admissions 2018 mathematics - university of...

|UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO ADMISSIONS 2018

MATHEMATICS#BEYONDIDEAS

B | UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO

MATHEMATICS | 1

MORE THAN STATISTICS

The study of mathematics is an intense but satisfying preparation for just about any career path you desire. Employers want the analytical, quantitative,

and creative problem-solving skills you acquire

as a math student at Waterloo. If you think you

love mathematics now, just wait until you get here!

You can find information about our business, accounting, and computer science programs in separate brochures.

94%of Waterloo mathematics graduates are employed within 2 years of graduation

MORE THAN 36,000 Waterloo BMath and BCS graduates in 104 countries worldwide

I am so proud of the success

of the Equithon. The presence

and involvement of the

hackers, sponsors, volunteers,

mentors, university staff, and

everyone else, showed me just

how many of us want to take a

collective step to what we hope

our future society will be.

MEAGHEN

HONOURS MATHEMATICS — STATISTICS

MINOR IN COMPUTER SCIENCE

As a member of the Math HeForShe student committee, Meaghen wanted to get more students involved in the initiative. After a conversation with her faculty advisor, Waterloo’s Equithon came to life.

#BEYONDIDEASUWaterloo is the first campus to host a gender-parity hackathon. Participants at our first Equithon were looking for solutions to everything from gendered racism to mental health.

Meaghen and her team created the Waterloo Equithon in support of the UN Women’s HeForShe 10x10x10 initiative.

At Waterloo, your actions and opinions have the ability to create change.

MATHEMATICS | 32 | UNIVERS

YOURFIRSTYEAR

In first year, it’s all

about keeping your

options open. You’ll

take core courses such

as algebra, calculus,

communications,

and computer science

to prepare you

for whichever major

you decide to choose.

#BEYONDIDEASTravel to Europe with our Math in Europe program. Available exclusively to first year students, Math in Europe lets you take Waterloo math courses from Waterloo professors while exploring the history of Europe.

HAVE A MAJOR IN MIND?In most cases, you can wait until the end of your first year or later to choose

a major. Most math majors start in second year. Descriptions for each major

are found on the following pages.

NOT SURE IF YOU WANT CO-OP?Most programs are offered as co-op or regular (non-co-op); some programs are

co-op only. If your program is offered in either system of study, we recommend

applying to co-op when you submit your application. More information

regarding co-op is located at the back of this brochure.

SAMPLE FIRST YEAR SCHEDULE

FALL

MATH 135 Algebra

MATH 137 Calculus 1

CS 115 Introduction to Computer Science 1

1 communications course

1 non-math elective

WINTER

MATH 136 Linear Algebra 1

MATH 138 Calculus 2

CS 116 Introduction to Computer Science 2

1 communications course

1 non-math elective

COMMUNICATION COUNTSEmployers are looking for more than just technical skills. Strong communication

skills are a top priority, and we’re doing everything we can to help you develop

these skills in order to succeed academically and professionally.

Through small classes, you’ll complete 2 communication courses that will

expand on your current skill set and prepare you for success.

uwaterloo.ca/math/communication-counts

Waterloo Mathematics actively recruits the best students worldwide.

Students in the Faculty of Mathematics come from more than 80DIFFERENT COUNTRIES

http://www.uwaterloo.ca/math/communication-counts

MATHEMATICS | 54 | UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO

BEYOND CALCULATORS MAJORS

Which m

ajor is right for you?

ACTUARIAL SCIENCE BMath

APPLY TO MATHEMATICS

CHOOSE YOUR MAJOR AFTER FIRST YEAR

Actuarial Science is the application of

statistics, probability, and risk theory to

real-life financial problems involving

future uncertainty. Actuaries address the

uncertainties associated with life insurance,

property insurance, and casualty insurance,

annuities, and pensions or other employee

benefit plans. You may begin working

toward your professional designation as

early as second year and complete as many

as 4 or 5 related exams by graduation.

