Are you thinking about studying mathematics at university?
Starting your studies can involve many things to think about, such as what courses are like in practice, whether you will do well in your studies, or what kind of jobs you can get with a degree in mathematics.
This blog post was written as part of FITech Mathematics project (MaTech) by Taneli Korvuo, a university student of mathematics.
What prior knowledge is needed to study mathematics?
The advanced mathematics courses in upper secondary school provide a good foundation before starting to study mathematics at university. However, you do not necessarily need to have the top grade in mathematics to study it, and there is no need to worry if the content of upper secondary school courses has been somewhat forgotten. The first university mathematics courses review the upper secondary school syllabus before going deeper into the topics and introduce the nature of university-level mathematics. You do not need to be a genius to study mathematics. The most important thing is an interest towards mathematics.
How do university studies differ from upper secondary school studies?
At university, mathematics is quite different than in upper secondary school. The assignments often emphasise proving statements instead of calculating numbers. In upper secondary school, you might learn to use the Pythagorean theorem or the polynomial function derivative formula, and at university, you learn why they work. I was surprised by how rarely familiar computer programs from upper secondary school are used, and often calculations and exams are done traditionally with pen and paper. This is because university mathematics focuses more on understanding how to arrive at an answer rather than the numerical value of the answer itself, so calculator software is not needed that much.
There is also a lot of variation in how courses are implemented. Mathematics courses can also include group work, written assignments, or different types of project work, and some courses do not have an exam, which is something you might be used to from upper secondary school. This brings a nice variety to the studies.
What are the courses like?
Mathematics courses at university typically focus on a specific area of mathematics. For example, a course might cover geometry, differential calculus, algebra, or topology. The implementation methods of courses vary quite a lot, and the difference from upper secondary school is significant.
In comprehensive school and upper secondary school, mathematics assigments are typically completed during the class but at university, solving tasks is usually done on your own time. There is more independent work, similar to any field at a university, but this does not mean you have to struggle with mathematics problems alone at home. It is common for mathematics students to meet at the university and solve assingments together. Additionally, support for assignments is available from course instructors and students who have previously taken the courses.
What is inspiring about mathematics?
The most exciting aspect of studying mathematics is, above all, learning new things. It feels really good to solve a difficult mathematical problem. Additionally, you can tailor your degree according to your interests, so you get to delve into topics that you find interesting.
There is a pleasant atmosphere among the mathematics students and teachers at the university. Tasks are often done together, and lecture questions can be discussed openly as a group. Also the student organisation offers a lot of different leisure activities as a balance to studying, and there is always a relaxed vibe in the student organisation’s lounge among students from different year groups.
Mathematics opens doors to many different careers
Studying mathematics is very rewarding, and it opens many doors in the working life. A technological society, and the development of artificial intelligence, for example, requires more mathematical expertise day by day. Mathematics is an excellent choice for your career!
