematics
  • Statistics
  • Applied and Computational Mathematics
  • Optional Science modules
  • Elective module

Second Year

  • Mathematics
  • + 1 Other Science Subject
  • Elective modules

Third Year

  • Mathematics
  • Elective modules

Fourth Year

  • Mathematics (include an optional research project)

All Science courses are full time, with many student timetables running from 9.00am to 5.00pm or later. Depending on the subject choices, a weekly timetable can include lectures, practicals and tutorials.

Assessment varies with each module but may comprise continuous assessment of practicals, written exams and online learning activities.

For detailed information on subject content click here

International Study Opportunities

Students may apply to study abroad for a semester in third year in partner institutions internationally.

Testimonial

“In secondary, school I loved maths. However, University-level maths has a reputation for being unthinkably difficult, and I was afraid that I wouldn’t be able for it. However, I’ve found that, although hard work is essential, University Maths certainly is doable. Moreover, it’s engaging. There’s a great deal more to maths than you ever see in secondary school! The more maths you study, the more interesting it becomes, and some of the courses are really fascinating. Maths requires a lot of critical thinking and rigorous understanding, and the lecturers in UCD encourage this. They are very good at transmitting their enthusiasm to the students. What’s really great is that the maths lecturers are approachable, and keen to answer any questions you may have.”

Caitríona Byrne Graduate

Geology

Course Information

BSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)

Full Time – Undergraduate Studies

CAO Code: DN200
CAO Points Range 2019: 521
Length of Course: 4 Years
Average Intake: 400

Leaving Certificate:

  • O2/H6 in Mathematics
  • O2/H6 in a laboratory science (Applied Mathematics, Computer Science or Geography may be used instead of a laboratory science subject) and
  • O6/H7 in English, Irish and two other recognised subjects
Click below for equivalent entry requirements information for:

Why is this course for me?

Geology is the study of the earth: the nature and origin of materials that make up our planet and the natural and energy resources it provides. It explores the processes that shape the earth (e.g. climate change, earthquakes, volcanoes and landslides). Geology addresses fundamental questions regarding the structure, age and evolution of the earth, its controlling processes and the history of life. Geology impacts profoundly on many aspects of life and society.

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

Geology graduates work in areas essential to understanding and protecting the environment, in industries using natural resources and developing infrastructure in roles such as geological surveyors, petroleum and mineral exploration and production geologists, mine geologists, hydrogeologists, oceanographers, geochemists, environmental consultants and engineering and structural geologists.

Graduates can also pursue a range of MSc or PhD opportunities in Ireland or abroad. Graduate programmes include the UCD MSc in Petroleum Geoscience, and programmes offered by several UK universities include MSc in Hydrogeology, MSc in Engineering Geology, and MSc in Oceanography.

What Will I Study

This is a sample pathway for a degree in Geology. Topics include sedimentology, palaeobiology, geochemistry, mineralogy, petrology, geophysics, structural geology,
tectonics, earth evolution, earth resources and applied geology.

First Year

  • Geology
  • Mathematics
  • Optional Science modules
  • Elective module

Second Year

  • Geology (includes a residential field course in the west of Ireland)
  • + 1 Other Science Subject
  • Elective modules

Third Year

  • Geology (includes residential field courses in Ireland and England)
  • Elective modules

Fourth Year

  • Geology: the year begins with a field-mapping research project, with follow-up research and report completion during the remainder of fourth year. There is a 10-day residential field course, usually held in Spain.

All Science courses are full time, with many student timetables running from 9.00am to 5.00pm or later. Depending on the subject choices, a weekly timetable can include lectures, practicals and tutorials.

Assessment varies with each module but may comprise continuous assessment of practicals, written exams and online learning activities.

For detailed information on subject content click here

Testimonial

“In Geology, field work is an essential component which is so different to a classroom learning environment. Most recently I’ve had the opportunity to travel to Almeria in Spain to study geological evolution of mountain belts. On a field trip you’re out immersed in the Geology of the area for the full day and then return in the evening to your accommodation for a well-deserved feed and a summary of what you’ve studied that day. With a degree in Geology you learn so much about how wonderfully dynamic the planet we live on is. After I graduate I want pursue a career involving the reconstruction of ancient environments. I’m currently considering undertaking further study in the mechanisms behind past climate change and catastrophic events.”

Grace Fitzgerald Student

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Archaeology, Geography & History

Upcoming Events

UCD Geology Workshop – 30th November
UCD Virtual Open Day 2020 – 14 November

Financial Mathematics

Course Information

BSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)

Full Time – Undergraduate Studies

CAO Code: DN200
CAO Points Range 2019: 521
Length of Course: 4 Years
Average Intake: 400

Leaving Certificate:

  • O2/H6 in Mathematics
  • O2/H6 in a laboratory science (Applied Mathematics, Computer Science or Geography may be used instead of a laboratory science subject) and
  • O6/H7 in English, Irish and two other recognised subjects

Special Entry Recommendations: We recommend that all students in Financial Mathematics should have a minimum Grade H3 in Leaving Certificate Higher Level Mathematics or equivalent.

