The Course

 

Why choose this course? 

The Master's Degree programme offers a high level cultural preparation and professional training in the area of mathematics and fosters the ability to set up and solve complex problems, even in operational settings, suitable for a managerial placement in the job market. The language of the course is English.
The Master's Degree Course is organized into three curricula: 'Advanced Mathematics', 'Computational Mathematics and Modeling', 'Mathematics Education'.
The 'Advanced Mathematics' curriculum is aimed at students who intend to acquire a solid and in-depth knowledge in the various sectors of advanced mathematics, with particular attention to the theoretical aspects of mathematics.
The 'Computational Mathematics and Modeling' curriculum is aimed at students interested in more applied aspects of mathematics, in particular to explore how the integration of mathematics, computer science and statistics characterizes the modern approach to formalization (modeling side) and resolution (computational side) of complex problems in various application areas, such as life sciences, natural sciences, economics, engineering.
The 'Mathematics Education' curriculum is aimed at students interested in a path oriented towards teaching in secondary schools and the communication of mathematics and sciences.
The academic year includes two teaching periods and three periods for the exam sessions.
In order to enroll in the Master's Degree Programme, a student must have a Degree, or another qualification obtained in Italy or abroad recognized as suitable.
In particular the students must satisfy one of the following curricular requirements:

  1.  hold a Degree in Class L-35 (Mathematical Sciences) or a Degree ex Law 509/99 in Class No. 32 (Mathematical Sciences), or a Degree in Class L-30 (Physical Sciences) or a Degree ex Law 509/99 in Class No. 25 (Physical Sciences);
  2. have acquired at least 36 CFUs in the MAT / * sectors.

Furthermore, the students should be able to use fluently the English language, both in writing and in speaking, at least at the B2 level before enrollment.
The preparation of the students in possession of the curricular requirements for registration is carried out. This assessment is based on the student's previous curriculum, integrated with the programmes of the courses previously attended, and can possibly provide for an oral interview.
The two-year Master's Degree programme has two-year courses and includes training activities related to five types:

  • training activities in one or more disciplinary areas that characterize the class;
  • training activities independently chosen by the student, provided they are consistent with the training project;
  • training activities in one or more disciplinary areas similar to or complementary to the basic ones and to the characterizing ones, aimed at an interdisciplinary preparation;
  • training activities related to the preparation of the final exam for the achievement of the qualification;
  • training activities, not provided for in the previous points, aimed at acquiring additional linguistic knowledge, as well as computer and telematic skills, interpersonal skills, or in any case useful for entering the job market, as well as training activities aimed at facilitating professional choices, through direct knowledge of the employment sectors to which the qualification can give access.

The final exam consists in the preparation of a written dissertation under the guidance of a supervisor, elaborated in an original way, with a final discussion in a public seminar.
The Master's Degree Programme is divided into two curricula: Advanced Mathematics and Computational Mathematics and Modelling.
The Advanced Mathematics curriculum is addressed to students who wish to acquire a solid and in-depth knowledge of the various fields of advanced mathematics, with particular attention to the theoretical aspects of mathematics.
The Computational Mathematics and Modelling curriculum is addressed to students interested in more applied aspects of mathematics, in particular to explore how the integration of mathematics, computer science and statistics characterizes the modern approach to formalization (modelling side) and resolution (computational side ) of complex problems in various application areas, such as life sciences, natural sciences, economics, engineering.
For working students, part-time registration is possible, in the two 30-credit or 40-credit-year forms.
A collaboration agreement is in place between the University of Trieste and SISSA (International School of Advanced Studies) for the management of a Joint Study Programme aimed at training students to undertake a scientific research activity in Mathematics, in the context of the Advanced Mathematics curriculum. At the end of the cycle of studies, SISSA will issue a Diploma to the students of the Joint Study Programme that have achieved the established training objectives. SISSA annually announces some scholarships for students who intend to attend the Joint Study Programme.
A collaboration agreement is in place with the University of Ljubljana to issue a double Master degree in Mathematics. The agreement provides that each year a maximum number of five students enrolled in each of the two Universities attend the second year classes and take the related exams at the partner University.

