Planning minors and majors
When planning which units to complete for a minor or major in an area of mathematics, the choice of level-one and level-two units may affect significantly what can be taken at level three, because most mathematics and statistics units have strict prerequisites from the previous level or semester. Note that most level-two and three units are only offered in one semester each year and that some level-two and three units may not be offered every year.
In all minors and majors there are also compulsory units that must be taken but most have flexibility and allow the selection of some elective units. Care must be taken to ensure that minimum requirements for these minors and majors are followed but by choosing combinations judiciously. Wherever possible, students should aim to leave their options open for study across a range of areas in mathematics and related disciplines in later years.
Undergraduate Handbook
Before completing re-enrolment it is recommended that you consult the detailed handbook entries for the minors, majors and extended majors of each area of mathematics at:
- Mathematics (covering a broad range of specialisations);
- Applied mathematics;
- Financial and insurance mathematics;
- Mathematical statistics;
- Pure mathematics.
Students who commenced their science course prior should follow the requirements for the minors and majors in the handbook for the year in which they first enrolled in that course, but it is usually possible to follow the corresponding requirements for any subsequent year in which they were still enrolled. Descriptions of earlier versions for all minors and majors are provided under the 'Area of study' description for 'Mathematics and statistics' via the Archived handbooks.
Selecting units
Having selected the minor, major or extended major that is closest to your area of interest, it is recommended that you:
- check the precise requirements for that minor or major via the handbook links above;
- read the outlines of any compulsory units that you must complete for this;
- select the most likely other units that you may take from any list of options provided;
- by clicking on the links provided, note the prerequisites and semester of offering;
- write down a schedule of the year and semester in which you plan to take all of those units, taking into account prerequisites and semesters;
- bear in mind the scheduling of any additional elective mathematics or statistics units that you may wish to take beyond those requirements.
The ordered List of units offered on the left-hand menu may also assist you in this selection process.
Some recommendations on when compulsory units are normally taken, and some advice on which combinations of elective units are appropriate, are provided below. It is strongly recommended that students considering other unit combinations discuss these prior to enrolment with the relevant coordinators (see below), or ask at Science Student Services.
Coordinators and advisers
Individual course advice on each minor or major can be obtained from academic staff in the School. Refer to the list of coordinators listed under Teaching on the School Management and Administration page in the left-hand menu.
These staff are all located in the Mathematics building at 9 Rainforest Walk (previously building 28). If they are not available, the staff in the School Enquiries Office (room 401 on level 4) may be able to direct you to another suitable member of staff. You may also email us at sci-maths-enquiries@monash.edu and your enquiry will be directed to a suitable member of staff.