About
Mathematics is the study of structures, patterns, and the use of formal reasoning to enrich our understanding of the world. It can be is used to predict patterns of societal behaviour, design immense structures, analyze disease transmission and build models of national economies. Mathematicians contribute to the formulation and solution of problems in diverse fields such as medicine, economics, computer science and engineering.
- Three or four year degree
- Full or part-time program
- You can enter this program directly from high school
- You can begin this program off-campus
What you will learn
Studying mathematics will teach you how to think critically and use logic to solve a surprisingly wide variety of problems in fields such as the physical sciences, economics, biology and many others. You will learn to reason about numbers, shapes, and relations. Using these ideas you will model features of the world with the aid of tools such as differential equations, networks, algebraic structures and much more.
A first-year schedule sample
This degree program is flexible and offers you the opportunity to take courses in many different subject areas. Here’s what a typical first-year schedule might look like:
| Course | Description |
|---|---|
Fall Term |
|
| MATH 176 (or MATH 110)a | Advanced Calculus I (for students with Calc 30) (or Calculus I) |
| MATH 164a | Introduction to Linear Algebra |
| PHIL 120b | Knowledge Mind and Existence |
| INDG 107c | Introduction to Canadian Indigenous Studies |
| CMPT 141d | Introduction to Computer Science |
Winter Term |
|
| MATH 177 (or MATH 116)a | Advanced Calculus II (or Calculus II) |
| CMPT 145d | Principles of Computer Science |
| ASTR 113d | Introduction to Stellar Astronomy |
| ENG 113b | Literature and Composition Reading Narrative |
| ECON 114e | Introductory Macroeconomics |
a Required course for the major
b One of the course options to complete the English Language Writing Requirement
c One of the course options to complete the Indigenous Learning Requirement
d One of the course options which may be used in the Cognate Requirement
e One of the course options which may be used in the Breadth Requirement
The Course and Program Catalogue has the complete and official listing of required classes and their descriptions for this program.
MATH 238: Introduction to Differential Equations
Solutions of first order and second order differential equations, elementary existence results, fundamentals of some operational and transform methods of solution, power series solutions, 2 x 2 systems, elementary numerical methods. An introduction to modelling will arise through the use of examples from the physical and biological sciences, economics and social sciences, engineering. Examples will include: population models, mechanical vibrations, Kepler's problem, predator-prey models.
MATH 361: Group Theory
Introduction to group theory, including: cyclic groups, symmetric groups, subgroups and normal subgroups, Lagrange's theorem, quotient groups and homomorphisms, isomorphism theorems, group actions, Sylow's theorem, simple groups, direct and semidirect products, fundamental theorem on finitely generated Abelian groups.
MATH 465: Introduction to Cryptography
Presents a thorough introduction to the mathematical foundations of cryptography. Results from number theory and algebra and how they are used for the safe transmission of information are studied. Various security protocols, the mathematical principles needed for them, and the mathematical principles used in possible attacks are examined.
MATH 402.0: Honours Thesis in Mathematics
Students taking an Honours program in Mathematics or a Double Honours program in Mathematics and a second subject are required to submit a written presentation of a topic in mathematics under the supervision of a faculty advisor and deliver a subsequent oral presentation on the topic.
MATH 450.3: Topics in Geometry
This course introduces students to topics in modern geometry drawn from algebraic, differential, and/or symplectic geometry. The course may focus on major themes and emerging phenomena such as the minimal model program, noncommutative geometry, and mirror symmetry; or upon individual classes of interesting geometric spaces, such as algebraic curves and Riemann surfaces, Calabi-Yau manifolds, minimal surfaces, and moduli spaces.
Unique opportunities
The Mathematical Physics program takes its students on a journey from mathematical foundations to cutting-edge topics at the intersection of mathematics and physics, such as quantum physics and the geometry of space and time. You will interact with both mathematicians and physicists. The Department participates annually in undergraduate mathematical competitions that expose students to situations with no classroom counterpart.
Student-professor ratios
Upper year classes have excellent student-professor ratios; this allows for direct interaction and creates an excellent learning environment.
Careers
Some career opportunities include:
- Mathematical and/or theoretical physics research-stream professor at a university
- Mathematical and/or theoretical physics researcher at a research institute (e.g. Perimeter Institute, AT&T Bell Labs, IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center, Los Alamos National Lab, CERN)
- Applied mathematician or physicist in industry
- Data analyst for large or small software firms (e.g. Google, Facebook, Apple, startups) or government agencies
- Quantum computing/quantum information researcher in academia or industry
- Quantitative analyst for financial firms or government agencies
- Industrial or government analyst using mathematical modelling to understand economic and labour trends, social networks, transportation systems, agricultural production, etc.
- Science policy maker for government
- University instructor or high-school teacher
Tuition estimates
| Canadian students | International students | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $7,919 | $38,328 |
| Student fees | $1,121 | $1,121 |
| Books | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| Total | $10,540 | $40,949 |
Tuition will vary depending on the type and number of classes you take in a year. This estimate reflects a typical amount you could expect to pay in your first year if you enroll in a full course load, the maximum number of courses allowed (2024-2025 Canadian dollar rates).
Student fees are used to fund specific student benefits, including health, vision and dental coverage, a bus pass, recreational programs and fitness centre access.
The cost of books and supplies varies widely depending on the courses you choose. It is recommended that you budget between $1,500-$2,500 per year.
Program options
These Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Mathematics degrees are offered by the University of Saskatchewan's College of Arts and Science:
- Bachelor of Science Four-year
- Bachelor of Science Three-year
- Bachelor of Science Honours
- Bachelor of Science Double Honours
You should consult with an academic advisor in the college when you begin your studies to decide if you want a four-year, three-year or honours degree.
Admission requirements and deadlines
Deadlines
Ready to apply?
Create an admissions account and start your application today. When you are ready to submit your application, you will be assessed a non-refundable application fee of $90 CAD. Effective December 2, the application fee is increasing to $120 CAD.
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