Mathematics

Maths is more than adding, multiplying and dividing, as I’m sure you have realised while examining Leaving Cert past papers. As a profession maths applies the equations to real life. If you have ever asked your teacher ‘when are we ever going to need to know the value of x + y?’ The answer is everyday.

There are countless callings for mathematicians. Everything that is designed, built or organised needs to be logically calculated from the insurance premiums offered by a company to the measurements needed for a new bridge on the Liffey.

Mathematics at third level is extremely demanding and it is important for potential students to have a high interest and capability in the area. These qualities will ensure good financial rewards, multiplied by serious job satisfaction, to the power of many career options.

Education
The higher-level mathematics courses available in Ireland are degree programmes in Mathematics, Mathematical Sciences, Financial Mathematics, Financial & Actuarial Mathematics, Computing Studies & Mathematical Science and Economics. The CAO points needed are in the 400 – 500 bracket and candidates must also get good results in their Leaving Cert Maths exam (studying for honours is not always required, but is generally a good idea).

The subjects you may find on a mathematics course include Algebra, Statistics, Calculus, Number Theory, Differential Equations, Computational Methods, Financial Mathematics, Economics, Computer Architecture, Database Management, Stochastic Modelling, Quantum Theory, Data Analysis and Actuarial Statistics.

Other course options to consider for students with an interest and aptitude in mathematics include Actuarial & Financial Studies, Computer Science and Theoretical Physics, as well as other IT, Science and Business courses.

Options after Qualification
Employers value the skills that mathematics graduates bring to the workplace, such as the ability to handle difficult problems, analyse information and think logically.

Some graduates go on to become fully-fledged mathematicians or statisticians, which often involves further postgraduate study. If you decide to teach Mathematics in secondary schools you must complete the Higher Diploma in Education (HDip).

Depending on your interests and the subject options chosen during your degree, you could end up working in finance, accountancy, computing, industry, investment, meteorology, IT, engineering, software design, economics, healthcare, energy, education, research, the government or the environmental sector, to name but a few.

The Work
There are lots of potential career options to consider; we are going to concentrate on the mathematician and the statistician.

Mathematicians can be divided into two groups – Theoretical and Applied. Theoretical mathematicians are involved in the advance of mathematical knowledge, developing new principles and recognising previously unknown relationships between existing mathematic principles. Many theoretical mathematicians are employed as university lecturers and divide their time between teaching and conducting research.

Applied mathematicians use theories and techniques such as computational methods, to formulate and solve practical problems in business, government, and engineering; and in the physical, life, and social sciences. For example, they could analyse the most efficient way to schedule airline routes between cities, or examine the safety and side effects of new drugs across a section of the population.

Statisticians collect, analyse and interpret quantitative information, for business, scientific or governmental use. This information could include birth and death rates, unemployment figures, the current prison population or the number of people on hospital waiting lists. Statisticians need to be able to explain their methods and results clearly, and also give advice based on what they have discovered.

Many statisticians work in central or local government departments. The statistical information they collect is used to inform the public, and they are also crucial players in the area of policy development. However, they can also be found working in industry and business; for example, statisticians can predict demand and target products in particular markets.

Personal Qualities & Work Environment
A love of numbers and a capability with maths is paramount. Organisational and analytical skills are useful attributes to have. Mathematics graduates can find themselves working in laboratories, offices or lecture halls, depending on the direction their careers take.

The Money
The salary of a qualified statistician varies depending on the organisation. In general, statisticians can expect to start at around €25,000 a year, a figure that rises with experience.

Jargon
Quantitative: Relating to the number/amount of something as opposed to the quality
Stochastic Processes: Mathematical processes characterised by their randomness (e.g., exchange rates, Brownian motion, Robbie Keane scoring for Ireland)
Infinity: The concept of increase beyond bounds (as in Buzz Lightyear's rallying cry, "To infinity — and beyond!")

Job Titles
Applied Mathematician
Theoretical Mathematician
Statistician

Further Resources
Irish Mathematical Society
Mathematics Department
Trinity College Dublin
Dublin 2
Web: http://www.maths.tcd.ie/pub/ims/

Royal Irish Academy
19 Dawson Street
Dublin 2
Phone: 01 676 2570
Web: www.ria.ie
Email: info@ria.ie

European Mathematical Society
Web: www.emis.de

Math.com
Web: www.math.com