UOL Bsc Mathematics and Economics

morning-sun

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EOE is easier than other maths courses because it is not abstract.. try to read third year maths modules subject guide.. you will pull your hair and scream :s13::s13:[/QUOTE]

do you mind explaining what abstract is?
 

th3pr0tk3r

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guidance needed!

I am interested in taking up this course, is there any requirement needed to get in? Besides this, i have 3 others consideration in mind: Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Economics and Finance; Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Banking and Finance and Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Accounting and Finance.

I would like to clarify as of what Mathemagician have posted regarding what BME will do in first year which is Maths Proofing, what's maths proofing about? Anyone can show me some examples of the kind of questions and solutions given. I would appreciate it if someone can help me by showing me different type of questions according to module that would be covered in the process of the course.

The purpose of me wanted to get into this course is because I have a strong passion in Mathematics since young and that has become my strength as well. Furthermore, I am intending to take Actuarial exams to become an actuary next time. Hence, the career i have in mind is to deal with lots of mathematical problems in finance/investment sector.

In addition, people in this course, do you all mind sharing with me your background? (Which school and what course/subject you took before moving on to this degree course)

Thank you very much guys!! Please help me out! ;)
 

Mathemagician

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I am interested in taking up this course, is there any requirement needed to get in?

There is almost no requirement for this degree except the willingness to think abstractly .


I would like to clarify as of what Mathemagician have posted regarding what BME will do in first year which is Maths Proofing, what's maths proofing about? Anyone can show me some examples of the kind of questions and solutions given. I would appreciate it if someone can help me by showing me different type of questions according to module that would be covered in the process of the course.

Apologize for not writing clearly.. You wont see lots of proof in year 1.. basically first year is almost the same for every degree.. Introduction to Economics, Maths 1 & 2, Stats 1 & 2, and any other foundation units.. The contents of Maths 1 & 2 are just calculus (differentiation and integration), linear algebra (matrix), simple ordinary differential equation, and some optimisation problems which involves Lagrangian equation.

The purpose of me wanted to get into this course is because I have a strong passion in Mathematics since young and that has become my strength as well. Furthermore, I am intending to take Actuarial exams to become an actuary next time. Hence, the career i have in mind is to deal with lots of mathematical problems in finance/investment sector.

How do you define Mathematics? If you think you deal with lots of numbers then you will be dissappointed. The idea of mathematics from LSE maths department is about giving proper definitions and justifying things rigorously. Everyday is about n,m, x,y, z, alpha, beta, and gamma.

If you want to become an actuary you should be looking for a degree which deals heavily with statistics which unfortunately this degree does not.. but if you really want to give it a try, then you can take Statistics 1 & 2, Elements of Econometrics, Advanced Statistics : Distribution Theory and Advanced Statistics : Statistical Inference which should provide a solid grounding for your actuarial skill.

In terms of direct application of mathematics, you wont see much from this degree because it is quite theoretical and if you ever wonder why ? This is what they told me , "There is nothing quite as practical as a good theory" ~ Einstein
 

th3pr0tk3r

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There is almost no requirement for this degree except the willingness to think abstractly .




Apologize for not writing clearly.. You wont see lots of proof in year 1.. basically first year is almost the same for every degree.. Introduction to Economics, Maths 1 & 2, Stats 1 & 2, and any other foundation units.. The contents of Maths 1 & 2 are just calculus (differentiation and integration), linear algebra (matrix), simple ordinary differential equation, and some optimisation problems which involves Lagrangian equation.



How do you define Mathematics? If you think you deal with lots of numbers then you will be dissappointed. The idea of mathematics from LSE maths department is about giving proper definitions and justifying things rigorously. Everyday is about n,m, x,y, z, alpha, beta, and gamma.

If you want to become an actuary you should be looking for a degree which deals heavily with statistics which unfortunately this degree does not.. but if you really want to give it a try, then you can take Statistics 1 & 2, Elements of Econometrics, Advanced Statistics : Distribution Theory and Advanced Statistics : Statistical Inference which should provide a solid grounding for your actuarial skill.

In terms of direct application of mathematics, you wont see much from this degree because it is quite theoretical and if you ever wonder why ? This is what they told me , "There is nothing quite as practical as a good theory" ~ Einstein

Thank you for clarifying my doubt. I wonder if the open house this coming 25 sept is useful to understand more on this course? Because i won't be able to attend as i will be having overseas training.

