The Department of Mathematics offers programs of study that lead to the Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Arts, Master of Science, Bachelor of Arts, and Bachelor of Science. For information on the Bachelor of Science, see the Faculty of Science.
For information on advanced degrees, see graduate Mathematics.
The Department offers a large selection of courses in various areas of pure and applied mathematics which require various levels of mathematical sophistication. B.A. programs combining mathematics with another subject such as economics, English, linguistics, music, or philosophy, are encouraged. The student is advised to consult a Mathematics Major advisor in order to design a coherent program of study suitable to the student's interests and abilities.
Admission to the Major or a Combined Major or the Honours program in Mathematics is not automatic. To be admitted, a student must submit a formal application. Because there is a limited number of places, some students who satisfy the minimum prerequisites may not be admitted.
Applicants are required to have at least Year 2 standing. Selection for admission is based on the average standing in all credits of post-secondary coursework attempted, with the exception that 12 credits of courses other than MATH courses may be excluded from the calculation. The average is calculated on at least 27 credits, and must include (i) 6 credits of first-year calculus, equivalent to MATH 104 and MATH 105; (ii) 3 credits that satisfy the Writing Component of the Writing and Research Requirement (ARTS 001, ASTU 100 or 101, ENGL 100, WRDS 150, WRDS 350 or an approved equivalent); (iii) one of MATH 200, 217, or 226; (iv) one of MATH 221 or 223; (v) MATH 220 (students who complete MATH 226 are exempted from MATH 220); and (vi)3 credits of the Computing Requirement chosen from CPSC 110, CPSC 103 and 107, or MATH 210. Note that students who have only completed CPSC 103 will be considered. Courses required under (i) – (vi) cannot be taken on a Credit/D/Fail basis.
Students who are considering a Major, Combined Major, or Honours program in Mathematics are encouraged to seek advice on their program from Mathematics Department advisors upon completion of their first 27 credits.
A written application for admission to the Major or Honours program should be received by May 20 to ensure that the student will be considered for admission. Application forms are available from Mathematics.
The application form must be accompanied by a copy of the student's permanent record from UBC and official transcripts of the student's record from all other post-secondary educational institutions attended.
In addition to degree requirements, students complete:
In addition to degree requirements, students complete 24 credits of mathematics courses numbered 300 and above, and 6 credits of mathematics, statistics, or computer science courses numbered 300 or above.
The Department makes the following recommendations:
For information on the Combined Major in Economics and Mathematics, see Vancouver School of Economics.
In addition to degree requirements, students complete:
In addition to Faculty of Arts requirements, students complete:
Students intending to enter the Honours program should consult an Honours advisor in the Department of Mathematics at the beginning of the second year. To be admitted to the Honours program, a student must obtain at least 68% in MATH 121, or 80% in MATH 101 or 103 or 105, and 80% average in MATH 100/101 or 102/103 or 104/105.
Students who intend to do graduate work in Mathematics should continue their study of French, German, or Russian beyond the intermediate level.
Students take mathematics courses as for Honours mathematics and other subjects as specified by the other department.
In addition to Faculty of Arts requirements, students complete:
1See Calculus Examination Certificate.
2One of MATH 220 or 215 may be delayed until third year.
3Students can take ECON 307 and 3 additional credits of Economics numbered 300 or higher instead of ECON 101 and 102.
4STAT 200 can substitute for ECON 325.
5Students are advised to take these courses in first year.
6A 68% overall average is required in these 30 credits to obtain an honours degree.
7A 68% overall average is required in these 24 credits to obtain this Honours degree.
8See Combined Honours Program under "Degree Program Options" in the Faculty of Arts.
9MATH 449 is recommended.
10 MATH 210 may not be offered every year.