Advice for Starting a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the educational pathway following a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, particularly focusing on the transition to graduate studies and PhD programs. Participants explore the differences in academic structures between Australia and other countries, especially the United States, and the implications for pursuing advanced degrees.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the steps to take after completing a Bachelor of Science, questioning the necessity of an Honors year and the process for entering a PhD program.
  • Another participant suggests that the typical route is Bachelor -> Masters -> PhD, emphasizing the importance of obtaining Honours IIA or I for entry into a PhD program in Australia.
  • Some participants argue that Australian Honors degrees may not be recognized internationally, particularly in the context of applying for PhD programs abroad.
  • There is a discussion about the structure of PhD programs in the US, with one participant noting that students can enter directly into a PhD program and receive a master's degree along the way if needed.
  • Questions arise regarding the duration of master's and PhD programs, with varying estimates provided for the time required to complete each degree.
  • One participant mentions that many Australian professors have completed an Honors year before pursuing a PhD in the US, suggesting this is a common path.
  • A question is raised about the possibility of completing a PhD in just two years, indicating a desire for clarification on program expectations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity and recognition of Australian Honors degrees in relation to pursuing graduate studies abroad. There is no consensus on the best path forward, as opinions vary on whether to pursue an Honors year or directly seek a master's degree in the US.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the differences in academic structures between Australia and other countries, particularly regarding the recognition of Honors degrees and the typical pathways to PhD programs. There are also varying assumptions about the duration and requirements of graduate studies.

kurt.math
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Hi,

Next year i will be starting a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in mathematics in Australia. This degree is just after i finish high school this year and it goes for 3 year.

I am not sure what to do after i get this degree? I want to get my PhD eventually and do research or attain a university position.

So i am confused what i have to get after a Bachelor of Science. Do i do Honors, and what's Graduate, is that after a Bachelor of Science.

I have looked at Cambridge Universities Mathematical Tripos Part III. Is this the same as a Graduate, do i get my Honors first before i do it, and can i start my PhD in America After it?

Or can i just go from Bachelor of Science in Australia to First Class Honors USyD in Australia and then a PhD in America?


I really appreciate every ones advice

Thankyou
 
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Bachelor->masters->phd is the usual route.
 
Didn't anyone tell you that Australia is the only country to have honours?

You will need Honours IIA or Honours I to go into a PhD Program in Australia. However if you don't get that then you need a masters to go into a PhD Program. So you're better getting a Masters. Especially if you want to go overseas. No other university that I have heard of, other than in Australia, recognises Australian Honours Degrees.

I'd say don't bother doing honours unless you're going to get First Class Honours.
 
Interesting whitay, I was under the impression that overseas universities treat Australian 'honors' year as a 4th year of a bachelor's. i.e. you have to do it to get into a phd program.
 
Last edited:
So after i finish my Bachelor i should just go to America to do my masters and then PhD.

So is a masters just the degree you get when you complete enough graduate courses? How long does it take to complete a masters degree?

And generally how long does it take to complete a PhD? Is it as long as you want, or until you have made a development in a portion of a branch of mathematics or when you prove a conjecture or do you have to do a certain amount of time?


Thanks again guys =)
 
You don't do your masters then a phd in the US - you go straight into phd program and they'll give you certificate along the way saying you have a masters degree, if you want it. Only useful if you drop out of the phd program for whatever reason.

bachelors (including honors) 4 years
then
phd 3-6 years. As far as I know there isn't a minimum time. But the first year is usually coursework, so it will probably take you at least 3 years anyway (that's probably an extremely optimistic lower bound).
 
boboYO said:
You don't do your masters then a phd in the US - you go straight into phd program and they'll give you certificate along the way saying you have a masters degree, if you want it. Only useful if you drop out of the phd program for whatever reason.

bachelors (including honors) 4 years
then
phd 4-6 years. As far as I know there isn't a minimum time. But the first year is usually coursework, so it will probably take you at least 3 years anyway (that's probably an extremely optimistic estimate).

So are you suggesting i should do the 4th year honors course in Australia (through the University of Sydney), then come over to America and start my PhD?
 
I am only an undergraduate student, but yes, I think that is the normal path. If you look at the CVs of Australian professors, all of them have done honors and then gone on to do a phd in the US.

e.g.
http://www.ms.unimelb.edu.au/~rubin/cv.html
 
Is it possible to get a PhD in 2 years?
 
  • #10
Yeah most of the PhD programs that I've looked at in Europe require a Masters. So from my perspective Australia Honours would strictly speaking be useless, right?
 

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