Master of Science in Mathematical Sciences

Program Structure

The master´s programme consists of a master’s thesis of 60 ECTS, 20- 40 ECTS in specialization courses (courses at 3000-level in mathematics or statistics), up to 30 ECTS in elective courses (relevant and 3 scientific courses on 2000 or 3000-level), and 10 ECTS in the mandatory course MAT-3001 «Introduction to mathematical research

It is mandatory to take one of the following specialization courses in the first semester:

• MAT-3300 Algebra 2
• MAT-3110 Differential Geometry
• MAT-3200 Mathematical Methods
• STA-3002 Multivariable Statistical Analysis

In the second semester it is mandatory to take one of the following specialization courses:

• MAT-3303 Algebraic Geometry
• MAT-3111 Differential Geometry 2
• MAT-3202 Nonlinear Waves
• MAT-3213 Climate Dynamics
• STA-3001 Computer-intensive Statistics.

The program is primarily a full-time program, over 2 years. Adjustments can be made for part-time students. Attendance during lectures and seminars is required. All courses will be given at campus Tromsø.

Courses from other Universities, both national and international can be included in the study program.

Teaching and assessment

The courses in the study program mostly consist of lectures, seminars and exercises.

All academic staff who teach the study program are active researchers in various research projects. The courses are based on relevant research and are related to the department’s research activity. Special curriculums and the master's thesis are supervised on an individual basis by the department's academic staff.

Form of assessment varies between portfolio assessments, home exams, reports, and oral and written exams. In some courses, mandatory assignments must be approved for exam access.

After submitting the master's thesis, it is assessed, and normally within 6 weeks an oral presentation and examination is held. This may influence the final mark.

Access to further studies

The study program qualifies for PhD studies, for instance, the PhD program in Science at UiT.

Exchange

Exchange with other Norwegian or foreign institutions is encouraged in the two first semesters. Several exchange agreements and stipend arrangements are available at UiT. The department has several exchange agreements that are suitable for master's students.

The program board must preapprove the planned courses at external institutions.

We recommend an exchange in the second semester. The mandatory course MAT-3002 can be exchanged with another relevant course at the exchange University, or the students can follow this course digitally and take 20 credits at the exchange University.

Learning Outcomes

After completing the study programme, the candidate will have achieved the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

The candidate:

• has advanced knowledge within mathematical areas such as statistics, algebra, geometry or applied mathematics
• has solid knowledge of fields close to the chosen main area
• has sufficient knowledge of mathematics to teach in senior high school
• has solid knowledge of fields close to mathematics and statistics, such as physics or computer science
• has thorough knowledge of mathematical or statistical methods in theory and practice and can analyze academic problems on the basis of traditions in the academic field
• can apply mathematical or statistical methods in new areas of natural and social science

Skills

The candidate:

• can enter complicated problem issues, uncover structures and formulate precise problems, find suitable analytical and/or numerical solution methods, and interpret the solutions
• has good practical skills in using relevant programming tools
• can use existing literature in an active way to understand the work of other scientists, and as support to solve own mathematical problems
• can use mathematical or statistical methods in theory and practice, and make an independent judgment of the applicability of theory and models for a given problem
• can carry out an independent, limited research project under supervision and in accordance with applicable norms for research ethics in the mathematical sciences

General Competence

The candidate:

• has solid knowledge of a broad variety of mathematical and statistical methods and techniques for analysis and problem-solving
• has acquired good theoretical insight and the ability to apply mathematical theory, methods and techniques to solve problems
• possesses necessary qualifications for work within industry, technology, science, information technology, and schools.
• can apply knowledge within mathematics and statistics on problems and questions arising within social and natural sciences
• can cooperate in an interdisciplinary way with other specialists
• can find precise and scientific formulations, in oral and written language
• can do independent scientific work and formulate the contents of the work within the framework of the terminology of mathematics and statistics
• can make knowledge-based judgments on general scientific issues and communicate these in public.
• can contribute to new thinking and innovation processes in the field of mathematics and statistics

Job Prospectives

Through the program, the students will acquire broad competence that qualifies them for work in different areas and sectors. They train in problem-solving using systematic and analytical methods, which will make them attractive candidates for research, development and management. There are development and innovation projects that require competence in the mathematical sciences in renewable energy, climate adaptation, information technology, economics, insurance, finance and banking, biotechnology and medical technology.

There is an increasing need for personnel who can process and analyze data, and our society sees a growing demand for competence in modeling and analyzing complex problems within different sectors and fields.