B | UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO
MATHEMATICS | 1
MORE THAN STATISTICS
The study of mathematics is an intense but satisfying preparation for just about any career path you desire. Employers want the analytical, quantitative,
and creative problem-solving skills you acquire
as a math student at Waterloo. If you think you
love mathematics now, just wait until you get here!
You can find information about our business, accounting, and computer science programs in separate brochures.
94%of Waterloo mathematics graduates are employed within 2 years of graduation
MORE THAN 36,000 Waterloo BMath and BCS graduates in 104 countries worldwide
I am so proud of the success
of the Equithon. The presence
and involvement of the
hackers, sponsors, volunteers,
mentors, university staff, and
everyone else, showed me just
how many of us want to take a
collective step to what we hope
our future society will be.
MEAGHEN
HONOURS MATHEMATICS — STATISTICS
MINOR IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
As a member of the Math HeForShe student committee, Meaghen wanted to get more students involved in the initiative. After a conversation with her faculty advisor, Waterloo’s Equithon came to life.
#BEYONDIDEASUWaterloo is the first campus to host a gender-parity hackathon. Participants at our first Equithon were looking for solutions to everything from gendered racism to mental health.
Meaghen and her team created the Waterloo Equithon in support of the UN Women’s HeForShe 10x10x10 initiative.
At Waterloo, your actions and opinions have the ability to create change.
MATHEMATICS | 32 | UNIVERS
YOURFIRSTYEAR
In first year, it’s all
about keeping your
options open. You’ll
take core courses such
as algebra, calculus,
communications,
and computer science
to prepare you
for whichever major
you decide to choose.
#BEYONDIDEASTravel to Europe with our Math in Europe program. Available exclusively to first year students, Math in Europe lets you take Waterloo math courses from Waterloo professors while exploring the history of Europe.
HAVE A MAJOR IN MIND?In most cases, you can wait until the end of your first year or later to choose
a major. Most math majors start in second year. Descriptions for each major
are found on the following pages.
NOT SURE IF YOU WANT CO-OP?Most programs are offered as co-op or regular (non-co-op); some programs are
co-op only. If your program is offered in either system of study, we recommend
applying to co-op when you submit your application. More information
regarding co-op is located at the back of this brochure.
SAMPLE FIRST YEAR SCHEDULE
FALL
MATH 135 Algebra
MATH 137 Calculus 1
CS 115 Introduction to Computer Science 1
1 communications course
1 non-math elective
WINTER
MATH 136 Linear Algebra 1
MATH 138 Calculus 2
CS 116 Introduction to Computer Science 2
1 communications course
1 non-math elective
COMMUNICATION COUNTSEmployers are looking for more than just technical skills. Strong communication
skills are a top priority, and we’re doing everything we can to help you develop
these skills in order to succeed academically and professionally.
Through small classes, you’ll complete 2 communication courses that will
expand on your current skill set and prepare you for success.
uwaterloo.ca/math/communication-counts
Waterloo Mathematics actively recruits the best students worldwide.
Students in the Faculty of Mathematics come from more than 80DIFFERENT COUNTRIES
MATHEMATICS | 54 | UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO
BEYOND CALCULATORS MAJORS
Which m
ajor is right for you?
ACTUARIAL SCIENCE BMath
APPLY TO MATHEMATICS
CHOOSE YOUR MAJOR AFTER FIRST YEAR
Actuarial Science is the application of
statistics, probability, and risk theory to
real-life financial problems involving
future uncertainty. Actuaries address the
uncertainties associated with life insurance,
property insurance, and casualty insurance,
annuities, and pensions or other employee
benefit plans. You may begin working
toward your professional designation as
early as second year and complete as many
as 4 or 5 related exams by graduation.
Focus your studies › Finance option,
Predictive Analytics option
STATISTICS BMath
APPLY TO MATHEMATICS
CHOOSE YOUR MAJOR AFTER FIRST YEAR
Statistics plays a role in all aspects of
data-based investigation, from the design
of studies and surveys to the discovery of
patterns to the determination of principal
causes of an important effect. It is the
science of drawing reliable conclusions
from data using data collection, analysis,
interpretation, and presentation.
