Future Students

Mathematical & Computer Sciences - foundation package

A foundation package in mathematics and computer science leads to major sequences in any of the following:

• Computer Science
• Pure Mathematics
• Applied Mathematics
• Mathematical Statistics
• Mathematical Sciences

Bachelor of Science Level 1
Foundation package in the mathematical and computer sciences:  A pair of units in mathematics and statistics; a pair of units in computer science, comprising Java programming and a choice between C programming, web technologies and foundations of computer science; a pair of units chosen to give you a third possible science major discipline (e.g. from the physical or behavioural sciences). Your fourth pair of units can be from a complementary or contrasting area of science, or even from outside science.  

Levels 2 and 3
You may continue with both mathematics and computer science, or one of these plus at least one other science discipline to at least level 2. Mathematics units at level 2 focus on further calculus, linear algebra and probability, plus at least one option appropriate to the major(s) you intend to complete at level 3: pure mathematics, applied mathematics or mathematical statistics. A variety of units in each of these is offered at level 3.

A major in mathematical sciences allows you to combine options from across these majors. The major sequence in computer science includes a core unit in data structures and algorithms at level 2, plus options. At level 3 you will complete a core unit in professional computing plus at least three options, chosen from areas including systems, databases, networks and security, computer vision, artificial intelligence, internet technologies and game design.

Named Programs 

The University of Western Australia also offers a number of named programs involving mathematics and/or computer sciences:

• The Bachelor of Science (Bioinformatics) combines mathematics or computer science with a biological discipline, with the aim of solving the puzzles of complex biological systems, from genetic disorders to coral reef ecosystems.
• The Bachelor of Science (Scientific Computation) develops high-level skills in computer and mathematical modelling for research and applications in the physical sciences, using state-of-the-art computing facilities.
• The Bachelor of Science (Physical Science) offers a choice of majors, including mathematics, combined with physics, chemistry and/or geology.

Mathematics features also as a requirement or an option at level 1 of many other programs and majors, and computer science may be taken as an elective in other foundation packages and programs. 

Career opportunities

Mathematics plays a pivotal role in modern physics and chemistry; it provides the everyday working language of engineering and technology; it reaches into economics, the social and biological sciences, and in a major way (through statistics and mathematical modelling) into medicine and health studies. It is also an ever-developing field of study and research in its own right. Mathematicians can therefore be found working in a huge variety of places, from banks to hospitals, from mining companies to environmental protection agencies. Mathematics can lead to careers in industry, statistical consulting, defence, finance and insurance, mining and geophysics, education and the health sciences.

Computer technology is essential to every large-scale activity in modern societies worldwide—in government, communications, transport, commerce and industry, etc.—and has transformed the private lives of modern citizens.  Graduates with a computer science major find careers in research and development, government departments, major corporations of all sorts, computer manufacturing and service, universities and small business. A second major in a different science discipline, or a combined course (e.g. with engineering or law) can lead to specialised career opportunities.