Click below for equivalent entry requirements information for:

Why is this course for me?

If you have a strong interest in Mathematics, enjoy problem solving and are interested in how Mathematics is used in business and finance, this degree in Financial Mathematics will give you an understanding of the mathematical theories that underpin financial models, as well as computational expertise in the algorithms that price financial products. One example of a financial model included in the course is the Black-Scholes option pricing model, dating from 1973, which is one of the earliest equations developed and used to price options. Implementations of these models, including computer programming, form a key part of the course.

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

Graduates with training in Financial Mathematics work in fields as diverse as:

  • Quantitative positions in the financial sector
  • Risk modelling in banking and insurance
  • Computing in business, technology, research and academia

Graduates can also pursue a range of MSc or PhD programmes such as the MSc in Actuarial Science, MSc in Quantitative Finance, or an MSc in Statistics.

What Will I Study

This is a sample pathway for a degree in Financial Mathematics. Sample topics include probability theory, statistical modelling, computational science, fundamentals of actuarial and financial mathematics, advanced corporate finance, stochastic analysis and machine learning.

First Year

  • Statistics
  • Applied & Computational Mathematics
  • Mathematics
  • Optional Science modules
  • Elective module

Second Year

  • Applied & Computational Mathematics
  • Mathematics
  • Statistics
  • Finance
  • 1 other Science subject
  • Elective modules

 

 

Third Year

  • Financial Mathematics (modules include Computational Finance, Stochastic models, Corporate Finance)
  • Elective modules

Fourth Year

  • Financial Mathematics (modules include Financial and Actuarial Mathematics, Stochastic Analysis, Risk Management)

All Science courses are full time, with many student timetables running from 9.00am to 5.00pm or later. Depending on the subject choices, a weekly timetable can include lectures, practicals and tutorials.

Assessment varies with each module but may comprise continuous assessment of practicals, written exams and online learning activities.

For detailed information on subject content click here

International Study Opportunities

Students may apply to study abroad for a semester  in third year in partner institutions internationally.

 

Testimonial

“When I came to the UCD Open Day and saw the beautiful science building and how friendly everyone was, my mind was made up right away. When I learned about Financial Mathematics, it sounded like the perfect way to continue to study mathematics while also combining it with my interest in financial markets. I was also lucky enough to get to go abroad for my third year to UC Berkeley in California which was an amazing experience. Studying at a different institution gave me another perspective and I think it’s really helped me in my final year. I also completed an internship in the summer between third and fourth year at Credit Suisse and was able to earn credits as part of the professional placement module. After I graduate, I’ll be going back to work at that same firm full time.”

Joseph Mulligan Student

Computer Science, Mathematics & Education

Course Information

BSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8) & MSc (NFQ Level 9)

Full Time – Undergraduate Studies

CAO Code: DN200
CAO Points Range 2019: 521
Length of Course: 5 Years [BSc 4 years +MSc 1 year]
Average Intake: 402

Leaving Certificate:

Leaving Certificate:

  • O2/H6 in Mathematics
  • O2/H6 in a laboratory science (Applied Mathematics, Computer Science or Geography may be used instead of a laboratory science subject) and
  • O6/H7 in English, Irish and two other recognised subjects

Special Entry Recommendations: We recommend that all students in Computer Science, Mathematics & Education should have a minimum Grade H3 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics, or equivalent.

Click below for equivalent entry requirements information for:

Why is this course for me?

If you’re interested in mathematics and computer science, and think you might like to teach these subjects at post-primary level, then this course may be for you. It’s designed so that from the start, you study mathematics and computer science, along with education, in an integrated manner. In third year, you will gain teaching experience by completing placements (which we find for you) in a post-primary school and as a third-level tutor. The four-year BSc in Computer Science, Mathematics & Education leads directly to the one-year MSc in Mathematics and Science Education. On completion of both degrees, you should be fully qualified to teach Computer Science and Mathematics to Higher Level Leaving Certificate Level.

Key Facts

The five-year course is awaiting accreditation by the Teaching Council of Ireland. Placements are integrated into this course from first year, with year-long placements at two different post-primary schools during the final two years of the course.