Statisticians are skilled in hypothesis
testing, forecasting and predicting, and
inferring and deducing. They work
collaboratively with various sectors
including medicine, business,
government, and academia.
STATISTICS FOR HEALTH BMath
APPLY TO MATHEMATICS
CHOOSE YOUR MAJOR AFTER FIRST YEAR
Effective health-care research teams need
members wih strong quantitative and
data-based decision-making skills. Drawing
from Waterloo’s strengths in statistics,
biostatistics, computer science, health studies,
gerontology, and economics, Statistics for
Health focuses on research in the areas of
clinical, public, and population health. The
only program of its kind in Canada, Statistics
for Health uniquely positions its graduates
for successful careers in the quantitative
sector of the health-care field.
DATA SCIENCE BMath
APPLY TO MATHEMATICS
CHOOSE YOUR MAJOR AFTER FIRST YEAR
Data Science is the study, application,
and development of methods to learn
from available data in order to understand,
predict, and improve business strategy,
products and services, marketing campaigns,
medicine, and public health and safety.
These methods include elements of
computer science and statistics.
Bachelor of Computer Science in
Data Science program also available
APPLIED MATHEMATICS BMath
APPLY TO MATHEMATICS
CHOOSE YOUR MAJOR AFTER FIRST YEAR
Applied Mathematics is the application of
mathematical methods to solve problems that
arise in science, engineering, medicine, business,
and industry — from quantum to cosmology
and everything in between. Partnerships with the
Institute for Quantum Computing and Perimeter
Institute for Theoretical Physics position Applied
Mathematics students for exclusive academic and
career opportunities.
Focus your studies › Biology option, Earth
Sciences option, Economics option, Physics option,
Applied Mathematics with Engineering electives,
Scientific Computation/Applied Mathematics
COMBINATORICS AND OPTIMIZATION BMath
APPLY TO MATHEMATICS
CHOOSE YOUR MAJOR AFTER FIRST YEAR
Combinatorics is the study of discrete structures
and their properties and thus is indispensable
to computer science. Optimization, also known
as mathematics programming, is the study of
maximizing and minimizing functions subject
to specific conditions or constraints. Besides its
importance to various branches of mathematics,
the functions to be optimized arise in management
sciences, engineering, and physical sciences.
MATHEMATICS | 7
BEYOND CALCULATORS MAJORS
Which m
ajor is right for you?
6 | UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO
MATHEMATICAL OPTIMIZATION BMath
APPLY TO MATHEMATICS
CHOOSE YOUR MAJOR AFTER FIRST YEAR
This field of mathematics quantifies
complex management problems
in business and government into
mathematical models. Then, through
sophisticated computing techniques, it
identifies optimal solutions. Optimization,
statistics, and computer science uniquely
converge into this mathematics program
with broad business applications. Students
with these sophisticated business skills are
in high demand.
Focus your studies › Operations Research
specialization, Business specialization
MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS BMath
APPLY TO MATHEMATICS
CHOOSE YOUR MAJOR AFTER FIRST YEAR
Mathematical Physics is the application
of advanced mathematical methods to
solve problems rooted in physics. This
field is exploding with advancements in
everything from fundamental physics
to quantum mechanics. You’ll take an
integrated set of mathematics and physics
courses during your undergraduate career.
Bachelor of Science available through
the Faculty of Science
COMPUTATIONAL MATHEMATICS BMath
APPLY TO MATHEMATICS
CHOOSE YOUR MAJOR AFTER FIRST YEAR
Solving industrial-sized problems was next to
impossible until recently. Now the power of
computers can be harnessed to generate and run
simulated mathematical models, producing data that
can be mined for numerical solutions. Computational
Mathematics is where math and computer science
intersect to solve large-scale mathematical problems.
These large problems arise in business, economics,
engineering, finance, medicine, and science.
