Maths for Uni?

[livilivi]

Im currently on my last sem of Poly. Probably gonna work one or two years then apply for Uni or see how.
Regarding Uni, i have no special interest you see. The only thing I can confirm is probably Maths? /not bragging ok/ however, I dont know if I should get a Bachelor in Maths degree.... it sounds very... idk. I'd like to hear opinions? Like maybe the future of that degree or best if anypne whos taking that degree could share the experience?

 

[AhPORK]

Which course were you previously from?

 

[HurrDurr]

Firstly, it's mathematics or math, not maths. Uni math is nothing like poly math. Whatever you learnt in poly is only gonna help you survive the first semester, everything after that is a different ball game.

Next, do your own research, what uni are you trying for? Go look at their course catalog, look at their modules and Google the respective topics to scare yourself.

Lastly, it's mostly for bragging rights. Usually you'll get comments like 'Woah you taking math degree it must be hard you must be very smart' followed by 'So what you wanna do after you grad? Be teacher ah?' so be prepared to deal with that for at least until you grad and find a proper job.

 

[Havok_ex]

Also, note that there are different types of math degrees in uni. Say for example in NTU, you have the

1. math and econs combined degree
2. Pure Math
3. Applied Math
4. Statistics
5. Business Analytics

Which one are you interested in?

 

[arcanum00]

Firstly, it's mathematics or math, not maths. Uni math is nothing like poly math.

Maths is not wrong.
Mathematical Institute | Mathematical Institute
"The education of the mathematicians of the future is at the heart of our mission. Our wide range of courses at undergraduate and graduate level offers an outstanding training in maths and its links to other disciplines."

http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/maths
Definition of maths in English:

plural noun
[treated as singular] British

Mathematics:
[as modifier]: ‘her mother was a maths teacher’

 

[arcanum00]

Im currently on my last sem of Poly. Probably gonna work one or two years then apply for Uni or see how.
Regarding Uni, i have no special interest you see. The only thing I can confirm is probably Maths? /not bragging ok/ however, I dont know if I should get a Bachelor in Maths degree.... it sounds very... idk. I'd like to hear opinions? Like maybe the future of that degree or best if anypne whos taking that degree could share the experience?

If you have based solely on your computation skills in, say, differential or integral calculus, to make your decision, then you might want to consider reading more on the topics in Pure Mathematics to see if you are really into a maths degree.

One who major in mathematics usually needs to read Pure Mathematics topics like Elementary Real Analysis, Abstract Algebra and probably Foundations in Mathematics (Set Theory, Functions, Relations, Logic) as core courses. These courses are usually proof-based as with many other optional courses in a maths degree. If you are not keen to do proofs, then you might want to consider doing degrees that are application-based in nature.

You might want to note that by looking at module/course titles, or names of topic, to judge if a course/module is easy, or to think that you have learned similar materials before, could be a mistake. A first year course named Calculus in one university might cover some elementary real analysis, while Calculus in another might cover multivariate calculus. A topic named Differentiation in one course can be applying mathematical methods, while Differentiation in another course might ask you to prove certain statements.

Lastly, do note that local universities require a dissertation for their Honours programme in Mathematics, and you need to satisfying a minimum GPA requirement before you are invited for the Honours programme. When you have decided to do a maths degree, you might also want to consider whether you are interested to do a dissertation in mathematics, and/or to further study in mathematics or its cognate disciplines at postgraduate level.

Hope it helps.

Cheers!

 

[intime]

Im currently on my last sem of Poly. Probably gonna work one or two years then apply for Uni or see how.
Regarding Uni, i have no special interest you see. The only thing I can confirm is probably Maths? /not bragging ok/ however, I dont know if I should get a Bachelor in Maths degree.... it sounds very... idk. I'd like to hear opinions? Like maybe the future of that degree or best if anypne whos taking that degree could share the experience?

What poly diploma are you taking?
Instead of letting math which you feel you are good at to decide your career, why not decide on your desired career first then choose the relevant course.

You can refer to jobsbank, jobsdb, jobscentral, jobstreet, career.gov etc to find the jobs you like, then see what is the degree course required.

 

[arcanum00]

Here are some interesting books at the undergraduate level: Undergraduate Level Math Book Recommendations | Singapore Maths Tuition
Maybe you can consider buying one of them to read through to make an informed decision.

Thomas’ Calculus, Multivariable is actually the second half of the complete book of Thomas’ Calculus. It might be a good idea to get the complete book.
Undergraduate Level Math Book Recommendations | Singapore Maths Tuition

The books listed are good, I feel, although there are also many more.
(I don't have Smullyan's "A Beginner’s Guide to Mathematical Logic", and I have mainly used most of the books as supplementary readings, so take my words with a grain of salt.)

Some interesting readings:
http://press.princeton.edu/chapters/gowers/gowers_VIII_6.pdf

How to Become a Pure Mathematician (or Statistician)

The Princeton Companion to Mathematics by Timothy Gowers (Editor), June Barrow-Green (Editor), Imre Leader (Editor)
The Princeton Companion to Mathematics: 9780691118802: Reference Books @ Amazon.com

Alcock
How to Study as a Mathematics Major
https://global.oup.com/academic/pro...athematics-major-9780199661312?cc=sg&lang=en&
(For US students)

Alcock
How to Study for a Mathematics Degree
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Study-Mathematics-Degree-Lara-Alcock/dp/0199661324
(For UK students)

If one can afford, then owning one or more of the books is not a bad idea, especially when one is into Mathematics, or is in need of those knowledge in Mathematics. Alternatively, TS can apply for membership from the local universities libraries to borrow the books, or borrow the books from his/her friends.