Focus your studies › Finance option,

Predictive Analytics option

STATISTICS BMath



Statistics plays a role in all aspects of

data-based investigation, from the design

of studies and surveys to the discovery of

patterns to the determination of principal

causes of an important effect. It is the

science of drawing reliable conclusions

from data using data collection, analysis,

interpretation, and presentation.

Statisticians are skilled in hypothesis

testing, forecasting and predicting, and

inferring and deducing. They work

collaboratively with various sectors

including medicine, business,

government, and academia.

STATISTICS FOR HEALTH BMath



Effective health-care research teams need

members wih strong quantitative and

data-based decision-making skills. Drawing

from Waterloo’s strengths in statistics,

biostatistics, computer science, health studies,

gerontology, and economics, Statistics for

Health focuses on research in the areas of

clinical, public, and population health. The

only program of its kind in Canada, Statistics

for Health uniquely positions its graduates

for successful careers in the quantitative

sector of the health-care field.

DATA SCIENCE BMath



Data Science is the study, application,

and development of methods to learn

from available data in order to understand,

predict, and improve business strategy,

products and services, marketing campaigns,

medicine, and public health and safety.

These methods include elements of

computer science and statistics.

Bachelor of Computer Science in

Data Science program also available

APPLIED MATHEMATICS BMath



Applied Mathematics is the application of

mathematical methods to solve problems that

arise in science, engineering, medicine, business,

and industry — from quantum to cosmology

and everything in between. Partnerships with the

Institute for Quantum Computing and Perimeter

Institute for Theoretical Physics position Applied

Mathematics students for exclusive academic and

career opportunities.

Focus your studies › Biology option, Earth

Sciences option, Economics option, Physics option,

Applied Mathematics with Engineering electives,

Scientific Computation/Applied Mathematics

COMBINATORICS AND OPTIMIZATION BMath



Combinatorics is the study of discrete structures

and their properties and thus is indispensable

to computer science. Optimization, also known

as mathematics programming, is the study of

maximizing and minimizing functions subject

to specific conditions or constraints. Besides its

importance to various branches of mathematics,

the functions to be optimized arise in management

sciences, engineering, and physical sciences.

MATHEMATICS | 7

BEYOND CALCULATORS MAJORS

Which m

ajor is right for you?

6 | UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO

MATHEMATICAL OPTIMIZATION BMath



This field of mathematics quantifies

complex management problems

in business and government into

mathematical models. Then, through

sophisticated computing techniques, it

identifies optimal solutions. Optimization,

statistics, and computer science uniquely

converge into this mathematics program

with broad business applications. Students

with these sophisticated business skills are

in high demand.

Focus your studies › Operations Research

specialization, Business specialization

MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS BMath



Mathematical Physics is the application

of advanced mathematical methods to

solve problems rooted in physics. This

field is exploding with advancements in

everything from fundamental physics

to quantum mechanics. You’ll take an

integrated set of mathematics and physics

courses during your undergraduate career.

Bachelor of Science available through

the Faculty of Science

COMPUTATIONAL MATHEMATICS BMath



Solving industrial-sized problems was next to

impossible until recently. Now the power of

computers can be harnessed to generate and run

simulated mathematical models, producing data that

can be mined for numerical solutions. Computational

Mathematics is where math and computer science

intersect to solve large-scale mathematical problems.

These large problems arise in business, economics,

engineering, finance, medicine, and science.

MATHEMATICS/TEACHING BMath, Co-op only



Mathematics/Teaching is a co-op program that

provides more classroom experience than any other

bachelor of education preparation program in Canada.

In addition to the academic and co-op terms taken

through Waterloo, Mathematics/Teaching students

spend 2 terms (8 months) in the classroom before

attending a Faculty of Education. A second teachable

subject can be chosen from the sciences or the arts.

Graduates are prepared to apply to a faculty of

education in Ontario to complete their BEd to teach

at the intermediate and senior divisions, Grades 7 to 12.