MATHEMATICS/TEACHING BMath, Co-op only
APPLY TO MATHEMATICS
CHOOSE YOUR MAJOR AFTER FIRST YEAR
Mathematics/Teaching is a co-op program that
provides more classroom experience than any other
bachelor of education preparation program in Canada.
In addition to the academic and co-op terms taken
through Waterloo, Mathematics/Teaching students
spend 2 terms (8 months) in the classroom before
attending a Faculty of Education. A second teachable
subject can be chosen from the sciences or the arts.
Graduates are prepared to apply to a faculty of
education in Ontario to complete their BEd to teach
at the intermediate and senior divisions, Grades 7 to 12.
Focus your studies › Mathematics/Teaching is a
major that allows you to take a wide variety of math
courses or focus your studies on one of the disciplines
mentioned in this brochure.
MATHEMATICAL STUDIES BMath
APPLY TO MATHEMATICS
CHOOSE YOUR MAJOR AFTER FIRST YEAR
Mathematics is the foundation of commerce,
computing, engineering, and science. This major
is the most flexible of all the Math majors in the
Faculty of Mathematics. It provides you with
a broad education in mathematics, including
algebra, calculus, combinatorics, computer science,
geometry, number theory, and statistics. If you
enjoy mathematics and want the opportunity
to hone your analytical, technical, and problem-
solving skills but don’t want to narrow your focus
to one major only, then this program is for you.
Focus your studies › Business specialization
PURE MATHEMATICS BMath
APPLY TO MATHEMATICS
CHOOSE YOUR MAJOR AFTER FIRST YEAR
Pure Mathematics explores the boundary
of mathematics and pure reason. It aims to
creatively explore the “why and how” questions in
mathematics. Pure Mathematics comprises algebra,
number theory, analysis, geometry, topology, and
logic. Most first-year students who lean towards
majoring in Pure Mathematics take the advanced
sections of calculus and algebra in preparation for
upper-year courses. Pure Mathematics at Waterloo
is a small, cohesive, and challenging program.
Focus your studies › Teaching
8 | UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO MATHEMATICS | 9
9:30 A.M. NO
ON
3 P.M.
5 P.M.
7 P.M.
9 A.M.
BEYOND TEXTBOOKS
OUTSIDETHE CLASSROOMNumbers, calculators, code — they’re all part of the backbone
of our faculty. However, they’re far from everything.
Here you’ll find your community, explore your ideas, and keep up
with your favourite hobbies while gaining a world-class education.
uwaterloo.ca/math/get-involved
9 A.M. Head to the Math Coffee and Donut Shop to grab a coffee
before class. 9:30 A.M. Time for the first lecture of the day. NOON
Wrap up morning classes and head off to the Davis Centre cafeteria
for lunch. 3 P.M. Dive into that calculus assignment. 5 P.M. Grab
some dinner and take a break. 7 P.M. Attend an evening workshop
to learn more about undergraduate research opportunities.
#BEYONDIDEASWaterloo has Canada’s only Faculty of Mathematics. That means you’ll study and work alongside people who are just as passionate about mathematics and computer science as you are!
10 | UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO
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MATHEMATICS | 11
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
BEYOND GRADUATIONEndless possibilities.
According to CareerCast,
a degree in mathematics or
computer science can lead to
6 OUT OF THE 10 BEST JOBS
Data scientist
Statistician
Information security analyst
Mathematician
Software engineer
Actuary
WONDERING WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH A DEGREE IN MATHEMATICS? Graduating with a degree in mathematics
opens plenty of doors for you. Our
grads find challenging employment
opportunities in sectors such as
technology, finance, business, academia,
government, education, and more.
Here are just a few examples of where
your degree in mathematics can take you.
