About the Department of Mathematics

Mathematics today is an enabling science which has a multitude of applications in industry, climate modelling and weather forecasting, financial and market modelling, cryptography, astrophysics, and many other areas. Because of the important role of mathematics, we provide papers (courses) not just for mathematics majors, but for all students who need mathematical skills in their chosen area of study.

The department offers a broad programme in pure, applied, and computational mathematics, as well as a separate degree programme in Data Analytics. Both these programmes give the opportunity for specialist and research preparation, and also serve the needs in mathematics and statistics of other disciplines in the University. These include, but are not limited to, Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Materials and Process Engineering, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Management, Education, Economics, and Finance.

In addition to its important teaching role, the department's staff carry out research on a variety of topics in pure, applied, and computational mathematics. This work calls on mathematical knowledge from many fields, such as calculus, algebra, analysis, geometry and numerical analysis. Students doing a qualification in mathematics normally include papers from several of these areas.

Data Analytics is the science of collecting, and interpreting data subject to uncertainty. We live in a world where variability is everywhere. To make informed decisions we must understand the nature of this variability, and make use of meaningful information. Without data we have to resort to gut feel or hunches, neither of which can be relied on. Data Analytics tell us how to deal with variability, and how to collect and use data so that we can make good decisions.

The Mathematics Department offers a variety of qualifications, for undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate students, which reflect this need for mathematics and statistics in the community. Mathematics and Data Analytics staff at the University of Waikato have considerable experience in teaching a wide range of applied and theoretical courses. The department provides good computing facilities for its senior students. Our senior laboratory has a network of PCs running Linux and Windows. Software includes: Java, C++, Maple, Mathematica, Matlab, and other mathematical and statistical packages.

We welcome both New Zealand students and international students and look forward to you joining us.

Dr Tim Stokes
Chairperson
Department of Mathematics