So since you said that there is no degree deals heavily with statistic offered in LSE, does it mean to becoming an actuary in future and to go for actuarial exams, picking up either Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Economics and Finance; Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Banking and Finance and Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Accounting and Finance too make not much a difference?

At the same time, what's the timetable schedule like for BME? I heard from my friend that studying full-time there is about 3 hours a day only which allows me to have free time to work? I see that this course is not offered in part time and I, financially have difficulty in settling the course fees so I need to work for the money.

I like the part where you say that its dealing with x,y,z,etc because previously in secondary school I like studying A and E maths. So lastly, do you have exam papers or notes which you can send me? I would like to see the types of questions itself inorder to know if this is really the course I am looking for. Because coming from an irrelavent course in polytechnic, really make me suffer a lot just because of a sudden curiousity after O level. I should have just chose JC. :look:

Again, thanks for picking time to answer all my questions!
 

Mathemagician

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Thank you for clarifying my doubt. I wonder if the open house this coming 25 sept is useful to understand more on this course? Because i won't be able to attend as i will be having overseas training.

Open house of which university? SIM ? It depends on who is giving you the information.. if the person is an ex-student of BME then yeah otherwise probably not..

So since you said that there is no degree deals heavily with statistic offered in LSE, does it mean to becoming an actuary in future and to go for actuarial exams, picking up either Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Economics and Finance; Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Banking and Finance and Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Accounting and Finance too make not much a difference?

Here at the LSE, they have a specialised Bachelor of Actuarial Science wherein most of the modules are statistics. But this degree is not offered externally. I can safely say BnF and AnF wont help much, but EnF and MnE will definitely help.. for your case I would recommend taking EnF instead of MnE, use your electives to choose the statistics courses Advanced Statistics Distribution Theory and Statistical Inference.. but if you think you may consider doing MSc. Statistics or Finance or anything in the future, choose BME instead..

At the same time, what's the timetable schedule like for BME? I heard from my friend that studying full-time there is about 3 hours a day only which allows me to have free time to work? I see that this course is not offered in part time and I, financially have difficulty in settling the course fees so I need to work for the money.

offered full time means that the (maths) classes are all in the morning and afternoon.. unless you have a weird working hours then yeah :)

I like the part where you say that its dealing with x,y,z,etc because previously in secondary school I like studying A and E maths. So lastly, do you have exam papers or notes which you can send me? I would like to see the types of questions itself inorder to know if this is really the course I am looking for. Because coming from an irrelavent course in polytechnic, really make me suffer a lot just because of a sudden curiousity after O level. I should have just chose JC. :look:

Again, thanks for picking time to answer all my questions!

You can get the past exam papers from this website

http://www.londonexternal.ac.uk/cur...urces/lse/exam_archive/exam_papers_2009.shtml

The units that you should look for are the following (dont worry about the zone A and B, just choose any of them)

First Year
02 Introduction to Economics (full unit)
04a Statistics 1 (half unit)
04b Statistics 2 (half unit)
05a Mathematics 1 (half unit)
05b Mathematics 2 (half unit)
And 1 more full unit elective from group F(i) (F for foundation)

Second and Third Year
40 Game Theory (half unit)
41 Advanced Mathematical Analysis (half unit)
42 Optimisation Theory (half unit)
43 Mathematics of Finance and Valuation (half unit)
65 Macroeconomics (full unit)
66 Microeconomics (full unit)
116 Abstract Mathematics (full unit)
117 Advanced Calculus (half unit)
118 Advanced Linear Algebra (half unit)
120 Mathematical Economics (full unit)
133 Advanced Statistics: Distribution Theory (half unit)
134 Advanced Statistics: Statistical Inference (half unit)
 
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th3pr0tk3r

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so by saying lesson is in morning and afternoon, it means it will be the entire day? do you mind sharing your timetale now of different module.

to know more about the class itself and the social life there,

how many people are there in your class and what kind of background did most of them come from?

is it easy to be top in the class?

is there time for you to join other CCA activities in school?

in class what's the ratio of guys to girls?

since this course is a very tough course, i feel that those who choose it are those who always face the book everyday so to actually know, what are those kind of people inside? nerdy, sporty, outgoing, introverted, etc?