Cheers!

 

[Darkzi0n]

Thomas Calculus is a very good read for math major freshie.

For statistics, its "A first course in probability" by sheldon rose.

Anyway, even JC math doesnt prepare u for uni-level math... unless u r the type that has been wining math olympia since young, otherwise u will have a hard time coping... especially with the stiff competition from the china students.

 

[livilivi]

Wah thanks for all the replies Im currently in Electrical Engineering, have been doing engineering mathematics ( eg. differentiation/integration )
Mmm I'm more interested in pure maths rather than accounting type.
Im quite worried about the GPA part since my gpa is only 2.7? Might consider SIM.

Sent from GAGT Android App

 

[livilivi]

Regarding the career part, its because i rlly have no idea what i wanna be.

Sent from GAGT Android App

 

[livilivi]

Oh and engineering is really nt my cup of tea. Intern now makes me realise how uninterested i am LOL

Sent from GAGT Android App

 

[a&w_rootbeerz]

Im quite worried about the GPA part since my gpa is only 2.7? Might consider SIM.

Sent from GAGT Android App

You may wanna consider UniSIM since the uni are catered for working adults. And since you said you wanna work for 1-2 years, then UniSIM might suit you if you wanna further studies in future.

 

[arcanum00]

Wah thanks for all the replies Im currently in Electrical Engineering, have been doing engineering mathematics ( eg. differentiation/integration )
Mmm I'm more interested in pure maths rather than accounting type.
Im quite worried about the GPA part since my gpa is only 2.7? Might consider SIM.

Sent from GAGT Android App

"Mmm I'm more interested in pure maths rather than accounting type." sounds weird.

https://mcs-notes2.open.ac.uk/WebResources/Maths.nsf/A/1jpl/$FILE/MScDiagnosticquiz.pdf
This gives one a rough idea of the topics that are usually considered as Pure Mathematics and Applied Mathematics. It also shows roughly the topics that are normally learn in the core courses in a maths degree. Since it's from Open University, it is more relevant to the maths degree programme in UniSIM than those in the NUS or the NTU. Nonetheless, one can't really skip those topics in a maths degree .

(Not in order of merit)
NUS:
Department of Mathematics - Undergraduates
http://ww1.math.nus.edu.sg/undergrad.aspx?f=UP-MA

NTU:
http://www.spms.ntu.edu.sg/mas/Undergraduates/UndergradProgramOverview.html
MAS: Current Undergraduates: Information on MAS Courses

SIM Undergraduate
http://www.unisim.edu.sg/programmes/programme-details/Pages/BSc-Mathematics.aspx
https://www.unisim.edu.sg/Eservice/Public/ViewCP/ViewCP.aspx?progcd=BSMA&viewtype=mhtml

 

[arcanum00]

For statistics, its "A first course in probability" by sheldon rose.

"A First Course in Probability" is a good book for elementary Probability Theory. However, if your Statistics course also includes Statistical Inference, then you have to look for other books to cover that part of Statistics.

 

[intime]

Regarding the career part, its because i rlly have no idea what i wanna be.

Sent from GAGT Android App

I will strongly suggest that you look into your polytechnic's career services and book an appointment with your polytechnic's career counsellor.
Tell your concerns to the career counsellor, they have appropriate evaluation tools to help you find out what are your career options.
Then you will know what university courses to take.

Don't be shy in making use of those services, since you are paying a lot of money for your polytechnic education.

 

[AhPORK]

Regarding the career part, its because i rlly have no idea what i wanna be.

Sent from GAGT Android App

You better think through again before coming to a decision bah
Math at uni level is really a lot more provings than calculations
I have friends from poly who kinda struggle with math now so ya..

 

[Havok_ex]

Wah thanks for all the replies Im currently in Electrical Engineering, have been doing engineering mathematics ( eg. differentiation/integration )
Mmm I'm more interested in pure maths rather than accounting type.
Im quite worried about the GPA part since my gpa is only 2.7? Might consider SIM.

Sent from GAGT Android App

Unisim offers a degree in mathematics:
BSc Mathematics

IMO, with that GPA, you can only consider unisim. No offense or anything. But with a 2.7, you wont get into NUS/NTU/SMU/SUTD. Its just way too far off the mark.

 

[Darkzi0n]

Wah thanks for all the replies Im currently in Electrical Engineering, have been doing engineering mathematics ( eg. differentiation/integration )
Mmm I'm more interested in pure maths rather than accounting type.
Im quite worried about the GPA part since my gpa is only 2.7? Might consider SIM.

Sent from GAGT Android App

coming from JC, all the math i learnt barely scratch the surface of uni math... i imagine poly math can onli be more 'applied' rather than 'pure'. so... wat other exposure did u have that make u think u like pure math?

"A First Course in Probability" is a good book for elementary Probability Theory. However, if your Statistics course also includes Statistical Inference, then you have to look for other books to cover that part of Statistics.

naturally... it is not meant to cover all the material in stats with sufficient depth (i doubt such book exist)... but is a very good book for lower level stats students, it covers alot of famous examples and give the student alot of exposure to very useful techniques for doing stats or probability.... i find myself referring back to it from time to time when im doing higher lvl stats modules.

 

[AhPORK]

coming from JC, all the math i learnt barely scratch the surface of uni math... i imagine poly math can onli be more 'applied' rather than 'pure'. so... wat other exposure did u have that make u think u like pure math?

I totally agree with this

Back in JC, my lecturer took about a couple of lectures to finish going through complex numbers but now... The lecturer just take like 2h to finish the entire chapter