Focus your studies › Mathematics/Teaching is a

major that allows you to take a wide variety of math

courses or focus your studies on one of the disciplines

mentioned in this brochure.

MATHEMATICAL STUDIES BMath



Mathematics is the foundation of commerce,

computing, engineering, and science. This major

is the most flexible of all the Math majors in the

Faculty of Mathematics. It provides you with

a broad education in mathematics, including

algebra, calculus, combinatorics, computer science,

geometry, number theory, and statistics. If you

enjoy mathematics and want the opportunity

to hone your analytical, technical, and problem-

solving skills but don’t want to narrow your focus

to one major only, then this program is for you.

Focus your studies › Business specialization

PURE MATHEMATICS BMath



Pure Mathematics explores the boundary

of mathematics and pure reason. It aims to

creatively explore the “why and how” questions in

mathematics. Pure Mathematics comprises algebra,

number theory, analysis, geometry, topology, and

logic. Most first-year students who lean towards

majoring in Pure Mathematics take the advanced

sections of calculus and algebra in preparation for

upper-year courses. Pure Mathematics at Waterloo

is a small, cohesive, and challenging program.

Focus your studies › Teaching

8 | UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO MATHEMATICS | 9

9:30 A.M. NO

ON

3 P.M.

5 P.M.

7 P.M.

9 A.M.

BEYOND TEXTBOOKS

OUTSIDETHE CLASSROOMNumbers, calculators, code — they’re all part of the backbone

of our faculty. However, they’re far from everything.

Here you’ll find your community, explore your ideas, and keep up

with your favourite hobbies while gaining a world-class education.

uwaterloo.ca/math/get-involved

9 A.M. Head to the Math Coffee and Donut Shop to grab a coffee

before class. 9:30 A.M. Time for the first lecture of the day. NOON

Wrap up morning classes and head off to the Davis Centre cafeteria

for lunch. 3 P.M. Dive into that calculus assignment. 5 P.M. Grab

some dinner and take a break. 7 P.M. Attend an evening workshop

to learn more about undergraduate research opportunities.

#BEYONDIDEASWaterloo has Canada’s only Faculty of Mathematics. That means you’ll study and work alongside people who are just as passionate about mathematics and computer science as you are!

http://www.uwaterloo.ca/math/get-involved

10 | UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO

›

›

›

›

›

›

MATHEMATICS | 11

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

BEYOND GRADUATIONEndless possibilities.

According to CareerCast,

a degree in mathematics or

computer science can lead to

6 OUT OF THE 10 BEST JOBS

Data scientist

Statistician

Information security analyst

Mathematician

Software engineer

Actuary

WONDERING WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH A DEGREE IN MATHEMATICS? Graduating with a degree in mathematics

opens plenty of doors for you. Our

grads find challenging employment

opportunities in sectors such as

technology, finance, business, academia,

government, education, and more.

Here are just a few examples of where

your degree in mathematics can take you.

