Mathematics and Statistics (see also Mathematics)

Faculty of Science and Engineering

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers a wide range of courses in both pure and applied mathematics and statistics. These meet the needs of students who wish to major in mathematics or statistics as well as those who require some knowledge of mathematics or statistics in other disciplines. In addition, there are courses for those who have a general interest in these subjects.

Actuarial Profession. Students interested in the actuarial profession should consult the Department of Mathematics and Statistics for guidance. The department will be glad to suggest a program of courses which will be helpful in preparing for examinations of the Society of Actuaries.

Operations Research. The Canadian Operational Research Society (CORS) has recognized that graduation from a program in Applied Mathematics, Mathematics or Statistics with a prescribed set of courses will qualify a student for the Diploma in Operations Research awarded by CORS. Interested students should consult the Department of Mathematics and Statistics for guidance.

For specific requirements of programs offered by this department, see the Faculty of Science and Engineering Programs of Study section for BA and Honours BA, as well as BSc and Honours BSc programs.

Courses in Mathematics and Statistics

When selecting courses, please note the following:

1. All Honours students whose major is in mathematics and statistics (with the exception of the BSc international dual degree program in Mathematics and Statistics) must complete the mathematics/statistics core (see the Faculty of Science and Engineering Programs of Study section of the Undergraduate Calendar). This enables students to defer their final decision regarding choice of major within mathematics and statistics to their fourth term of study.

2. Students taking lower-level mathematics courses may wish to make use of the tutorial services provided in many of these courses by the department's mathematics and statistics laboratory.

3. Students who feel that their mathematical background is weak (perhaps despite having passed one or more 12U mathematics course) should consider taking SC/MATH 1510 6.00. This course can serve as preparation for SC/MATH 1520 3.00, which in turn prepares the student for further calculus courses (see below).

4. Calculus courses for first-year students. Students must carefully note the requirements of their programs of study before choosing a first-year calculus course. In some cases, where no calculus is required beyond first year, a program might accept six credits of a “second digit 5” University calculus course like SC/MATH 1530 3.00 plus SC/MATH 1540 3.00, or SC/MATH 1550 6.00, or SC/MATH 1505 6.00. (Note that SC/MATH 1520 3.00 is a prerequisite for all of these except SC/MATH 1505 6.00.)

A student with at least one 12U (or equivalent) course in mathematics, but without a high school calculus course, must begin the study of calculus with SC/MATH 1520 3.00. (As noted above, the sole exception to this statement is the student for whom SC/MATH 1505 6.00 is a “terminal” calculus course.) SC/MATH 1520 3.00 is literally intended to be the York equivalent of a high school calculus course.

Students whose programs require the calculus courses a) SC/MATH 1300 3.00 or b) SC/MATH 1013 3.00 must first have either a high school calculus course or SC/MATH 1520 3.00, as noted above. These students will normally continue in their study of calculus with a) SC/MATH 1310 3.00 or b) SC/MATH 1014 3.00 respectively.

5. Course numbering. Courses with second digit 5 cannot be used to satisfy departmental degree requirements except (i) by students in the bachelor program in Mathematics for Commerce; and (ii) by students in other programs in a few cases as noted in program descriptions.

With the exception of SC/MATH 1530 3.00, mathematics courses with third digit 3 involve statistics.

Unless otherwise specified, six-credit courses have three lecture hours per week for two terms, while three-credit courses have three lecture hours per week for one term. In addition, problem sessions or tutorials are scheduled for many courses.

Mathematics and statistics are offered by the Faculty of Science and Engineering. Mathematics is offered by Glendon College.

• Mathematics (BA) and (BSc) degree requirements
• Rules and regulations in the Faculty of Science and Engineering
• Search for courses offered in Mathematics and Statistics
• Other programs offered in the Faculty of Science and Engineering