Sorry to ask so many questions, because i have determined that BME is going to be my choice of study. So have to know all this. haha :D
 

Mathemagician

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so by saying lesson is in morning and afternoon, it means it will be the entire day? do you mind sharing your timetale now of different module.

No, the class is in the morning or afternoon for only 3 hours after that you are free.. I graduated last year, so hopefully any current BME student who is still studying can help you with this..

to know more about the class itself and the social life there,

how many people are there in your class and what kind of background did most of them come from?

Back then in my batch there are only 30+ people in the maths classes.. For the economics classes there will be many other students from the other degrees

is it easy to be top in the class?

It depends on who your classmates are...

is there time for you to join other CCA activities in school?

Yes

in class what's the ratio of guys to girls?

Ratio does not matter, what matters is whether there exists any hot chick in the course :s13:

since this course is a very tough course, i feel that those who choose it are those who always face the book everyday so to actually know, what are those kind of people inside? nerdy, sporty, outgoing, introverted, etc?

Not every individual is the same.. There are very smart people who spend only 3-4 hours per day studying and pass with flying colours while less intelligent people like me have to camp in the library from am to pm just to survive the course..
 

th3pr0tk3r

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No, the class is in the morning or afternoon for only 3 hours after that you are free.. I graduated last year, so hopefully any current BME student who is still studying can help you with this..



Back then in my batch there are only 30+ people in the maths classes.. For the economics classes there will be many other students from the other degrees



It depends on who your classmates are...



Yes



Ratio does not matter, what matters is whether there exists any hot chick in the course :s13:



Not every individual is the same.. There are very smart people who spend only 3-4 hours per day studying and pass with flying colours while less intelligent people like me have to camp in the library from am to pm just to survive the course..

oh! so what are you working as now? previously were you from JC or Poly?

so is there any hot chick in BME? :s13::s13::s13:

which class honours did u graduate with?
 

Mathemagician

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oh! so what are you working as now? previously were you from JC or Poly?

so is there any hot chick in BME? :s13::s13::s13:

which class honours did u graduate with?

I am jobless right now and working on my dissertation.. I am from Indonesia.. dont worry about coming from JC or Poly.. My qualification from Indonesian high school was lower than A level..

The probability of finding any hot chick in BME is infinitesimal but dont worry you can always find them in economics classes (if your standard is not very high)..

The discussion has been deviated from the topic :s22::s22:
 

th3pr0tk3r

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I am jobless right now and working on my dissertation.. I am from Indonesia.. dont worry about coming from JC or Poly.. My qualification from Indonesian high school was lower than A level..

The probability of finding any hot chick in BME is infinitesimal but dont worry you can always find them in economics classes (if your standard is not very high)..

The discussion has been deviated from the topic :s22::s22:

so graduating from this course is it easy to find a job? and what position will you be able to work in if you're going to work in the finance/investment sector and what's the starting pay like?
 

Mathemagician

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so graduating from this course is it easy to find a job? and what position will you be able to work in if you're going to work in the finance/investment sector and what's the starting pay like?

This thing really depends on yourself, economy and the company you are applying to...
 

shinyting

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Hi
I'll be enrolling to this course soooon(this year).
VERY VERY WORRIED ABOUT THE TOUGHNESS OF THIS COURSE!
Heard it is one of the toughest course in UOL.

OMGGGG.

My strongest subject is maths but its not that strong. ): ironic that is.

From previous posts, it seems that the maths (ESP. maths taken in year 2 and 3?) I'm going to learn will be totally different from JC Maths? I'm from JC and took H2 maths.
Does having alevel maths base help at least a bit?

Any idea if anyone who has got average maths ability will be able to survive this course?
Able to pass this degree if I work hard (like reading up books that are recommended) with my not naturally-smart-brain? ))):
 

Mathemagician

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Hi
I'll be enrolling to this course soooon(this year).
VERY VERY WORRIED ABOUT THE TOUGHNESS OF THIS COURSE!
Heard it is one of the toughest course in UOL.

OMGGGG.

My strongest subject is maths but its not that strong. ): ironic that is.

From previous posts, it seems that the maths (ESP. maths taken in year 2 and 3?) I'm going to learn will be totally different from JC Maths? I'm from JC and took H2 maths.
Does having alevel maths base help at least a bit?