SECTOR: FINANCE AND BUSINESS

Milenko Sikljovan

BMath 2010

Investment Banking

Associate, Goldman Sachs

Laura Chelaru

BMath 2010

Junior Portfolio Manager,

TD Asset Management

Angella A. Hughes

BMath 1998

President and CEO,

Xogen Technologies

Chris Krmpotic

BMath 1992

Consultant, Investors Group

Financial Services

Ajay Junnarkar

BMath 1995

CFO, Kroll Bond

Rating Agency

SECTOR: TEACHING AND EDUCATION

Rich Dlin

BMath 1993, MMath 2012

Mathematics Department Chair,

Tanenbaum Community Hebrew

Academy of Toronto

Ann Elliott

BMath 1983, MMath 2013

Mathematics Teacher, Durham

District School Board

Daniel Pinizzotto

BMath 2012

Computer Science Teacher,

Upper Grand District

School Board

SECTOR: TECHNOLOGY

Joanna Ritchie

BCS 1993

Vice President, Emerging

Technologies, SAP

Kyle Lemoire

BCS 2012

Software Development

Engineer, Microsoft

Michelle Chen

BCS 2014

UX Designer,

Dolby Laboratories

SECTOR: RESEARCH AND ACADEMIA

Mike Carter

BMath 1971, MMath 1974,

PhD 1980

Professor, Centre for

Healthcare Engineering,

University of Toronto

Nick Harvey

BMath 1999

Associate Professor,

University of British

Columbia

Cherise R. Chin Fatt

BMath 2007

Teaching Assistant,

Research Intern, University

of Texas at Dallas

›

›

›

›

MATHEMATICS | 1312 | UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO

›

›

›

›

›

ADMISSIONS2018 REQUIREMENTS

PROGRAM MAJORS

REQUIRED COURSES Grade 12 U unless otherwise specified. Minimum requirements: 6 Grade 12 U or M courses, including all required courses

ADMISSION AVERAGE (includes required courses)

Mathematics Regular/Co-op

Actuarial Science, Applied Mathematics, Combinatorics and Optimization, Computational Mathematics, Data Science, Mathematical Finance, Mathematical Optimization, Mathematical Physics, Mathematical Studies, Pure Mathematics, Statistics, Statistics for Health, Mathematics/ Teaching; available beginning in second year

Advanced Functions, Calculus and Vectors, any 12 U English, one other Grade 12 U course, Admission Information Form

Individual selection* from the high 80s

*Individual selection speaks to content submitted on the Admission Information Form. Admission decisions are strongly based on academic performance, but extra-curricular activities and extenuating circumstances are also taken into consideration.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTSIf English is not your first language and your 4 most recent years of full-time education have not been taught in English, you’ll be required to submit one of these English language test scores.

INTERNET-BASED TOEFL IELTS MELAB CAEL PTE (academic)

90 writing: 25 speaking: 25

6.5 overall, 6.5 writing, 6.5 speaking, 6.0 reading and 6.0 listening

85; 80 per section; for co-op programs: 3 speaking

70 overall; 60 per band; 70 writing; 70 speaking

63 overall; 65 writing; 65 speaking

Students with an overall IELTS score of 7.0 and no band score below 6.0 will be given individual consideration for admission to full-time undergraduate studies. Get deadlines and other details: uwaterloo.ca/findoutmore/admissions.

MATH/ENGLISH LANGUAGE FOR ACADEMIC STUDIES (MATH/ELAS)

For strong applicants who need additional training to meet our English language requirements, you may receive an alternative offer of admission to Math/ELAS instead of receiving a direct offer of admission to the program you applied to. Find out more: uwaterloo.ca/math/elas.

ADMISSION NOTES:

Admission decisions are based on your high school grade average, including required courses. Students may be penalized on their Admission Information Form (AIF) score for repeated courses and required courses taken outside of regular day school without proper explanation.

The AIF is to be submitted after applying through OUAC. The AIF includes questions about your extracurricular activities and work experience. Completion of an AIF is required for admission to all programs.

If you’re not offered admission to the program of your choice, you may be considered for other Mathematics programs.

Participation in the Euclid and the Canadian Senior Mathematics Contests is strongly recommended.

After you’ve applied › Watch for our email with your Waterloo ID number and details on what to do next.

It’s worth the wait › In an effort to base our decisions on the most relevant grades possible, most admission offers for Mathematics programs are made in early May. We base our final decisions on your interim or final grades of your required courses, your AIF and your Euclid contest score (if applicable) from the year you apply.

CONTESTSGet contest preparation resources, registration details, and deadlines: cemc.uwaterloo.ca.

EUCLID MATHEMATICS CONTEST

While the Euclid Mathematics Contest is not required for admission, your participation is strongly encouraged, and is an asset to your application — approximately 50% of students who received offers in Fall 2017 wrote the Euclid. The contest is required for Entrance Scholarship consideration. The contest will be written in your high school on April 11, 2018.

CANADIAN COMPUTING COMPETITION (CCC)

The CCC is not required for admission, but a high score may be an asset for admission to the David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science programs. The CCC will be written on February 14, 2018.

