MH201 - Mathematics

Mathematics is everywhere. From engineering to construction, economics to software development, and even space travel – maths drives human progress.

In the 4-year MH201 degree, you can take mathematics as a subject in the first 2 years and then choose between mathematics (applied) and mathematics (pure) at the beginning of third year.

What you’ll learn

Mathematics is the logical and abstract study of pattern. It moves between the concrete and the abstract, drawing inspiration from the changing world around us. The ideas developed in abstract maths often lead to surprising and important applications in real life.

We offer multiple programmes to suit a range of mathematical backgrounds:

• intensive pure mathematics programmes –for students with a strong interest in abstract maths and a flair for analytical reasoning
• more applied programmes – for students who enjoy the more concrete areas of maths

You’ll learn invaluable skills that can be transferred to any future career, like thinking hard and rigorously and problem-solving.

Mathematics at Maynooth University

Mathematics degrees at Maynooth University aim to bridge the gap between school maths and more advanced ideas.

Just some of the research interests of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics include:

• algebra
• analysis
• data analysis
• dynamics
• geometry
• number theory
• statistical modelling and topology

Leaving Certificate applicants are required to present (as a minimum): 2H5 & 4O6/H7 and O6/H7 in Irish, English, O4/H7 Mathematics & O6/H7 in a Science subject (i.e. Agricultural Science, Applied Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics, or Physics with Chemistry).

Leaving Certificate Applicants

Required to present (as a minimum): 2H5 & 4O6/H7 and O6/H7 in Irish, English, O4/H7 Mathematics & O6/H7 in a Science subject (i.e. Agricultural Science, Applied Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics, or Physics with Chemistry).

Postgraduate study is also available, and our academic staff have a diverse range of research interests in areas including algebra, analysis, data analysis, dynamics, geometry, number theory, statistical modelling and topology.

Visit the Department website for more information about postgraduate options.

Well-trained mathematicians are always in demand. A degree in mathematics (pure or applied) from Maynooth University not only provides specialist knowledge, it also trains graduates to think logically and clearly.

A degree in a mathematical discipline opens the door to jobs in a variety of fields such as:

• finance and banking
• insurance
• the civil service
• industrial and commercial management
• administration and technical
• scientific and engineering work in industry and in research and development
• trading
• information technology
• education
• data analysis

Mathematics Options in Maynooth University

Every maths programme contains a mixture of procedural elements ("How do we do this?") and conceptual understanding ("Why does this work?"), with creativity an important ingredient in both. Mathematical Studies concentrates more on the "How", while Pure Maths delves much more into the "Why" and gives greater scope for creativity.

For most students, BA Maths Studies (within MH101) and the closely related BSc Applied Maths (within MH201) are the best choices. These are primarily aimed at students who enjoy mathematics, but who might have difficulty with a more proof-oriented degree. Students see a broad range of mathematics topics, with an emphasis more on calculation than proof.

There are several Pure Maths degrees mainly differing in what other subject(s) are taken: Pure Maths in Arts (MH101) and the accelerated BSc degrees in Computational Thinking (MH603) and Theoretical Physics and Maths (MH206). All are suited for the very best maths students, and so all require a minimum of a H2 in Leaving Cert Maths. The focus is on giving students a deeper understanding of mathematics, and on constructing arguments that establish truth.

One other option that may appeal to students wishing to become teachers is the MH212 programme (which has three streams: Science/Maths/Maths and Computer Science, each with Education). Here, you can get the equivalent of a BSc and PME after 5 years or you can graduate with a BSc only in 4 years. This 5-year programme saves one year compared with the typical 4+2 years for separate BSc and PME programmes, and guarantees that a student is accepted into a PME-equivalent programme from the start of their degree. The maths in MH212 is similar in style to Maths Studies.