Program Overview

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Study Plan for MAMN-MAT Master's Programme in Mathematics

The master's programme leads to the degree Master of Science in Mathematics. It is a two-year full-time study, where the normal workload for a full-time student is 60 credits for one academic year.

ECTS Credits

The programme consists of 120 ECTS credits.

Name of Qualification

The master's programme leads to the degree Master of Science in Mathematics.

Full-time/Part-time

The programme is full-time.

Language of Instruction

The language of instruction is English.

Semester

The programme starts in the autumn semester.

Objectives and Content

The programme is aimed at students with an interest in mathematics who intend to qualify for research, development, or teaching and seek employment where education in mathematics is required or considered an advantage.

Specializations

Within the Master's Programme in Mathematics, students can choose among the following specializations:

• Algebra: Algebra is a classical field that is associated with the study of polynomials in several variables.
• Algebraic Geometry: This is an area where one uses techniques from algebra and topology, and often also complex analysis or number theory, to study geometric objects as curves, surfaces, and higher-dimensional manifolds that can be defined through polynomial equations.
• Mathematical Analysis: This is the area of mathematics where one studies functions of real or complex variables, their limits, continuity, differentiability, and integrability properties, as well as sequences and series of such functions.
• Topology: Topology is a branch of mathematics where geometrical shapes, such as curves, surfaces, and higher-dimensional spaces, are studied.

Required Learning Outcomes

A candidate who has completed their qualifications should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills, and general competence:

Knowledge

The candidate:

• has a thorough knowledge of mathematics. The candidate can relate general and abstract concepts and methods to calculations and applications.
• has extensive experience in problem-solving and a knowledge of strategies for combining different methods.
• can explain and discuss the basic theory of the structures of their specialization.

Skills

The candidate:

• can assess and explain the choice of methods for solving mathematical problems and analyze complex mathematical structures.
• can conduct a research project in an independent and systematic way, including the development of mathematical proofs and perform independent mathematical reasoning and calculations.
• can write and produce mathematics at professional standards, and in an understandable and readable manner.

General Competence

The candidate:

• can analyze mathematical texts and simplify mathematical reasoning by outlining the structure and the most important elements.
• can use the knowledge mentioned above as a basis for a critical approach to the application of the discipline.
• can solve complex problems, even in cases where the choice of method is not obvious or where several different methods must be combined.
• demonstrates understanding and respect for scientific values such as openness, precision, and reliability.

Admission Requirements

A first degree (bachelor's degree) in Mathematics of three or four years' duration from an approved institution of higher education, as well as proficiency in the English language. As a minimum, previous knowledge in Mathematics must include courses in:

• Calculus
• Real Analysis
• Linear Algebra
• Algebra
• Functions of several variables
• Commutative algebra
• Complex functions
• Topology
• Manifolds It is important to document the content and learning outcomes of the central mathematics subjects.

Recommended Previous Knowledge

• Specialization 1) Mathematical analysis: MAT215, MAT243, or MAT234.
• Specialization 2) Topology: MAT213, INF223.
• Specialization 3) Algebra: MAT221.
• Specialization 4) Algebraic geometry: MAT213.

Master Thesis Credits

In agreement with the academic supervisor, students will choose a master's thesis (60 ECTS credits) and make a progression plan containing important milestones for their project. It is possible to have a 30 study point thesis, extending the course part of the programme to 90 study points.

Study Period Abroad

Students can plan study periods abroad in consultation with the supervisor as part of the master agreement.

Teaching and Learning Methods

In the work with the master's thesis, students will, in an independent way, make use of methods and scientific working techniques from the subject field in the research of a relevant material.

Assessment Methods

The final step in the programme is an oral examination. The examination is held when the master's thesis is submitted, evaluated, and approved. The assessment methods for each course are described in the course description.

Diploma and Diploma Supplement

The Diploma, in Norwegian, and the Diploma Supplement, in English, will be issued when the degree is complete.

Administrative Responsibility

The Faculty of Science and Technology, by the Department of Informatics, holds the administrative responsibility for the programme.