Stuart Townley Professor of Applied Mathematics Environment and
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Stuart Townley Professor of Applied Mathematics Environment and Sustainability Institute
Why study mathematics? • Mathematics is the universal language for analysis, abstraction, explanation and prediction • Development of mathematics is stimulated by our observations of the physical and natural world
Why a mathematics degree Builds generic skills in logic and reasoning Enhances IT skills Ranges from abstract to applied Valued by employers in finance, commerce, technology • Mathematics is vital for tackling multidisciplinary challenges faced by 21 st century society • •
UNESCO’s Maths of Planet Earth
Why study Mathematics and Planet Earth? • Mathematics underpins analysis, explanation and prediction of our planet • Our mathematical development is inspired by observations of Earth, its systems, processes and the life it supports
Typical make up of a maths applicant • A level (or equivalent) in Maths • Common to have A levels in Physics and/or Chemistry • Some would have Further Maths • Many would have A levels in History and/or English, Biology, Geography, Business Studies, …
Make up of a maths applicant - ctd • ABB is the bench mark for entry into Russell group universities • Passion for mathematics … and • Interest in its wider use and development • Understanding of 21 st century challenges and the role of maths
Useful experiences • http: //www. britishscienceassociation. org/crestawards • http: //www. nuffieldfoundation. org/nuffieldresearch-placements • Maths and science enrichment workshops • Maths Masterclasses
Typical “Russell Group” maths degree Year 1: Core pure and applied maths, mathematical methods Year 2: Mostly compulsory mix of pure and applied maths, mathematical methods & Statistics Year 3: Diverse range of options, final year project, outside options, … Some elements of group learning, student based investigations, employability, …
HE Maths for the 21 st Century • Year 1 Ø Classroom investigations based around field work Ø Expert lecturers inspire group based research Ø Cross curriculum assignments • Year 2 Ø Peer mentoring Ø Topical, relevant applied options • Year 3 Ø Project work with dual supervision Ø Iceland Field Course – putting maths in to action
Useful Links • http: //www. mathscareers. org. uk/1619/career_profiles. cfm • http: //www. ams. org/careers/ • http: //www. education. gov. uk/get-into-teaching • Maths of Planet Earth 2013
Average Starting Salaries* • IT graduates £ 21, 179 (artificial intelligence), £ 20, 855 (information systems), £ 20, 651 (software engineering) and £ 20, 388 (computer science). • Science graduates £ 21, 721 (physics), £ 18, 917 (chemistry), £ 17, 390 (environmental science), £ 17, 232 (biology) and £ 16, 462 (sports science). • Average starting salary for maths graduates was £ 21, 724. *Based on 2009 graduates six months after graduating - by the Higher Education Careers Services Unit (HECSU) and the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services (AGCAS)
Destinations of Mathematics graduates 3 M Allianz BP Centrica Commerzbank Ernst & Young Grant Thornton KPMG Ocado Princess Yachts Pw. C Renishaw Royal Bank of Scotland Royal London Insurance Siemens Towers Watson Actuarial analyst Assistant finance analyst Audit associate Bond processor Consultant Data analyst Software engineer Maths teacher Market risk analyst Pricing analyst Sales consultant Web designer
Employers of exeter maths graduates
