
BSc in Mathematics
Explore quantity, shape, structure and change, and engage in discovery and conjecture.
Introduction
“To do mathematics is to engage in an act of discovery and conjecture, intuition and inspiration: to be in a state of confusion — not because it makes no sense to you, but because you gave it sense and you still don’t understand what your creation is upto: to have a breakthrough idea; to be be frustrated as an artist; to be awed and overwhelmed by an almost painful beauty…”
— ‘A Mathematician’s Lament’ by Paul Lockhart.
A study of mathematics can help you develop the capacity to solve a wide range of problems. It can provide a backdrop to various forms of learning and is useful and necessary for other academic disciplines, from the pure sciences to the humanities. Mathematics is very relevant for data collection, analysis and mathematical models are empowering tools for students to understand several problems.
But traditional mathematical learning has often been reduced to rote learning and memorisation. Mathematician John Allen Paulos refers to this as “innumeracy” and a void in the understanding and application of mathematical ideas.
We believe that mathematics needs to address this gap, and help you understand the rich practice of the subject for the changing needs of the world in which we live.
We use progressive pedagogical practices in maths.
We help you understand mathematics as a system on its own. Mathematics can enable the creation and discovery of truths. We help you appreciate the universal application of mathematics and its role in scientific and technological innovation.
Mathematics has been developed across history and cultures. We will help you use it to solve challenges in different fields that rely on quantitative abilities. We ask how mathematical knowledge and training can contribute to your role as a citizen.
Inclusion and diversity with Inquiry Based Learning
We use Inquiry Based Learning to replace the traditional lecture method to ensure our classroom is a level playing field for students of all backgrounds. This helps students understand what it means to be a mathematician.
Cross-disciplinary
We use arts, crafts and music to explore mathematics for the study of concepts like symmetry, self-similarity, universal ratios and constants.
Open-source technology
We use an open-source computer algebra system called SageMath, Software for Algebra and Geometry Experimentation.
WE BRING YOU INTERDISCIPLINARY OPENNESS
Our degree encourages you to explore and follow your interests. We design our courses to ensure that you can specialise in a subject of your choice while learning a variety of subjects across disciplines.
A COMMON CURRICULUM FOR ALL STUDENTS
You will meet all your classmates at the beginning of your degree to build all the tools you need for your three years of study. This includes foundational courses, an understanding of India, interdisciplinary studies, and a workshop in creative expressions.
WE OFFER ACADEMIC ASSISTANCE
We provide active academic assistance and ensure that you are able to meet the requirements of the academic programme to fulfil your aspirations.
WE ENSURE FINANCIAL SUPPORT
We ensure that no student has to drop out of university because of financial trouble or social disadvantage. We provide financial assistance to deserving students.
Living on campus
We believe that learning happens both inside and outside the classroom. In living together, you can meet and encounter diverse people from different social and cultural backgrounds and experiences. Our campus has a range of activities from discussion groups to sports and clubs for our students and faculty to interact with each other and build meaningful relationships over their years of study.
Know more about the Bengaluru campus, here.
Know more about Azim Premji University at Bhopal, here.
Course structure
This programme will help you understand the practice of mathematics. We help you recognise patterns in geometric, numerical and algebraic forms, abstraction and the interpretation of mathematical arguments. You will learn to apply mathematical ideas creatively and precisely and understand complex mathematical texts.
Please visit this page to learn more about our four-year undergraduate programmes.
The Common Curriculum will introduce students to the study of the themes and areas that emphasise and build critical and analytical abilities, and sensibilities for dialogue, reflection and cooperative learning. The Common Curriculum has three sub-components organised as below:
Foundations: Build capacity for critical thinking, reasoning and communication.
Understanding India: India’s history, society and possible futures
Creative Expressions: Explore music, visual art, theatre, dance, martial arts, yoga, pottery, sport, and other creative areas.
These core courses focus on mathematical language and thinking and explore a rage of topics. These courses set the tone for higher mathematics and help you with logical and analytical thinking, proof techniques and the communication of arguments.
Our core courses sometimes require an understanding of other scientific disciplines, and to ensure that you are able to study with ease, we offer you supportive courses in methods, chemistry, physics and biology. You have to study programming, a laboratory based course, and one course in economics or philosophy.
Introduction to Mathematical Thinking 1
Core
One of a two-part introduction that introduces you to the foundations of mathematical thinking.
Introduction to Mathematical Thinking 2
Core
Two of a two-part introduction that introduces you to the foundations of mathematical thinking.
Linear Algebra
Core
Learning how to translate concrete ideas to abstract levels.
Abstract Algebra
Core
Appreciate the power of abstraction and the axiomatic method.
Calculus 1: Foundations
Core
A prerequisite course for understanding Differential and Integral Calculus.
Calculus 2: Real Analysis
Core
The second of three courses of calculus for your Mathematics Major.
Calculus 3: Analysis of Several Variables
Core
A course on multivariable calculus for a further study in a large number of mathematical areas.
Probability
Core
The mathematics of randomness and uncertainty.
Numerical Methods
Core
An exploration of mathematics through numerical means.
Introduction to Programming
Core
Helping you explore programming with depth.
You can choose for a set of courses in Mathematics as well as a set of courses from other disciplines in Biology, Economics, Physics and Humanities.
Statistics
Elective
Do more with data sets!
Differential Equations
Elective
Modelling systems described by functions and their derivatives
Nature of Mathematics
Elective
A study of the structure of mathematics as a discipline and its processes
Introduction to Algorithms
Elective
This course is intended to give undergraduate students of mathematics an introduction to algorithmic reasoning.
Complex Analysis
Elective
A course in complex analysis naturally unifying many topics in a conceptually consistent way.
Students must be prepared for the world of work at the end of the programme should they choose to enter it. We aim to provide the required skills and competencies for this through a Minor featuring courses in an Occupational or Interdisciplinary theme. These sets of courses are aimed to provide both conceptual understanding and skills and tools that will allow students to contribute through work and further study.
Students can opt for a minor in any one of the indicative areas listed below:
- Education
- Media and Journalism
- Data and Democracy
- Sports and Fitness
- Climate Studies
- Arts
The selection of these indicative areas is based on the availability of courses and our evaluation of the student’s interests and academic needs. For each cohort, a final list of available courses will be announced at the end of their second semester.
Students can craft their own educational experience by selecting courses in the following ways:
- Students will have the option to take additional courses in their Disciplinary major
- Students will have the option to take additional courses in another discipline as a minor
- Interdisciplinary minor that will enable them for their further higher studies or career pathways.
These courses could also be selected to enhance and broaden their
- Language skills and Quantitative reasoning capacities/programming skills
- Understanding of themes outside their Major subject.