What is mathematical sciences?

Mathematics is the study of measurements, forms, patterns, variability and change. It has evolved from human efforts to understand the natural world. Its roots go far back in prehistory, but an unbroken chain of development has continued for more than two thousand years since the Greek civilization at the time of Euclid . The end of this chain, modern mathematical sciences, is in its own right a supreme creation of the human intellect; it is also critical for economic competitiveness, and is a basis for investigations in many fields.

Over the course of time, mathematical sciences have developed a rich and intrinsic culture that feeds back into the natural sciences and technology. The discipline now reaches far beyond the physical sciences and engineering; it reaches into medicine, commerce, industry, the life sciences, the social sciences, and every other application that needs quantitative analysis. Its influence has been vastly enlarged by modern computers. Computer use in problem solving, simulation and decision making relies on powerful computational algorithms derived from new mathematical developments.

Mathematical Sciences in IIUM

The Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences (BMathSc) programme has a minor critical component in Islamic Revealed Knowledge in addition to the core Mathematical Sciences subjects. The goal is to generate responsible mathematical scientists who would contribute to nation-building and be the pride of the Ummah .

The degree programme in Mathematical Sciences is aimed at developing versatile graduates who are able to think critically and creatively in order to analyse situations, organise information and devise solutions to complex problems at the workplace.

Students may opt to concentrate on one of the following six areas:

1. Computational Mathematics

2. Financial Mathematics

3. Operational Research

4. Optics

5. Statistics

6. Pure Mathematics

Career opportunities

The Mathematical Sciences degree is a versatile qualification. The programme does not train students for specific jobs. Rather, it teaches a wide range of skills that employers value. These include clear and logical thinking, problem-solving skills and analytical and organisational abilities. Accounting and actuarial firms, for instance, do not always take in recruits according to degree specifications, but on the strength of qualities such as those mentioned above. Mathematics graduates are sought after by organisations requiring personnel, who can solve complex problems, design efficient systems or set up mathematical models for application in such activities as weather and share market forecasting.

At the workplace, mathematical sciences graduates are employed as educationists, computer professionals, managers/consultants, finance professionals, statisticians and administrators. The mathematical skills considered important by employers are computational mathematics, mathematical modeling, optimization, statistics and analysis.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

Malaysian Students
Three principal passes in STPM examination.
or
Three principal passes in the GCE "A" level examination obtained in one sitting
or
Any other certificate recognised by the IIUM Senate as equivalent to the above.

Malaysian students who have successfully completed the IIUM matriculation programme in the relevant fields are eligible for admission. Candidates who have passed the SPM must apply for admission to the Matriculation Centre through the UPU (Unit Pusat Universiti).

Foreign Students
Foreign students who are eligible for admission to public universities in their countries would be eligible for admission to IIUM. A substantial number of foreign students is expected to be enrolled into the kulliyyah.

For more information please see these links:
• Application form and other details
• Send an e-mail to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ridzwan Hashim (Academic Affairs) or Dr. Mohd. Fadzil Bin Mohd. Hassan (Student Affairs)

STUDY PLAN

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

In order to obtain the BMathSc degree from IIUM, a student must successfully complete 122 credit hours (CH) of course work, consisting of the university, kulliyyah, department requirements and co-curriculum courses, as shown below:

University Required Courses

Students must complete all university required courses. The total university requirements are (20CH) and consist of Islamic Revealed Knowledge courses (12CH), English Language course (6CH) and a Malay Language course (2CH).

Kulliyyah Required Courses

Students are required to complete (9 CH) of kulliyyah required courses. These comprise (3CH) for Science and Islam, (3CH) for Computers in Science, and (3CH) for Principles and Practice of Management.

General Core Courses

The Mathematical Sciences core courses constitute 54 CH of course work.

Concentration Courses

A student is required to complete 15 CH of concentration courses from one of the six specialisation areas. A student should choose at least one option from the list of six. He or she should, as early as possible, consult with departmental advisers in selecting a concentration that meets his or her needs. A student may also opt to do two concentrations in place of a minor package.