Bachelor Degree in Mathematics
‘What are maths for?’ This is a very common claim among secondary school students. One must acknowledge Mathematics is one of the most unpopular subjects of all times. Nevertheless, most young people like video games and computers without realizing that maths have a lot to do with that.
Maths have a lot to do with everything, indeed: from beauty proportions used in fashion to engineering, from music to finance. Everyday activities such as shopping, driving a car, opening a bank account or surfing the net would not exist without maths.
An old story
Mathematics is one of the oldest bachelor degrees. It was already taught at medieval universities, such as Sorbonne or Salamanca. In fact it’s a discipline much older than the Middle Ages. Ancient Greece had the first great mathematicians, like Thales of Miletus or Pythagoras. The last one not only created the famous theorem he’s remembered for, but also founded one of the most prestigious schools of Antiquity.
Most bachelors in Mathematics work as teachers or researchers, though their skills and accomplishments make them suitable for many other jobs. Anyway, a good predisposition for pedagogy is advised for anyone considering to choose these studies. Applied Statistics is another interesting field to work in. Job opportunities can be found at calculation centers, financial entities, population statistics centers or research and planning programs.
Not only teachers
Mathematicians can be found in private companies as advisors or consultants, too, often holding a position of high responsibility. Mathematicians who specialize in computing sciences usually work side by side with bachelors in Computer Engineering. Programming and data processing are the most usual tasks for mathematicians working at private business companies. Anyway, there is an increasing number of mathematicians working as logistic managers, caring for stock optimization or planning and organizing effective delivery routes. Geodesics, cartography, and astronomic mechanics are some other fields a Mathematics bachelor might excel at, though they are rather rare employments. A few will find the job of their dreams as military encoders.
Mathematics degree’s syllabus focuses on algebra, geometry, equations… all the classic disciplines we remember from school times. But it also includes topology, statistics and odds, computing, physics and foreign languages -with an emphasis on scientific terminology. Some optional subjects deal with modern and fascinating theories, such as Fourier analysis, Riemann’s geometry, nonlinear optimization, chaos theory and locally convex spaces.
Perfect for… people with a strongly analytical mind.
Don’t choose it if… you can’t stand teenagers or you don’t see yourself as a high school teacher.
Match it with… Computer Engineering, Economics, Geography, Pedagogy, Education sciences.