Mathematics and statistics play a crucial role as the basis of modern society. Technological development has further increased the need for mathematical and statistical information and at the same time made possible new solutions in different fields of science and in everyday life.
The Degree Programme in Mathematics and Statistics trains students as mathematics and statistics experts in research, planning and teaching careers in the public and private sector, and in subject teaching in mathematics and information technology/physics/chemistry. The most common employers include various educational institutions, industry, banks, insurance companies, research institutions and statistics offices.
Students are admitted to the Degree Programme in Mathematics and Statistics. Students have the right to take first the Bachelor of Science degree and then the Master of Science degree. During the Bachelor studies students choose a competence area that leads to Master studies in either mathematics or statistics. During the Master studies it is possible to specialize in mathematics or take the Master’s degree in the Master’s Degree Programme in Computational Big Data Analytics, which is offered jointly with Computer Sciences. It is also possible to specialize in subject teaching in mathematics. These students must make a separate application for pedagogical studies during their mathematics studies. The selections of students for pedagogical studies are made on the basis of aptitude and achievement in studies.
The degree programme includes optional studies which students can take to diversify their knowledge and to influence their future careers. In the various branches of mathematics, typical optional studies include computer science, statistics, education, insurance science, economics, financial administration and public sector accounting, philosophy, physics and chemistry. In the Master’s Degree Programme in in Computational Big Data Analytics, optional studies may include for example economics, public health, psychology, computer science, insurance science or mathematics.
Learning Outcomes
Students having completed the Bachelor’s degree students will
- be familiar with their chosen subject and have the preconditions to follow developments in the field
- have the capabilities for scientific thinking and scientific working methods
- have the preconditions for embarking on education leading to a higher degree and for lifelong learning
- have the preconditions to apply what they have learning in working life
- adequate communication and language skills
Students having completed the Master’s degree will
- have a profound knowledge of their own specializations
- have the capability to apply their knowledge and to apply scientific working methods
- have the capability to work in working life as experts and developers in their respective fields
- have the capability for postgraduate studies
- have good communication and language skills
Studies in mathematics
On completion of the basic and intermediate studies included in the Bachelor’s programme students will be familiar with the main branches of mathematics and have a conception of mathematics as a subject of university study. During their studies students’ ability for abstract mathematical thought and problem solving will develop. Having taken the Bachelor’s degree students will be capable of undertaking studies leading to a higher university degree. Students will also learn more by choosing appropriate free choice studies according to the study path they have preferred.
In Master’s studies students will concentrate on learning more about mathematical theory and acquiring a more profound understanding of the special scientific nature of mathematics. They will also improve their ability to conceptualise abstract structures. Free choice studies make it possible for students to apply and enhance their learning according to their own interests and the study path selected.
Students aiming at becoming teachers of mathematics will acquire in their chosen studies the mathematical and pedagogical expertise required for teaching work. Students will achieve extensive eligibility to function as subject teachers of mathematics in various educational institutions and educational levels. In addition to studies in mathematics and education students will also take studies in a second subject which they plan to teach.
Students specializing in mathematics of computing will learn more by focusing especially on the mathematics used in data processing theory and applications and also applications themselves as part of their studies in computer science.
Studies in statistics
Students having completed basic and intermediate studies forming part of the Bachelor’s programme will have comprehensive knowledge of the main theories of statistics, the main data acquisition and analysis methods and the computer-based application of such methods. Students will also acquire a wide range of computer science skills and extensive knowledge of information management both in science and in practical applications.
In Master’s studies students will learn more theoretical and methodological skills, in addition to what they have learned in Bachelor’s studies, which they will need in demanding statistical research and planning and in tasks of implementing research and management. Students will also acquire the capability to learn more, which they will need in their future work tasks.