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Programs

The Mathematics Department of HKUST offer three undergraduate programs:

and two minor programs:

BSc in Mathematics

The BSc program in Mathematics is a four-year program that includes seven tracks:

  • Pure Mathematics
  • Pure Mathematics (Advanced)
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Statistics*
  • Financial and Actuarial Mathematics*
  • Computer Science
  • General Mathematics

(* They are split from the Statistics and Financial Mathematics track starting from the 2022-23 Cohort. Current students of the SF track are not affected.)

After declaring Mathematics as major at the end of the first year, students will be notified of the track selection procedure. In Year 2-4, students will study a sequence of courses according to the track chosen / assigned, in addition to MATH required courses on Calculus, Linear Algebra, Analysis, and a Capstone Project. For detail curriculum of each track, please visit HERE.

Students in both the Pure Mathematics Track and the Pure Mathematics (Advanced) Track learn about the theoretical aspects of mathematics. They will take courses in three areas of study, namely analysis, algebra and number theory, and geometry/topology. The Pure Mathematics (Advanced) Track is an advanced version of the Pure Mathematics track designed for mathematically talented students who aspire to pursue postgraduate studies.

The Applied Mathematics Track emphasizes the application of mathematics. Students are required to master versatile mathematical techniques. Students are also able to take electives in a wide range of applied mathematics topics including financial mathematics, game theory, mathematical biology, image processing, and fluid dynamics. 

The Statistics Track is to equip students with statistical training in analytical and quantitative skills, developing their problem-solving ability for tackling diverse statistical applications. Students are required to study courses in probability, statistics, sampling, regression, Bayesian methods, data visualization techniques, spatial analysis, time series models, etc. These knowledge and skills can be applied to various real-life cases such as survey methodology, data science, education, health science, biology, sociology, psychology, and social media.

The Financial and Actuarial Mathematics track provides a solid training in technical skills to enable students to apply mathematical, statistical and computational tools to construct quantitative models in quantitative trading strategies, risk management, risk scenario simulation and asset pricing. Special emphases are placed on various solution methods and interpretation of results from analytic models. The track also equips students with knowledge in actuarial science to pursue career opportunities in insurance companies, in the areas of life and health insurance, pension funds, and investment management. The courses in actuarial mathematics are designed to help students to prepare for the professional examinations of the Society of Actuaries (US).

Students in the Computer Science Track are required to study courses in both the areas of mathematics and computer science. They can get the best of both worlds for their future prospects because these two areas are closely related and knowledge in each can be mutually beneficial.

The General Mathematics Track offers students the greatest flexibility in their choice of mathematics electives. Students are then able to design their own program taking courses from pure and applied mathematics and statistics.

Admission & Requirements

  • For detail about admission into HKUST, please click HERE.
  • For detail about the School of Science major selection exericse, please visit HERE.
  • Students from other departments who want to declare MATH as an additional major should first send the materials to mathug@ust.hk. Here is the application checklist:
    1. An application form RR-47 (fill in Sections I and II). Clearly indicate the track you are applying for.
    2. An unofficial transcript in PDF format.
    3. A semester-by-semester study plan in PDF or Excel format, listing the courses you have taken, and courses you plan to take to fulfill the major and track requirements. Sum up the total number of credits of each semester. Highlight the 20-credits of courses that will be single-counted for MATH.

MATH UG Coordinator or admin staff may also ask you to fill in an online Study Plan Validation Form after you have submitted the RR-47 form to the Department of Mathematics. In some cases, MATH UG Coordinator may schedule a meeting with you to discuss your application in detail.

After the application has been reviewed by the Department of Mathematics, it will be returned to you, and you should pass the form to your home department for approval.

Remark: Since COSC is not a stand-alone major and is designed for students who want to do double major, the application for declaring COSC+MATH may be different from students with other first major. Please refer to this page maintained by CSE department for detail.

Curriculum and Courses

  • MATH Curriculum - visit here to learn about our detail curriculum
  • MATH Courses - visit here to learn about our course offerings, especially first- and second-year courses
  • S.S. Chern Class - a scholarship and mentorship program targeted at mathematically talented students

Enquiries

Please first visit the FAQ page for common enquiries.

  • For administrative enquiries about the MATH program, please contact our UG Team at mathug@ust.hk.
  • For academic enquiries about the MATH program, please contact our UG Coordinator, Prof. Frederick Fong at frederick.fong@ust.hk.