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Mathematics
Mathematics is the language of science and the foundation of most modern quantitative study. It has many facets, from the practical use of statistical tools to the theoretical study of abstract relationships and, from the elementary applications of calculus to the use of number theory in modern cryptography.

Computer Science
The study of computing ranges from hands-on applications to pure theory and includes the analysis of algorithms, the study of computer architectures, compilers and operating systems, networks and software engineering.

Where to go from here?
A degree in mathematics or computer science from Mount Allison University can lead to careers in:

• Research in mathematics or computer science;
• Programming, computer systems management, or IT;
• Actuarial science, statistical analysis;
• Computer modeling;
• Secondary or post-secondary school teaching.

Our Programs
Honours Bachelor of Science (BSc) or Arts (BA) degrees in mathematics and in mathematics and computer science are offered as well as an honours BSc in mathematics and physics. BSc or BA students can also major or minor in mathematics or computer science.

First-year mathematics or computer science major or honours students take six credits in calculus and six credits in computer science. Lectures are supplemented by weekly labs where students get hands-on experience. Students must pass a placement test to enroll in Caluclus I; a pre-calculus course is offered for students not yet ready to tackle calculus. In Computer Science I and II students are introduced to object-oriented design and analysis. A course for non-specialists in computer science and its applications, and an introductory statistics course, introducing techniques that can be used to analyze data in any discipline, are also available.

Upper-level courses include specialized courses in analysis, algebra, set theory, probability and statistics, differential equations, combinatorics, modelling, algorithm analysis, artificial intelligence, database systems, programming languages, operating systems, software design, cryptography, and much more.

Faculty Research
Research plays an important role in the life of the Department and is supported by Science and Engineering Research Canada (NSERC) — Discovery and Equipment Grants — and the Canada Foundation for Innovation.

Faculty research interests include analytic number theory, category theory, combinatorics and graph theory, cryptography, concurrency in computing, discrete events systems, electronic commerce, functional analysis, geometry, ring theory, and theory of database systems.

Facilities
Research facilities include a high-performance parallel computing cluster. The Department also hosts an online journal, Theory and Applications of Categories (www.tac.mta.ca/tac/).

Undergraduate Research
Students have the opportunity to participate in real research in both mathematics and computer science. They can become involved either through independent summer research projects supervised by faculty members or by contributing to faculty research projects. Students not only gain valuable experience but are paid for their efforts. Financial support comes from NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards, funds administered by Mount Allison’s research committee, and individual faculty members’ grants.

Recent undergraduate research includes projects in graph theory, distributed games, cryptanalysis of block ciphers, Pythagorean triples and relations to ring theory, the production of a graphical database for category theory, and a graphical interface for the design of discrete events systems.

Department Website

Academic Calendar: Computer Science
Academic Calendar: Mathematics