Educational objectives

Knowledge and Understanding

Algebra and Geometry

By the end of the degree programme, students will have acquired advanced knowledge and skills in algebra and geometry, building on and deepening those gained during the first-cycle (three-year) programmes.
 These competences will be developed through attendance of taught modules and associated exercise classes, laboratory work and seminars.
 They will be assessed by written and/or oral examinations, presentations of written assignments, and public seminars.

Mathematical Analysis

By the end of the degree programme, students will have acquired advanced knowledge and skills across the various areas of mathematical analysis, building on and deepening those gained during the first-cycle (three-year) programmes.
 These competences will be developed through attendance of taught modules and associated exercise classes, laboratory work and seminars.
 They will be assessed by written and/or oral examinations, presentations of written assignments, and public seminars.

Modelling and Computational Area

By the end of the degree programme, students will have acquired advanced knowledge and skills in probability, numerical analysis, computer science and mathematical physics, likewise building on and deepening those gained during the first-cycle (three-year) programmes.
 These competences will be developed through attendance of taught modules and associated exercise classes, laboratory work and seminars.
 They will be assessed by written and/or oral examinations, presentations of written assignments, and public seminars.

 

Ability to Apply Knowledge and Understanding

Algebra and Geometry

By the end of the degree programme, students will be able to apply modern algebraic and geometric methods in a range of contexts and will be capable of producing results and proofs, including original ones.
 These abilities will be developed through attendance of taught modules and associated exercise classes, laboratory work and seminars.
 They will be assessed by written and/or oral examinations, presentations of written assignments, and public seminars.

Mathematical Analysis

By the end of the degree programme, students will be able to apply analytical methods in a range of contexts and will be capable of producing results and proofs, including original ones.
 These abilities will be developed through attendance of taught modules and associated exercise classes, laboratory work and seminars.
 They will be assessed by written and/or oral examinations, presentations of written assignments, and public seminars.

Modelling and Computational Area

By the end of the degree programme, students will be able to apply probabilistic, numerical, computational and modelling methods in a range of contexts, and will be capable of producing results and proofs, including original ones.
 These abilities will be developed through attendance of taught modules and associated exercise classes, laboratory work and seminars.
 They will be assessed by written and/or oral examinations, presentations of written assignments, and public seminars.

Career Prospects 

Employment and professional opportunities for graduates

Mathematician

Graduates of the Master’s degree programme in Mathematics, particularly those who have selected an appropriate curriculum and optional modules, may pursue professional roles:
 a) in companies and industry;
 b) in laboratories and research centres;
 c) in the dissemination of scientific culture;
 d) in the services sector;
 e) in public administration;
 f) in schools;

with various fields of interest, including computing, finance, engineering, health, communications, science, academia and, more generally, all contexts where a flexible mindset is of value.

 

Competences Associated with the Role

Mathematician

Computational and IT competences, together with a strong command of the management, analysis and processing of numerical data. Research duties may include the design and computational development of mathematical models.

 

Role in the Workplace

Mathematician

Managing complex situations that require clear patterns of reasoning; data analysis; advanced mathematical modelling; teaching and training activities relating to mathematics and logical reasoning more generally; senior responsibilities involving research tasks.

Final examination and degree 

Characteristics of the final examination

The final examination carries a workload of 30 credits and consists, under the guidance of a supervisor, in the preparation of an original written dissertation on a topic agreed by the student with the teaching staff of the Degree Programme Board. The topic will be relevant to contemporary mathematics or its applications and may concern computational aspects and/or the construction and discussion of mathematical models, or a subject of significant interest in the history or the didactics of mathematics. The dissertation will be presented in a public seminar. The examination also serves to verify the students’ ability to organise material and to communicate effectively in writing and orally, as developed during the programme.