Any idea if anyone who has got average maths ability will be able to survive this course?
Able to pass this degree if I work hard (like reading up books that are recommended) with my not naturally-smart-brain? ))):

My qualification was below JC and my maths is about average and I survived this course so you will be fine. Working hard is not enough, you must work smart too :)

Enjoy your first year, hell starts from second year :s13:
 

shinyting

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My qualification was below JC and my maths is about average and I survived this course so you will be fine. Working hard is not enough, you must work smart too :)

Enjoy your first year, hell starts from second year :s13:

hmmmm. thanks for your advice!
The maths from second year onwards is significantly more difficult? )))):

May I know if you took a part-time job while studying those 3 years and was it manageable?
 

Hymnody

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hmmmm. thanks for your advice!
The maths from second year onwards is significantly more difficult? )))):

May I know if you took a part-time job while studying those 3 years and was it manageable?

maths1 maths2 already quite tough liao because of new exam format. before 2010 exam, the format used to be 7 Questions in Section A and 4(choose 2) in Section B.

the new format is 6 Questions in Section A (10marks each), 2 Questions in Section B (20marks each). So no longer have a choice in the killer section B. basically compulsory to do all. Both maths1 and maths2 are in this format.

jiayoujiayou. not just the maths actually, intro to economics is also very demanding.
 

Michael Shoemaker

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hmmmm. thanks for your advice!
The maths from second year onwards is significantly more difficult? )))):

May I know if you took a part-time job while studying those 3 years and was it manageable?

From what i have seen , those people who work part time taking econs & finance or Maths & econs don't have a good ending. either they ended up repeating units or changing to other courses.

if you intend to take either of these 2 courses , just fully focus on it.
if you have other commitments , just pick other courses.
i'm not saying other courses are easy , but they are really not as demanding as these 2 courses.

yes. like mathemagician said , 2nd year onwards is hell. :D
 

Mathemagician

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hmmmm. thanks for your advice!
The maths from second year onwards is significantly more difficult? )))):

May I know if you took a part-time job while studying those 3 years and was it manageable?

I could not imagine myself doing part time job while studying for BME.. That will be mission impossible 5 for me :eek::eek:

The maths from second year are totally different from maths 1 and maths 2 in your first year.. if you do well for these 2 half units , it is not necessary that you will do well in maths courses starting from year 2.. and the contrapositive is true, you wont do well in maths courses starting from year 2 if you already did bad in maths 1 and 2 :D
 

shinyting

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From what i have seen , those people who work part time taking econs & finance or Maths & econs don't have a good ending. either they ended up repeating units or changing to other courses.

if you intend to take either of these 2 courses , just fully focus on it.
if you have other commitments , just pick other courses.
i'm not saying other courses are easy , but they are really not as demanding as these 2 courses.

yes. like mathemagician said , 2nd year onwards is hell. :D

may i know for those who change course (for eg maybe to A&F) do they start from 2nd year or do year 1 stuffs again? cause most courses have pretty similar year 1 modules..

you guys are really scaring me with "2nd year onwards is hell"!!!!
but still, thanks for giving me this mental preparation..
 

shinyting

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I could not imagine myself doing part time job while studying for BME.. That will be mission impossible 5 for me :eek::eek:

The maths from second year are totally different from maths 1 and maths 2 in your first year.. if you do well for these 2 half units , it is not necessary that you will do well in maths courses starting from year 2.. and the contrapositive is true, you wont do well in maths courses starting from year 2 if you already did bad in maths 1 and 2 :D

the timetable for us seems pretty short so i was thinking of mebbe getting a student for tuition or getting a flexible 2-3days part-time job.. even such jobs that take up few hours per week also not recommended? that's really sad... ))):

do you study everyday whole day without break? thats really stressful!!
did you join any cca or are you still able to like go out with friends at least once per week or once in two weeks?

TIA!
 

shinyting

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maths1 maths2 already quite tough liao because of new exam format. before 2010 exam, the format used to be 7 Questions in Section A and 4(choose 2) in Section B.

the new format is 6 Questions in Section A (10marks each), 2 Questions in Section B (20marks each). So no longer have a choice in the killer section B. basically compulsory to do all. Both maths1 and maths2 are in this format.

jiayoujiayou. not just the maths actually, intro to economics is also very demanding.

thanks for the advice! (:)
 
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