School of Mathematical Sciences

The School of Mathematical Sciences

From ground floor to second floor is the School of Mathematical Sciences (The ones painted in grey) whereas from the third floor to seventh floor is the School of Computer Sciences. The main office is located at the ground floor.

2) Difference between Pure Mathematics and Applied Mathematics?

In Pure Mathematics, we are interested in theoretical mathematics. Pure Mathematics studies the theories and proofs of the existence of these theories that builds up the field of Mathematics.

In Applied Mathematics, we will also study theoretical mathematics but not so much in depth into it as the title suggests, we are more inclined towards the application of the theories. We apply these mathematical theories into solving real-world problems.

3) What are the courses offered from the School of Mathematical Science?

The School of Mathematical Sciences offers 5 courses, namely:

(i) Pure Mathematics

In Pure Mathematics, we are interested in theoretical mathematics. Pure Mathematics studies the theories and proofs of the existence of these theories. You will be studying programming such as C++, MATLAB, and etc.

(ii) Applied Statistics

Applied Statistics focuses on statistics stuffs like data and decision making. Remember your hypothesis testing? It is a lot on that too. Undergraduates will also be looking at the theory of probability, decision making, prediction as well as a lot on analysis. You will also study programming such as C++, MATLAB and so on.

(iii) Operational Research

Operational research (OR) encompasses a wide range of problem-solving techniques and methods applied in the pursuit of improved decision-making and efficiency, such as simulation, mathematical optimization, queueing theory and other stochastic-process models and many more. Operational researchers faced with a new problem must determine which of these techniques are most appropriate given the nature of the system, the goals for improvement, and constraints on time and computing power.

(iv) Mathematical Modelling

Mathematical modelling is the process of using various mathematical structures – graphs, equations, diagrams, scatterplots, tree diagrams, and so forth – to represent real world situations. Meaning, undergraduates in this course will use mathematical structures to transform problems into mathematical representation and solve it, therefore trying to solve the problems that occur.

(v) Mathematics and Economics

This course offers you two major namely Mathematics and Economics. These 2 courses are interrelated with each other as the things you learn in Mathematics can be applied into Economics and vice versa. This course is almost like Actuarial Science, just that it is not as in depth as Actuarial Science. You will be studying about Mathematics as well as Economics.

4) How many units should be accumulated for graduation?

Courses

Type

Pure Mathematics

Mathematics & Economics

Other Applied Mathematics Courses

Core

T

71 units

75 units

75 units

Minor

M

20/0 units

–

20/0 units

Elective

E

12/32 units

32 units

12/32 units

University

U

20 units

20 units

20 units

Total Minimum Units

123 units

127 units

127 units

5) What is the language used in teaching and learning?

English

6) What are the programming language that will be taught?

Some of the programming language that will be taught are C++, MATLAB, AutoCAD, Mathematica and many more.

7) What is our future prospect?

Bank officers, Stockbroking Executives, Statisticians, Teachers, Lecturers, Quality Assurance Engineers, Systems Engineers, Investment Analysts, Administrative Officers, Planning Officers, Quality Control Officers, Production Engineers, Research Officers and many more.

8) Do we have internship and industrial training?

In School of Mathematical Sciences, internship and industrial training are optional and not granted any units and grades for graduation but are strongly encouraged to undergraduates.

9) How are course registration done?

For first year first semester, undergraduates will register the courses manually at the office of School of Mathematical Sciences. Starting from second semester, undergraduates will register courses online via www.campusonline.usm.my

10) What is Dean’s list and what’s the requirement of dean list?

A Dean’s list is a category of students in a university who achieve high grades during their stay in an academic term or academic year. The minimum requirement of earning Dean’s list is stated as below:

-CGPA above 3.5, and

-Accumulated units above 14 in one semester.

11) Do we have to buy or reference books or textbooks?

It depends on the decision of lecturer. If you are lucky, your direct senior might give you free notes and reference books!

12) How are the lecturers and seniors?

Most of the seniors of the School of Mathematical Science are friendly and helpful. They are more than willing to assist should there be any doubts. Some of the lecturers are nice and they are willing to go the extra mile for his/her students.

13) What minor can we take?

In School of Mathematical Sciences, you can choose to take a minor in any of the schools in USM. Mostly, undergraduates of School of Mathematical Sciences will minor in Management, Psychology, Computer Science, Economics or Islamic Studies. This applies to all courses under the School of Mathematical Sciences except for Mathematics and Economics as this is a Double Major course, so undergraduates for this course are not allowed to take minor.

14) When can we take minor?

Usually, you can start taking your minor subjects during your second semester in your first year. (With exclusion to the undergraduates of Mathematics & Economics)

15) What is the attire for attending lectures and tutorials?

Undergraduates are not allowed to wear shorts, slippers, short skirt, singlet, and any other dress codes that are deemed inappropriate to attend classes.

16) What are the facilities provided in the School of Mathematical Sciences?

Following are the facilities provided in the School of Mathematical Sciences:

(i) Water dispensing machine

(ii) Drinks vending machine

(iii) Computer labs

(iv) Open study area

(v) Tutorial rooms

(vi) Lecture hall

(vii) Toilets

(viii) WiFi (USMSecure)

17) Are the undergraduates qualified to take actuarial exams?

You can take actuarial exams regardless of what course you’re taking. With the modules in USM, you can possibly take Exam P and Exam FM only.

18) How to get to the School of Mathematical Sciences?

Undergraduates can hop onto Bus AC, Bus B, Bus C, Bus D and drop at Fajar Harapan bus stop. The school is just opposite the bus stop of Fajar Harapan .

19) What is Mathematics Society? Are undergraduates compulsory to join?

Mathematics Society is a society under the School of Mathematical Sciences. All undergraduates in the School of Mathematical Sciences are automatically members of Mathematics Society. Undergraduates are not made compulsory to join the activities of Mathematics Society, but are strongly encouraged to participate as participants or organizing committee of these activities.

20) Is Mathematics all about calculation?

If you think a student of the School of Mathematical Sciences is all about calculations, then you are wrong! Mathematics is, in fact, not calculation. It is a language of communication. You will realise that you will need to start reading Mathematics reference books or notes provided by your lecturer and understanding the theories in order to sit for your exams. The myth of mathematics is just about calculation is long gone once you are a student of the School of Mathematical Sciences.

21) Can we get enough sleep?

Unless you choose to do your tutorials or assignments last minute, there’s ample time to sleep.

Specially customized by Andy Lim & Willis Lai