The following is a guide for prospective students who are considering studying Mathematics at the University of Toronto. Should you have any questions regarding undergraduate admissions, feel free to contact the Department of Mathematics.
Mathematics has its origins in the study of shape and number, and the desire to understand the physical world around us. Geometry, number theory, and mathematical physics continue to be important parts of mathematics, and many fundamental questions in these areas are still unresolved. However, with mathematics one can model biological systems, come to grips with chaotic dynamics and attempt to predict the behaviour of complex systems such as financial markets or even the weather.
What can I do with an undergraduate degree in mathematics?
This is a question that often comes up when asked about the study of
mathematics. A first-rate degree in mathematics prepares you for a career
in many fields, including education, industry, commerce, finance, consulting,
or the civil service. Increasingly, employers are appreciating that training
in mathematics produces graduates who have strong analytical skills and a
well-developed capacity for independent, high-level problem solving.
An undergraduate Specialist degree in Mathematics at the University
of Toronto provides an excellent preparation for graduate work.
Graduates from the University of Toronto are regularly accepted at the
best graduate schools in North America and Europe -- usually with full
financial support. These programs also provide a strong background for
graduate work in areas other in mathematics. Obtaining graduate degrees
in mathematics may lead to employment in universities and increasingly,
in business, finance, and consulting.
The Department offers students excellent opportunities to study the subject of mathematics and glimpse at current research frontiers. In addition, the University of Toronto also is one of the top research centres for other areas in the sciences such as computer science, economics, physics, and statistics. With the most programs of any university in Canada, a student may pursue a degree in almost any field of interest.
Finally, a student who decides to pursue an undergraduate Specialist degree in Mathematics will find that class sizes in mathematics courses are actually quite small: most courses starting in your second year of study usually have less than 30 students. You will easily get to meet and know your fellow students in your program.
For Ontario secondary school applicants, students must have two OACs in mathematics, one of which must be Calculus. Algebra & Geometry is highly recommended as the second mathematics course, although Finite Mathematics is also acceptable. Students from outside Ontario should have senior level courses in mathematics; preferably a course in calculus.
The deadline for applications are as follows:
For more information, please contact the Essential Guide to the University of Toronto regarding Admissions.
Scholarships, Co-Ops, Internships, Financial Aid
Students who apply for admission to the University of Toronto will
be automatically considered for admissions scholarships on the basis
of academic achievement. There is no separate application form for most
of these awards; scholarship offers will be mailed out at the same time as the
offers of admission. The University of Toronto annually offers more than
Cdn$2,000,000 in scholarships each year!
The Department of Mathematics also awards outstanding students in mathematics. In particular, incoming undergraduate students from Ontario who demonstrate financial need are eligible for the Coxeter Scholarship in Mathematics, named after Prof. H.S.M. Coxeter, one of Canada's greatest mathematicians.
In addition to the Department of Mathematics, each College within the University of Toronto that you apply in also offers generous scholarships and awards.
A list of scholarships is available at the Faculty of Arts and Science web site.
Mathematics students are eligible for National Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) co-op summer scholarships with industry, and for the University of Toronto Professional Experience Year (PEY) program. PEY is an internship program which students can work for 12 to 16 months after either second or third year, and gain work experience relevant to their field of study.
For information on obtaining Financial Assistance, please visit the University of Toronto Financial Aid web site.
The Major program in Mathematics has goals similar to those of the Specialist programs, but is less intensive. On its own, the major program leads to a B.Sc. degree; combined with a program from one or two other fields, it can also lead to an honours B.Sc. degree. A minor program in Mathematics is also offered. This program would be of interest to students concentrating their studies in another area, who want to have a general knowledge of mathematics.
For more information on the programs and courses offered, please consult the Faculty of Arts & Science calendar.
What courses do I take in first year? What to do in your first year depends on the mathematics program in which you are interested. For the Specialist program in Mathematics and in Applied Mathematics, you are required to enroll in Analysis I (MAT 157Y) and Algebra I (MAT 240H). For the Specialist program in Mathematics and its Applications, you should take Introduction to Computer Science (CSC 148H), and either Introduction to Scientific, Symbolic and Graphical Computation (CSC 260H) or Introduction to Modelling and Optimization (CSC 270H); Effective Writing (ENG 100H); Calculus! (MAT 137Y) or Calculus I (MAT 135Y); Linear Algebra I (MAT 223H), and An Introduction to Probability and Modeling (STA 107H). For combined programs, you should take MAT 137Y or MAT 157Y and MAT 223H or MAT 240H as listed in the program requirements for the complementary program.
For the Mathematics Major, MAT 135Y or MAT 137Y may be taken and MAT 223H may also be taken in first year. For the Mathematics Minor, MAT 135Y or MAT 137Y are suitable.
Brief course descriptions are available by consulting the Faculty of Arts & Science calendar. A more comprehensive guide is available through our separate web page: A Guide to First Year Courses (under construction).
Contact Information
For further information on the Department of Mathematics and its programs,
please contact any of the advisors:
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Joel Chanjoel@math.toronto.edu
Last updated: March 23, 2006
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