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

On completion of the BSc, students have guaranteed entry to the MSc in Mathematics & Science Education, provided they have achieved a GPA of 3.08.  This is equivalent to a 2.1 Honours.  Placements are integrated into this course from first year. Care is taken to slowly introduce you to placements to enable you to build confidence before teaching a class of pupils. During the last two years of the course, students complete year-long placements at two different post-primary schools. These placements are designed so that students not only obtain teaching experience, but also gain a whole-of-school experience through participating in parent-teacher meetings, timetabling etc. The complete five-year course is awaiting accreditation by the Teaching Council of Ireland.

What Will I Study

This is a sample pathway for Computer Science, Mathematics & Education.

First Year

  • Mathematics
  • Computer Science
  • Education
  • Elective module

Second Year

  • Mathematics
  • Computer Science
  • Education
  • Elective modules

Third Year

  • Mathematics
  • Computer Science
  • Education
  • School placement – one placement in a post-primary school and one placement as a third-level tutor

Fourth Year

  • Education
  • School placement
  • Mathematics & Computer Science

Fifth Year

  • Education
  • School placement
  • Research Project

For detailed information on subject content click here

Testimonial

“Computer Science is a young, exciting discipline that has revolutionised society in only a few decades. Professionals in every walk of life from Art to Zoology can benefit from Computer Science and Mathematics knowledge. How we teach tomorrow’s experts can help them benefit the lives of others. Those that can understand and apply computing and mathematical skills effectively, ethically, and safely will help shape society for generations to come. Our Computer Science, Mathematics & Education course provides a solid preparation to put you in the position of educating tomorrow’s citizens, providing them with knowledge that will not only improve their lives, but help them improve the lives of others.”

Dr Brett Becker, Faculty.

Applied Mathematics, Mathematics & Education

Course Information

BSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8) & MSc (NFQ Level 9)

Full Time – Undergraduate Studies

CAO Code: DN200
CAO Points Range 2019: 521
Length of Course: 5 Years (BSc 4 Years + MSc 1 Year)
Average Intake: 400

Leaving Certificate:

  • O2/H6 in Mathematics
  • O2/H6 in a laboratory science (Applied Mathematics, Computer Science or Geography may be used instead of a laboratory science subject) and
  • O6/H7 in English, Irish and two other recognised subjects

Special Entry Recommendations: We recommend that all students in Applied Mathematics, Mathematics & Education should have a minimum Grade H3 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics, or equivalent.

Click below for equivalent entry requirements information for:

Why is this course for me?

If you’re interested in mathematics and applied mathematics, and think you might like to teach these subjects at post-primary level, then this course may be for you. It’s designed so that from the start, you study mathematics and applied mathematics, along with education, in an integrated manner. In third year, you will gain teaching experience by completing placements (which we find for you) in a post-primary school and as a third-level tutor.

The four-year BSc in Applied Mathematics, Mathematics & Education leads directly to the one-year MSc in Mathematics and Science Education. On completion of both degrees, you are fully qualified to teach Applied Mathematics and Mathematics to Higher Level Leaving Certificate Level.

Key Facts:

The five-year course is fully accredited by the Teaching Council of Ireland.

Placements are integrated into this course from first year, with year-long placements at two different post-primary schools during the final two years of the course.

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

On completion of the BSc, students have guaranteed entry to the MSc in Mathematics & Science Education, provided they have achieved a GPA of 3.08. This is equivalent to a 2.1 Honours.

Placements are integrated into this course from first year. Care is taken to slowly introduce you to placements to enable you to build confidence before teaching a class of pupils.

During the last two years of the course, students are assigned year-long placements at two different post-primary schools. These placements are designed so that students not only obtain teaching experience, but also gain a whole-of-school experience through participating in parent-teacher meetings, timetabling etc. The complete five-year course is fully accredited by the Teaching Council of Ireland.

What Will I Study

This is a sample pathway for Applied Mathematics & Mathematics Education.

First Year

  • Mathematics
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Education
  • Elective module

Second Year

  • Mathematics
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Education
  • Elective modules

Third Year

  • Mathematics
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Education
  • School Placement – one placement in a post-primary school, and one placement as a third-level tutor.

Fourth Year

  • Education
  • School Placement
  • Mathematics & Applied Mathematics

Fifth Year

  • Education
  • School Placement
  • Research Project

For detailed information on subject content click here

Testimonial

“I have always wanted to work with people, and have long been fascinated by the way people learn and think about mathematics. I am also passionate about promoting positive Maths engagement among the wider community. By choosing Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and Education, I was able to continue studying Mathematics while also learning how to best share my enthusiasm for Mathematics with others through teaching. I really like the sense of community that exists across the different streams of the education program, and the lecturers are always on hand to offer support and guidance. I work as a tutor in the UCD Maths Support Centre, and I enjoy meeting students studying Mathematics modules across UCD and answering their questions.”

Lucy Nyland Student

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