Mathematics & Statistics
Mathematics happens to be
one of the most ancient sciences of the world. Some of the most famous
intellectuals of the world, from Aristotle and Pythagoras (Greece), Euclid
and Ptolemy (Egypt-Greece-) to Menelaus, Theon and Serenus (Egypt), Liu Hui
and Tsu Chung-Chih (China) to Aryabhata and Bhaskaracharya (India) have
dabbled in one or more branches or mathematics to fortify their knowledge
and hone their mental skills.
Mathematics represents a high level of abstraction attained by the human
mind. In India, mathematics has its roots in Vedic literature, which is
nearly 4000 years old. Between 1000 B.C. and 1000 A.D. various treatises on
mathematics were compiled in which, the concept of zero, the techniques of
algebra and algorithm, square root and cube root were set forth. The
rudiments of geometry, called Rekha-Ganita in ancient India, were formulated
and applied in the drafting of Mandalas for architectural purposes. They
were also displayed in the geometric patterns used in many temple motifs.
Between the 10th to 13th centuries, the Christian kingdoms of Europe made
numerous attempts to reconquer the birthplace of Jesus Christ from its
Mohammedan-Arab rulers. These attempts called the Crusades failed in their
military objective, but the contacts they created between oriental and
occidental civilizations and cultures resulted in a massive exchange of
ideas. The technique of algebra might have been passed on to the west about
this time.
Today, Mathematics and Statistics are becoming popular subjects owing to
their application in a wide field of study and research. A bachelor's degree
in mathematics will prepare you for fascinating jobs in statistics,
actuarial sciences, mathematical modeling, and cryptography; for teaching;
as well as for graduate school leading to a research career in mathematics
or statistics. A strong background in mathematics is also necessary for
research in many areas of computer science, social science, and engineering.
Eligibility
To take up higher studies in mathematics on needs to have very basics in
mathematics right from middle school. He /she must have completed 10+2 with
physics, chemistry and Maths. One can take up the subject as Honours in
undergraduate level so that he/she can specialize in the subject at
post-graduate level.
One who still wants to pursue further study or carry out research work can
undertake PhD program offered by various institutes and universities in the
country.
Career prospects
Under the broad heading of mathematics, we have different branches such as
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, trigonometry etc. Arithmetic deals
with quantities expressed in numbers; algebra uses quantities and
relationships expressed in symbols. Geometry deals with quantities
associated with space, length, area, figures in space etc. Calculus deals
with pairs of associated quantities. Trigonometry concerns relationships of
angles and analytical geometry applies algebra to geometric studies.
Students of mathematics may contemplate careers in any of the following
fields: pure mathematics, pure statistics, computer science, physical
sciences, engineering and other mathematically oriented fields such as
insurance, banking and accountancy. There are many options in mathematics.
One may work as part of a team or opt to work singly. Those who prefer to
work alone may find openings in private firms or libraries. They may also
take up teaching or academic research.
Statistics as a professional science has arrived in India. Statisticians may
find employment in government departments, semi-governments, public and
private undertakings, industrial concerns, research institutions and
establishments dedicated to higher education. The Indian Statistical
Institute, with branches in many parts of the country, is a pioneering
institute in the field of statistics. A network of service units in
Statistical Quality Control covers major cities in India including Mumbai,
Chennai, Delhi, Calcutta, Pune, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram and
Baroda. There is a specialised Documentation Research and Training Centre in
Bangalore, which employs professional statisticians. Statisticians too may
opt for teaching or academic research for specialisation.
Institutes/Universities
Most universities in the country offer undergraduate and postgraduate
courses in mathematics and statistics. However specialized courses in
mathematics and statistics are offered by the following institutes.
Institute of Mathematical Sciences,
Taramani, Chennai-600 113
Courses Offered: One-year intensive training programme in
Physics/Mathematics for postgraduates in Maths/Physics, with a special
emphasis on developing problem solving ability, initiative for self-learning
and exposure to advanced topics. The institute also offers Junior Research
Fellowships in the areas of theoretical/mathematical physics and mathematics
(including theoretical computer science) leading to a doctoral degree
Tata Institute of Fundamental Research,
Mumbai
Courses Offered: Research in Mathematical Sciences
Mehta Research Institute of Mathematics and Mathematical Physics,
Allahabad
University of Pune,
Courses Offered: Undergraduate courses in Mathematics, Statistics,
Industrial Maths and Applied Maths
University of Calcutta,
Courses Offered: One-year diploma in Health Statistics.
Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology,
Rudrapur (Dist: Nainital)
Courses Offered: Postgraduate course in Agricultural Statistics
Indian Statistical Institute (ISI),
Courses Offered: B.Stat. (Hons.), B.Math. (Hons.), M.Stat. (S-stream,
M-stream), M.Math, M.S. in Quantitative Economics, M.Tech in Computer
Science, M. Tech. in Quality, Reliability and Operations Research
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I will be the leader of a company that ends up being worth billions of dollars, because I got the answers. I understand culture. I am the nucleus. I think that’s a responsibility that I have, to push possibilities, to show people, this is the level that things could be at. I think that’s a responsibility that I have, to push possibilities, to show people, this is the level that things could be at.
I think that’s a responsibility that I have, to push possibilities, to show people, this is the level that things could be at. So when you get something that has the name Kanye West on it, it’s supposed to be pushing the furthest possibilities. I will be the leader of a company that ends up being worth billions of dollars, because I got the answers. I understand culture. I am the nucleus.
"I will be the leader of a company that ends up being worth billions of dollars, because I got the answers. I understand culture. I am the nucleus. I think that’s a responsibility that I have, to push possibilities, to show people, this is the level that things could be at."