Where to study • St Stephen’s College, University of Delhi. • Indian Statistical Institute, 203, B.T. Road, Calcutta. • IITs (Chennai, haragpur, Delhi, Roorkee, BHU, Mumbai). • St Xavier's College, Mahapalika Marg, Mumbai. • Presidency, Kamaraj Salai, Chennai.

Mathematics is one of the four basic sciences, the other being physics, chemistry and biology. It is the abstract science of number, quality and space studied as pure mathematics or as applied to other disciplines such as physics, engineering, etc, (applied mathematics).

Mathematics represents a core of knowledge concerned with the understanding of natural phenomena and has many applications in our life. It can be studied for its own intrinsic value as a purely academic subject or for its practical applications. A course in mathematics is also useful for a career in management, computers, information technology and operational research.

What do I have to do?

Mathematicians seek out patterns whether found in numbers, space, science, computers or in imaginary abstractions. It was originally of limited use in the industry but has come into its own with the advent of high speed computers. Technical advances (for example space exploration and bio-technology) would have been impossible without the use of computers to solve complex equations and do large-scale data processing. The use of formula, statistics and mathematical models has been of enormous benefit to the industry. It has revolutionised business and commerce and such management tasks as accounting, resource management and operational research. Mathematics also has applications in actuarial science, economics, financial and market research analysis, meteorology and oceanography to name a few.

Theoretical mathematicians advance mathematical knowledge by developing new principles and recognising previously unknown relationships between existing principles of mathematics.

Although they seek to increase basic knowledge without necessarily considering its practical use, pure and abstract knowledge has been instrumental in furthering many scientific and engineering achievements. Theoretical mathematicians are employed as university faculty, dividing their time between teaching and doing research.

Applied mathematicians, on the other hand, use theories and techniques, such as mathematical modelling and computational methods, to formulate and solve practical problems in business, government and engineering and in the physical, life and social sciences. For example, they analyse the most efficient way to schedule airline routes between cities, the effects and safety of new drugs, etc. Applied mathematicians working in industrial and development research may develop or enhance mathematical methods when solving a difficult problem. Some mathematicians, called cryptoanalysts, analyse and decipher encryption systems designed to transmit military, political, financial, or law enforcement-related information in code.

Some professionals, including statisticians, actuaries, and operations research analysts, actually are specialists in a particular branch of mathematics.

What should I study?

You should have studied mathematics at the Plus Two level. For pursuing this subject, you need clear logical thinking, analytical ability, strong curiosity and determination to solve mathematical problems, patience and accuracy.

What next?

A course in mathematics is an excellent springboard for a number of rewarding career options. Mathematics is used extensively in physics, actuarial science, statistics, engineering, and operations research.

Computer science, business and industrial management, economics, finance, chemistry, geology, life sciences and behavioural sciences are likewise dependent on applied mathematics. Some of the career options are in teaching and research. For this, you would have to do your MSc in mathematics followed by an MPhil and a PhD.

Another option is in the field of software development. After BSc maths, you can do your masters in computer application or masters in information technology or masters in computer science.

One can specialise in operational research (OR) which is sometimes called the science of decision making. It involves applying mathematical and statistical methods to complex systems to understand how they work in order to improve them.