Education

Nanyang Technological University (NTU): Science: Mathematical Sciences

Category Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Science, Singapore, Undergraduate
Tags Mathematical, Nanyang Technological University, NTU, Science

Established in 2005, the Division of Mathematical Sciences (MAS) at the Nanyang Technological University is founded on the vision that mathematics goes beyond being an independent discipline. It is a continually evolving science with widening roles, expanding applicability and deepening relevance – often with surprising outcomes. Many crowning glories of mathematics involve applications in disciplines beyond itself:

1. Non-Euclidean geometry in the theory of relativity (Einstein)
2. Operator algebra in Ising models (Onsager)
3. Linear programming in economics (Kantorovich and Koopmans)
4. Stochastic calculus in financial engineering (Merton and Scholes)
5. Quadratic optimization in portfolio management (Markowitz)
6. Game theory in the analysis of computer algorithms (Yao)
7. Number theory in RSA public-key cryptosystem (Rivest, Shamir and Adleman)
8. Combinatorial optimization in Akamaiʼs content delivery platform (Leighton, Lewin,
   Seelig and Nijhawan)
9. Spectral graph theory in Googleʼs search method (Page and Brin)

The first five applications listed above led to Nobel prizes, the next two led to Turing Awards, while the last three gave rise to highly successful technology companies. The very name of our Division – Mathematical Sciences – suggests that mathematics is multidisciplinary in nature and thrives on the interaction with different disciplines.

Our four-year direct honours undergraduate curriculum incorporates both depth and breadth to provide strong preparation for both further studies and future careers. Students are trained in classical areas to ensure solid mastery of the fundamentals as well as modern subjects to ensure relevance and applicability in the new economy. Industrial internships give students an opportunity to put into practice what they learn, and experience different aspects of working life, which would help them make career choices upon graduation. There is sufficient flexibility in our curriculum to cater to different needs and interests of very student. Advanced courses, research projects and additional concentrations are available to stretch and challenge the interested and motivated students; and for those keen on the experience of studying overseas, the Global Immersion Programme (GIP) and overseas exchange programme are available. All these opportunities are put in place to train graduates who will be well equipped with skills that are crucial for the knowledge-based economy.

Complementing the curriculum is our research-oriented faculty, which continues to put the education and nurturing of our students on the highest priority. By being research-active, our faculty members are aware of the latest ideas in the field and are able to bring them into a classroom setting to share with our students at the appropriate level. The emphasis on a strong research culture also sets the stage for our graduate programme. Besides teaching in class, our faculty members also serve as mentors to our students through both informal interaction and formal mentorship, to help prepare our undergraduate students for their career, and to train graduate students into researchers. We have recruited, and will continue to recruit, faculty members who have demonstrated excellence and potential in both research and teaching.

MAS has also a constant stream of post-doctoral fellows and renowned visitors that are spending time at the Division on both short term and long term basis to collaborate with our faculty and share ideas with our students.

2008 is a momentous year for MAS. For the first time since inception, students and faculty of the Division moved under one roof – we finally moved into the new MAS building, which has been designed by architects, alongside mathematicians, for mathematicians. The product is a modern building with world-class infrastructure that can support our faculty members in their pursuit of excellence in research and teaching, and our students in their learning. The MAS building is also designed to encourage interaction among students and faculty members. There is plenty of space where students and faculty can sit down and muse. There are plenty of surfaces on which students and faculty can scribble ideas, simplify a formula, or pen a thought. For these, I want to put on record my thanks to the former Head of Division, who has the foresight and courage to suggest these features that so uniquely distinguish our physical building and Division character.

The curriculum is designed with the objective of equipping the graduate with rigorous training needed for the new economy, and with the mindset for continual life-long learning in order to adapt to changes. Provision is made to ensure breadth in knowledge and competency in useful skills such as communication, while depth is ensured through the requirements for the major. For the Major in Mathematical Sciences, apart from analytical and reasoning skills, together with problem-solving skills, acquired through the learning of rigorous mathematical concepts, students will also be able to pick up computing skills, technical communication techniques, as well as have the opportunity to learn how mathematics is connected with other disciplines such as biology, computer science, economics and finance. Opportunities for deeper investigations in the subject are also provided for students who seek extra challenge through special Courses, supervised independent study and research projects.

Given the broadness of mathematical sciences, three distinct tracks – in…

1. Pure Mathematics,
2. Applied Mathematics, and
3. Statistics

are offered within the Major in Mathematical Sciences, catering to students with different interests.

Major in Mathematical Sciences with Concentrations

1. To satisfy major with concentration in Mathematics of Information and Communication, in addition to fulfilling the requirements of the Major in Mathematical Sciences (any track), students must pass all the 4 Courses in A2 Electives.
2. To satisfy major with concentration in Computational Mathematics, in addition to fulfilling the requirements of the Major in Mathematical Sciences (any track), students must pass at least 4 Courses in ONE of the following groups: A1, A3, or A5 Electives.