Financial Mathematics and Statistics
Study in the discipline of Financial Mathematics and Statistics is offered by the School of Mathematics and Statistics in the Faculty of Science. Units of study in this major are available at standard and advanced level.
About the major
Financial mathematics and statistics is designed to meet the needs of a particularly popular area of employment for our mathematics graduates. Mathematics is the foundation of the financial world. It allows investors, traders and bankers to make optimal decisions and to distribute risk in a rational way. The mathematics behind finance is, however, not simple and relies heavily on ideas from statistics and the mathematical theory of random events.
Financial Mathematics and Statistics will give you a broad introduction to the methods and ideas of mathematical finance and will prepare you for employment in the financial sector or for honours and further study in the field.
Requirements for completion
A major in Financial Mathematics and Statistics requires 48 credit points, consisting of:
(i) 12 credit points of 1000 level units according to the following rules:
- (a) 6 credit points of calculus units; 3 credit points of linear algebra units and 3 credit points of statistics units; or
- (b) 3 credit points of calculus units; 3 credit points of linear algebra units and 6 credit points of data science units
(ii) 12 credit points of 2000-level core units
(iii) 12 credit points of 3000-level interdisciplinary project and core units
(iv) 6 credit points of 3000-level statistical modelling units
(v) 6 credit points of 3000-level mathematical modelling units
A minor in Financial Mathematics and Statistics is available and articulates to this major.
First year
MATH1021/1921/1931, MATH1023/1923/1933 and MATH1002/1902, and either MATH1005/1905 or DATA1001.
The first year units provide a strong foundation for further learning and a broad introduction to the Mathematical Sciences. MATH1021/1921/1931 and MATH1023/1923/1933 extend your knowledge of calculus and introduce you to calculus of several variables and mathematical modelling with differential equations. MATH1002/1902 introduces you to linear algebra, including matrices and their applications. MATH1005/1905 and DATA1001 both introduce you to working with data.
Second year
Core: MATH2070/2970 and STAT2011/2911
The second year units provide core specialist knowledge and skills in Financial Mathematics and Statistics. STAT2011/2911 provides foundational knowledge of random processes and probability while MATH2070/2970 introduces you to mathematical optimisation and the foundations of financial mathematics.
Third year
MATH3970/MATH3070 and STAT3021 and a 3000-level project unit and a selection of 6 credit points from MATH3979, MATH3076/3976, STAT3023 and STAT3022/3922
In your third year you must take the designated project unit. You must also take MATH3970/3070 which introduces you to the world of financial derivatives and STAT3021 which gives you the tools to understand highly variable financial markets. The fourth unit at third year level can be chosen from a selection of MATH and STAT units depending on your particular interests.
Fourth year
The fourth year is only offered within the combined Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Advanced Studies course.
Advanced coursework
The Bachelor of Advanced Studies advanced coursework option consists of 48 credit points, which must include a minimum of 24 credit points in a single subject area at 4000-level, including a project unit of study worth at least 12 credit points. Space is provided for 12 credit points towards the second major (if not already completed). 24 credit points of advanced study will be included in the table for 2020.
Honours
Students who complete a major in Financial Mathematics and Statistics may go on to honours in either Applied Mathematics or Statistics, depending on their interests and the units that they have chosen in their third year. Both Applied Mathematics and Statistics honours require 24 credit points of coursework and 24 credit points of project work.
Honours units of study will be available in 2020.
Contact and further information
W www.maths.usyd.edu.au/
First year enquiries email:
Other undergraduate enquiries email:
All enquiries phone: +61 2 9351 5804 or +61 2 9351 5787
School of Mathematics and Statistics
Level 5, Carslaw Building F07
University of Sydney NSW 2006
Professor Mary Myerscough
T 9351 3724
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Learning Outcomes
Students who graduate from Financial Mathematics and Statistics will be able to:
- Construct logical, clearly presented and justified arguments incorporating deductive reasoning.
- Understand principles and concepts of a broad range of fundamental areas in mathematics and statistics with a particular focus on optimisation, risk analysis and stochastic processes.
- Formulate and model practical and abstract problems in mathematical terms using a variety of methods.
- Apply mathematical principles, concepts, techniques and technology to solve practical and abstract problems and interpret results critically with particular focus on problems that arise in the context of the financial sector.
- Appropriately interpret information communicated in mathematical or statistical form.
- Appropriately present information, reasoning and conclusions in a variety of modes, to diverse audiences (expert and non-expert).