SECTOR: FINANCE AND BUSINESS
Milenko Sikljovan
BMath 2010
Investment Banking
Associate, Goldman Sachs
Laura Chelaru
BMath 2010
Junior Portfolio Manager,
TD Asset Management
Angella A. Hughes
BMath 1998
President and CEO,
Xogen Technologies
Chris Krmpotic
BMath 1992
Consultant, Investors Group
Financial Services
Ajay Junnarkar
BMath 1995
CFO, Kroll Bond
Rating Agency
SECTOR: TEACHING AND EDUCATION
Rich Dlin
BMath 1993, MMath 2012
Mathematics Department Chair,
Tanenbaum Community Hebrew
Academy of Toronto
Ann Elliott
BMath 1983, MMath 2013
Mathematics Teacher, Durham
District School Board
Daniel Pinizzotto
BMath 2012
Computer Science Teacher,
Upper Grand District
School Board
SECTOR: TECHNOLOGY
Joanna Ritchie
BCS 1993
Vice President, Emerging
Technologies, SAP
Kyle Lemoire
BCS 2012
Software Development
Engineer, Microsoft
Michelle Chen
BCS 2014
UX Designer,
Dolby Laboratories
SECTOR: RESEARCH AND ACADEMIA
Mike Carter
BMath 1971, MMath 1974,
PhD 1980
Professor, Centre for
Healthcare Engineering,
University of Toronto
Nick Harvey
BMath 1999
Associate Professor,
University of British
Columbia
Cherise R. Chin Fatt
BMath 2007
Teaching Assistant,
Research Intern, University
of Texas at Dallas
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MATHEMATICS | 1312 | UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO
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ADMISSIONS2018 REQUIREMENTS
PROGRAM MAJORS
REQUIRED COURSES Grade 12 U unless otherwise specified. Minimum requirements: 6 Grade 12 U or M courses, including all required courses
ADMISSION AVERAGE (includes required courses)
Mathematics Regular/Co-op
Actuarial Science, Applied Mathematics, Combinatorics and Optimization, Computational Mathematics, Data Science, Mathematical Finance, Mathematical Optimization, Mathematical Physics, Mathematical Studies, Pure Mathematics, Statistics, Statistics for Health, Mathematics/ Teaching; available beginning in second year
Advanced Functions, Calculus and Vectors, any 12 U English, one other Grade 12 U course, Admission Information Form
Individual selection* from the high 80s
*Individual selection speaks to content submitted on the Admission Information Form. Admission decisions are strongly based on academic performance, but extra-curricular activities and extenuating circumstances are also taken into consideration.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTSIf English is not your first language and your 4 most recent years of full-time education have not been taught in English, you’ll be required to submit one of these English language test scores.
INTERNET-BASED TOEFL IELTS MELAB CAEL PTE (academic)
90 writing: 25 speaking: 25
6.5 overall, 6.5 writing, 6.5 speaking, 6.0 reading and 6.0 listening
85; 80 per section; for co-op programs: 3 speaking
70 overall; 60 per band; 70 writing; 70 speaking
63 overall; 65 writing; 65 speaking
Students with an overall IELTS score of 7.0 and no band score below 6.0 will be given individual consideration for admission to full-time undergraduate studies. Get deadlines and other details: uwaterloo.ca/findoutmore/admissions.
MATH/ENGLISH LANGUAGE FOR ACADEMIC STUDIES (MATH/ELAS)
For strong applicants who need additional training to meet our English language requirements, you may receive an alternative offer of admission to Math/ELAS instead of receiving a direct offer of admission to the program you applied to. Find out more: uwaterloo.ca/math/elas.
ADMISSION NOTES:
Admission decisions are based on your high school grade average, including required courses. Students may be penalized on their Admission Information Form (AIF) score for repeated courses and required courses taken outside of regular day school without proper explanation.
The AIF is to be submitted after applying through OUAC. The AIF includes questions about your extracurricular activities and work experience. Completion of an AIF is required for admission to all programs.
If you’re not offered admission to the program of your choice, you may be considered for other Mathematics programs.
Participation in the Euclid and the Canadian Senior Mathematics Contests is strongly recommended.
After you’ve applied › Watch for our email with your Waterloo ID number and details on what to do next.