CO-OP OR REGULAR?Not sure if you want to choose co-op? We’ve made it easy for you to compare the differences.

REGULAR — FAST TRACK TO GRADUATION

If you want to graduate sooner, to start your career or attend graduate school, then the regular system of study is an option for you. The Centre for Career Action can help you find a great summer job or make sure you’re on the right career path. Get the details: uwaterloo.ca/career-action.

Regular takes less than

4YEARSto complete and you’ll have summers off between academic terms to work, study, or travel.

CO-OP — EARN AS YOU LEARN

Through co-op you’ll have opportunities to explore potential career paths. You’ll make career contacts and pick up transferable skills that will be an asset after graduation. Get the details: uwaterloo.ca/co-op.

Get the co-op advantage

more than 4,000 co-op employers worldwide

UP TO 24 MONTHS’ paid experience

PICK THE STUDY/WORK SEQUENCE YOU PREFERIn co-op, you’ll alternate study and paid work terms. For most Mathematics majors, there are multiple study/work sequences available. If available, you will be able to request your sequence when you make your course selections. This table shows a sample of the sequences that are available.

YR. TERM REGULAR SEQ. 1

1 Fall Study Study

Winter Study Study

Spring Off Work

2 Fall Study Study

Winter Study Work

Spring Off Study

3 Fall Study Work

Winter Study Study

Spring Off Work

4 Fall Study Study

Winter Study Work

Spring Study

5 Fall Work

Winter Study

FINANCING YOUR EDUCATIONWhen thinking about university, it’s important to prepare a realistic budget for your first 8 months (2 terms).

List your financial needs: tuition and other student fees, residence fees, books, supplies, living expenses. uwaterloo.ca/future/financing

List the financial resources available to fund your education: savings, RESP, co-op earnings (if applicable).

Augment your resources, if you’re eligible, with scholarships, provincial financial aid (such as Ontario’s OSAP program), and a Waterloo Entrance Bursary.

You only pay 4 months (one term) at a time.

Participate in CEMC contests and apply for entrance scholarships.

ENTRANCE SCHOLARSHIPSPRESIDENT’S AND MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS No application uwaterloo.ca/future/financing

FACULTY OF MATHEMATICS SCHOLARSHIPS APPLICATION REQUIRED deadline: February 5, 2018 uwaterloo.ca/math/entrance-scholarships

FACULTY OF MATHEMATICS ENTRANCE SCHOLARSHIPS No application; must write Euclid Contest

Scholarships ranging in value from $1,000 to $5,000 – awarded to all students who meet marks criteria

Scholarships ranging in value from $12,000 to full cost

150 scholarships ranging in value from $2,000 to $10,000

Based on marks:85-89.9% – $1,000;90-94.9% – $2,000;≥95% – $2,000+ up to $5,000

Based on application, high academic performance, and outstanding extracurricular achievements

Based on marks, AIF, Euclid Contest score

uwaterloo.ca/future/admissions

http://www.uwaterloo.ca/findoutmore/admissions

http://www.uwaterloo.ca/math/elas

http://www.cemc.uwaterloo.ca

http://www.uwaterloo.ca/career-action

http://www.uwaterloo.ca/co-op

http://www.uwaterloo.ca/future/admissions

http://www.uwaterloo.ca/future/financing

http://www.uwaterloo.ca/math/entrance-scholarships

http://uwaterloo.ca/future/financing

14 | UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO PLEASE RECYCLE

FACULTY OF MATHEMATICS519-888-4567, EXT. 36284

uwaterloo.ca/math

waterloo.math WaterlooMath WaterlooMath

UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO200 UNIVERSITY AVE. W., WATERLOO, ON, CANADA N2L 3G1

uwaterloo.ca/future-students

DESIGN CREATIVE SERVICES, UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO EDITORIAL A. BEARD C012155

http://www.uwaterloo.ca/math

http://www.uwaterloo.ca/future-students

admissions 2018 mathematics - university of...

Documents