Mathematics (BS)
Program Description
Mathematics is the branch of human inquiry involving the study of data, numbers, relations, shapes, space, symmetries, and how these concepts relate to each other. Despite its often abstract nature, mathematics takes inspiration from the real world and provides the logical and analytical tools for tackling many of the important problems of our time. By its very nature, mathematics provides the means to break many problems into manageable pieces that can be analyzed and solved. In fact, mathematical approaches have been central to solving problems and modeling phenomena in a wide array of disciplines. Probability and statistical analysis are fundamental for mapping and analyzing the human genome. Advanced mathematical theories provide the keys to analyzing the risk of rare events, a basic problem of the financial markets. In physics, geometry finds applications to particle physics, to string theory, and to cosmology. In neuroscience, exciting new research into the structure and functioning of the brain relies heavily on the insights provided by mathematical modeling. These are but a few of the contemporary problems relying on mathematical analysis. Mathematical thinking is grounded in rigor and abstraction, but draws its vitality from questions arising in the natural world as well as applications to industry and technology.
Mathematics majors acquire solid foundations in differential and integral calculus, as well as basic concepts of algebra and modern geometry. Students are introduced to classical subjects such as complex and real analysis, abstract algebra, number theory, and topology. Students interested in applications of mathematics to social and physical sciences may pursue courses in numerical methods, theoretical mechanics, probability, dynamical systems, and differential equations.
Mathematics majors at NYU Abu Dhabi attain a breadth of knowledge within the field, pursue their own interests in math electives, explore the role of mathematics as an applied discipline, and undertake a capstone project. The major offers a rigorous and broad foundation in mathematics through eight required courses: Calculus with Applications; Foundations of Mathematics; Linear Algebra; Multivariable Calculus with Applications to Science and Engineering; Ordinary Differential Equations; Analysis 1; Probability and Statistics; and Abstract Algebra 1. Mathematics students who place out of Calculus are required to complete one additional mathematics elective of their choosing. Mathematics majors who choose to take Multivariable Calculus with Applications to Economics (for example because they plan to major in both Mathematics and Economics) must take Analysis 2.
Students select two electives. These are divided in two overlapping categories, denoted with an A and P. Courses in category A have an applied flavor, courses in category P tend to be more theoretical. To attain greater depth in analysis or algebra, students choose at least one elective from category A and one from category P. Mathematics majors must also complete a minor or major in one of the following areas that use mathematics or mathematical modeling: Computer Science, Economics, or the Natural Sciences. An alternative minor may be approved as substitute on a case-by-case basis when the courses used to complete that alternative minor are judged sufficiently germane to mathematics by the program. Requiring Mathematics majors to complete a minor provides them with a basic knowledge of how math is applied to a specific discipline and is intended to foster the requisite capstone projects.
The study away pathway for the Mathematics major can be found on the NYUAD Student Portal at students.nyuad.nyu.edu/pathways. Students with questions should contact the Office of Global Education.
The program strongly recommends that not more than one mathematics elective be taken while studying away.
Admissions
New York University's Office of Undergraduate Admissions supports the application process for all undergraduate programs at NYU. For additional information about undergraduate admissions, including application requirements, see How to Apply.