It’s worth the wait › In an effort to base our decisions on the most relevant grades possible, most admission offers for Mathematics programs are made in early May. We base our final decisions on your interim or final grades of your required courses, your AIF and your Euclid contest score (if applicable) from the year you apply.
CONTESTSGet contest preparation resources, registration details, and deadlines: cemc.uwaterloo.ca.
EUCLID MATHEMATICS CONTEST
While the Euclid Mathematics Contest is not required for admission, your participation is strongly encouraged, and is an asset to your application — approximately 50% of students who received offers in Fall 2017 wrote the Euclid. The contest is required for Entrance Scholarship consideration. The contest will be written in your high school on April 11, 2018.
CANADIAN COMPUTING COMPETITION (CCC)
The CCC is not required for admission, but a high score may be an asset for admission to the David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science programs. The CCC will be written on February 14, 2018.
CO-OP OR REGULAR?Not sure if you want to choose co-op? We’ve made it easy for you to compare the differences.
REGULAR — FAST TRACK TO GRADUATION
If you want to graduate sooner, to start your career or attend graduate school, then the regular system of study is an option for you. The Centre for Career Action can help you find a great summer job or make sure you’re on the right career path. Get the details: uwaterloo.ca/career-action.
Regular takes less than
4YEARSto complete and you’ll have summers off between academic terms to work, study, or travel.
CO-OP — EARN AS YOU LEARN
Through co-op you’ll have opportunities to explore potential career paths. You’ll make career contacts and pick up transferable skills that will be an asset after graduation. Get the details: uwaterloo.ca/co-op.
Get the co-op advantage
more than 4,000 co-op employers worldwide
UP TO 24 MONTHS’ paid experience
PICK THE STUDY/WORK SEQUENCE YOU PREFERIn co-op, you’ll alternate study and paid work terms. For most Mathematics majors, there are multiple study/work sequences available. If available, you will be able to request your sequence when you make your course selections. This table shows a sample of the sequences that are available.
YR. TERM REGULAR SEQ. 1
1 Fall Study Study
Winter Study Study
Spring Off Work
2 Fall Study Study
Winter Study Work
Spring Off Study
3 Fall Study Work
Winter Study Study
Spring Off Work
4 Fall Study Study
Winter Study Work
Spring Study
5 Fall Work
Winter Study
FINANCING YOUR EDUCATIONWhen thinking about university, it’s important to prepare a realistic budget for your first 8 months (2 terms).
List your financial needs: tuition and other student fees, residence fees, books, supplies, living expenses. uwaterloo.ca/future/financing
List the financial resources available to fund your education: savings, RESP, co-op earnings (if applicable).
Augment your resources, if you’re eligible, with scholarships, provincial financial aid (such as Ontario’s OSAP program), and a Waterloo Entrance Bursary.
You only pay 4 months (one term) at a time.
Participate in CEMC contests and apply for entrance scholarships.
ENTRANCE SCHOLARSHIPSPRESIDENT’S AND MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS No application uwaterloo.ca/future/financing
FACULTY OF MATHEMATICS SCHOLARSHIPS APPLICATION REQUIRED deadline: February 5, 2018 uwaterloo.ca/math/entrance-scholarships
FACULTY OF MATHEMATICS ENTRANCE SCHOLARSHIPS No application; must write Euclid Contest
Scholarships ranging in value from $1,000 to $5,000 – awarded to all students who meet marks criteria
Scholarships ranging in value from $12,000 to full cost
150 scholarships ranging in value from $2,000 to $10,000
Based on marks:85-89.9% – $1,000;90-94.9% – $2,000;≥95% – $2,000+ up to $5,000
Based on application, high academic performance, and outstanding extracurricular achievements
Based on marks, AIF, Euclid Contest score
uwaterloo.ca/future/admissions
14 | UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO PLEASE RECYCLE
FACULTY OF MATHEMATICS519-888-4567, EXT. 36284
uwaterloo.ca/math
waterloo.math WaterlooMath WaterlooMath
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