Mathematics at UCD

Dear Editor, Congratulations on the two excellent articles on mathematics which appeared in E&L, March 5th.

Unfortunately neither the articles, nor the accompanying factfile, made any mention of University College Dublin, where a very wide choice of degree programmes is available in the mathematical sciences and related disciplines. May I mention some of these for the benefit of students and parents who may have got a wrong impression? In the science faculty at UCD students may study for a single subject honours degree in mathematics, mathematical physics, or statistics, or for a joint honours degree in any pair of these subjects. Each of them can also be combined with computer science for a joint honours degree, other combinations are available. In the arts faculty these subjects may be combined with each other or with subjects such as economics, geography, Irish, French, etc. for a 13A degree.

In the general discussion of mathematics as a third level subject it is important to stress that a degree in mathematical science can bring not only great intellectual rewards but also excellent career prospects in the computing, business, education and financial sectors. As Professor Hurley points out in the article by Anne Byrne, it is often the case that students who are badly advised on career choices.

Yours, Head of Department of Mathematics, UCD, Dublin 4