How to become a Mathematician

Mathematicians apply and develop mathematical principles to solve problems in all areas of the sciences, technology, social sciences, business, industry and commerce.

Personal requirements for a Mathematician

Enjoy mathematics
A good imagination
Analytical skills
Able to take initiative
Able to persevere
Able to work independently or as part of a team
Enjoy problem-solving

Education & Training for a Mathematician

To become a mathematician you usually have to study mathematics at university. There are a number of different degrees within which you can study mathematics. These include arts, engineering and science. Mathematics can also be studied at some universities as part of a double degree with other courses such as law, medicine, actuarial studies and finance. Mathematics and statistics are closely related areas and many students combine study in both.To get into these courses you usually need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, chemistry, physics and biology are normally required. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.

Duties & Tasks of a Mathematician

Mathematicians:

Apply geometry and calculus to design objects in fields such as architecture, computer graphics and robotics
Analyse statistics to find predictive models for traffic flow, insurance risks, consumer research, market analysis and clinical trials
Develop predictive models for financial markets and products for financial risk management
Simulate processes in chemical, mining or agricultural industries by translating them into mathematical models
Develop computer modelling
Develop and improve mathematical models
Design computer programs to make and break complex security codes, or investigate and develop schemes for information security.

Tasks

Analyses and interprets data, and produces relevant statistics to describe and infer particular trends and patterns..
Specifies the data to be collected, and the methodology to be used in collection and analysis..
Applies models to experimental observations, and adjusts and recasts the models..
Liaises with management and clients to determine the subject or area to be surveyed or examined..
Formulates mathematical models to simulate processes..
Uses numerical analysis methods to develop algorithms and perform computations..
Evaluates and describes the reliability and utility of source information..

Employment Opportunities for a Mathematician

Mathematicians are employed in a wide range of capacities, such as scientists, top-level and mid-level managers, executives and administrators, academics and research personnel in universities, teachers, computer systems analysts and developers, and in the finance sector. They are in demand in ever-increasing areas where mathematical models are used, such as in insurance models in the finance industry, econometric models in government departments and models related to the physical sciences. The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), the Defence Science and Technology Organisation and other government bodies also employ mathematicians. Additionally, there is nearly always demand for teachers of mathematics, particularly in secondary schools.

Specializations

Pure Mathematician

A pure mathematician develops new mathematical structures and approaches to solving existing problems, in order to further mathematical knowledge.

Scientific Programmer

A scientific programmer develops algorithms and computer programmes for use in mathematical modelling, data analysis and problem-solving in fields such as industrial design, climate science and geoscience.

Mathematical Modeller

A mathematical modeller constructs mathematical models (often via computer technology) to simulate real phenomena across a wide range of applications, including meteorology, geography and finance.

Applied Mathematician

An applied mathematician formulates and studies mathematical models of environmental, physical and social systems in order to understand and, where possible, optimise those systems.

Mathematical Analyst

A mathematical analyst analyses data and assesses risks within the finance and insurance industries, as well as market research, biosecurity and genetics.

Mathematician