Math at Laurier 

The study of mathematics combines the creativity of the arts with the discipline of the sciences. Mathematics is the language of all quantitative endeavours. Rigorous training in mathematics develops the logical and critical-thinking skills that are needed in finance, software and hardware design, teaching, insurance, quality assurance and scientific research. 

Choose from one of two program options: 

• Honours BA (focuses on the mathematics and statistics used in the social sciences, the humanities and business)
• Honours BSc (emphasizes the role of mathematics and statistics in the natural and computer sciences)

Financial Math at Laurier

Financial mathematics is the systematic study of mathematical models and their analysis as they apply to problems in financial risk management. Financial Math at Laurier covers fundamental mathematical theories:

• calculus
• measure theory 
• numerical analysis 
• stochastic processes 
• linear algebra 
• probability 
• differential equations 

You can choose to work toward either an Honours BA or an Honours BSc in Financial Math.

Our "financial mathematicians" are well-prepared to adapt to changes in this rapidly evolving field. The same theory and methods are being used throughout the world, so employment opportunities are truly global. The programs have as their fundamental core rigorous mathematics training so that outstanding students will be well-suited to graduate work in either financial mathematics or in more pure mathematics.

Program highlights 

• Students can concentrate in specific areas of mathematics and applied mathematics, or select from a wider range of courses. 
• Mathematics can be combined with business, biology, chemistry, computer science, finance and accounting and many other disciplines. 
• With two modern computer labs and on-staff lab instructors, the department offers students the opportunity to learn about the practical applications of mathematics, as well as the facilities to explore in-depth concepts encountered in class.
• In their senior year, students may choose to pursue a project of special interest under the supervision of a faculty member.
• The Mathematics Assistance Centre provides additional help throughout the year. 

Courses offered 

First year 

• Calculus I, II
• Introduction to Mathematical Proofs
• Introductory Linear Algebra

Interesting Courses

• Multivariate Calculus
• Number Theory
• Game Theory
• Differential Equations

Admission requirements 

Honours BA Mathematics

4U Requirements	IB Requirements	Admission Range
English at 60%;  Advanced Functions at 60%;  Calculus & Vectors at 60%	HL or SL English at 4; HL or SL Mathematics at 4	Mid 70s IB Minimum score: 28

Honours BSc Mathematics

4U Requirements	IB Requirements	Admission Range
English at 60%;  Advanced Functions at 60%;  Calculus & Vectors at 60%; One of Biology, Chemistry or Physics at 60%* *Combined minimum average of 70% in 4U Math and Science courses.	HL or SL English at 4; HL or SL Mathematics at 4	Mid 70s IB Minimum score: 28

Honours BA Financial Mathematics

4U Requirements	IB Requirements	Admission Range
English at 60%;  Advanced Functions at 60%;  Calculus & Vectors at 60* *Combined minimum average of 80% in prerequisite 4U Math courses.	HL or SL English at 4; HL or SL Mathematics at 4	Mid 70s IB Minimum score: 28

Honours BSc Financial Mathematics

4U Requirements	IB Requirements	Admission Range
English at 60%;  Advanced Functions at 60%;  Calculus & Vectors at 60%; One of Biology, Chemistry or Physics at 60% A combined average on the Mathematics courses of 80% is required.  Combined minimum average of 70% in 4U Math and Science courses.	HL or SL English at 4; one HL or SL science at 4; HL or SL Mathematics at 4	Mid 70s IB Minimum score: 28

Honours BSc Computer Science & Mathematics

4U Requirements	IB Requirements	Admission Range
English at 60%; Advanced Functions at 60%;  Calculus & Vectors at 60%; One of Biology, Chemistry or Physics at 60%* *Combined minimum average of 70% in 4U Math and Science courses.	HL or SL English at 4; one HL or SL science at 4; HL or SL Mathematics at 4	Mid 70's IB Minimum score: 28

Careers

Financial institutions throughout the world compete for graduates of financial mathematics programs, including commercial and investment banks, brokerage firms, insurance companies and financial consulting firms. There are significant employment opportunities in

• the aerospace, software design and utility industries
• universities and research institutes
• government agencies and ministries.
  

Students may also continue their studies in graduate programs in mathematics or financial mathematics at select institutions throughout the world.

Student experience  

Denise Gutermuth admits she didn’t even know what pure math was when she started at Laurier. She knows now — and she’s hooked. 

“It’s the theoretical aspect of mathematics, the most abstract, which is the most challenging,” she says. Gutermuth completed her Honours BA in Mathematics in 2004 and recently graduated from Laurier’s master’s program in Mathematics for Science and Finance. She is now employed by the Mathematics Department as one of two full-time lab coordinators.

“Most people think math is what you do in high school — that there are so many rules. But it’s not like that at all. There’s a lot of creativity to it.” 

Gutermuth’s abilities earned her two summer research awards that allowed her to explore “really new stuff” like evolutionary game theory and some areas of abstract algebra, including ordered acts over monoids. NSERC funding also made it possible for her to attend a nine-day conference on mathematical biology sponsored by the Pacific Institute of Mathematical Sciences, and the Canadian Undergraduate Mathematics Conference.

Faculty experience 

Dr. Joe Campolieti came to Laurier as the SHARCNET Chair in financial mathematics. Prior to joining Laurier’s Mathematics Department, Campolieti served as an adjunct professor in the Master of Mathematical Finance program at the University of Toronto. 

“Financial mathematics combines advances in computer technology with innovative and exciting developments in pricing sophisticated derivative products and in risk management,” says Campolieti. “This program opens up significant career opportunities for students with strong analytical skills.”