Financial Mathematics (Advanced)

This major is part of the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours), designed for high-performing students to pursue their interest in science through a core of research, leadership and entrepreneurship. It provides opportunities for you to source and undertake internal and external internships and immersive work experience, which can be used for course credit.

Mathematics is the study of concepts such as quantity, structure, space and change and to use these concepts to model and describe the behaviour of real world complex systems. It has been described as the science of patterns - whether found in numbers, space, science, engineering, computers, imaginary abstractions, or elsewhere.

Through abstraction and logical reasoning, mathematics evolved from counting, calculation, measurement, and the systematic study of the shapes and motions of physical objects. Today, mathematics is used in most fields, including technology, natural science, engineering, medicine, finance and the social sciences, such as sociology and psychology.

This course will provide you with a broad range of analytical and mathematical skills, with particular relevance to statistical modelling and operations research in the financial context.

It offers a flexible and personalised approach to studying financial mathematics. You'll be able to explore the field through for-credit immersive research experiences, industry placement and/or interdisciplinary team-based projects.

You'll receive a strong grounding in corporate finance, financial institution, financial markets and various branches of the financial services industry, enhancing your employment prospects in the technological, industrial and commercial sectors. You may select from units in accounting, economics and business.

Work-based learning in this course is ensured through the requirement to engage in immersive industry and/or research experience. In your capstone experience you'll have the opportunity to pursue mathematics projects that may be based anywhere from pure research through to translational (entrepreneurial) science.

See our handbook for more course information.

• This course teaches advanced mathematics and statistics and their real-world applications in the financial context.
• Curtin has strong links with industry and the business world; as a result, the course units are designed to develop the practical skills needed to address real-world problems.
• A work experience program runs from second year onwards, exposing you to real applications of your studies and introducing you to potential employers.
• Through embedded research and industry engagement, you'll have the opportunity to investigate multiple areas of specialisation and tailor you final year experience that prepares you for the industry of your choice.

• Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of the nature of science, its methods and processes, and an advanced knowledge of mathematical and statistical principles and concepts in a range of mathematical disciplines; solve problems relevant to science, industry, commerce and government.
• Apply mathematical and statistical methods to critically analyse challenging and multi-faceted problems and to think creatively to generate innovative solutions.
• Access and make judgements on the value of available knowledge using a variety of tools, and incorporate them into the planning, conduct and communication of their own work.
• Communicate approaches, ideas, findings and solutions to financial mathematics problems in a variety of modes to informed professional audiences.
• Use established and emerging technologies in the field of financial mathematics to address complex research questions.
• Demonstrate intellectual independence and engage in self-driven continuous discipline and professional education and training in the mathematical sciences.
• Be aware of the diversity of international perspectives and apply international standards of practice within their profession as a mathematical scientist in the financial services industry.
• Work collaboratively and respectfully with colleagues from a range of cultural backgrounds; understand the importance of cultural diversity and how it impacts a mathematician in the financial services industry.
• Work ethically and professionally as an independent mathematician in the financial services industry and collaboratively within teams either as a professional leader or collaborator.