Eight professors = maths success for UOW
21 Aug 2007 | Bernie Goldie
While mathematics departments across Australian universities have been in marked decline, Wollongong has chosen a different path and is now reaping the benefits.
“We have been purposely building up our School of Mathematics and Applied Statistics in expectation of a renewed interest in mathematics,” said Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Margaret Sheil.
“Our decision has paid off handsomely as students vote with their feet to come to Wollongong,” she said.
So confident is the University of Wollongong in the future for the discipline of mathematics that it now boasts eight full professors alone – the highest number in the University’s history with three of the professors having been appointed during 2007.
The School has recently attracted 21 honours students which is three times larger than normal intakes. Having 21 students outshines even some of the big mathematics departments at metropolitan universities.
Among its course offerings, UOW provides a four-year Bachelor of Mathematics and Finance degree which is equipping students with the combination of a finance background and quantitative skills.
The School of Mathematics and Applied Statistics says this has been providing an excellent springboard for jobs in the finance sector -- particularly in Sydney’s CBD.
And UOW’s statistics group has excellent links with the Australian Bureau of Statistics so statistics students quickly learn the professional advantages in graduating with an honours degree.
Media please note
For a high-resolution photo of the eight professors please email Bernie Goldie at bgoldie@uow.edu.au
For further information about the growth in the School of Mathematics and Applied Statistics please contact the Head of the School of Mathematics and Applied Statistics, Associate Professor Tim Marchant, on (02) 4221 3861.
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