Overview
Overview
Financial mathematicians apply mathematical models and numerical tools to practical everyday applications, such as financial markets. They gather statistical data on the financial decisions that people make, which helps business and government make better informed decisions, especially in uncertain economic climates.
This course will provide you with a range of analytical and mathematical skills, with particular relevance to statistical modelling and operations research in finance.
You will gain a strong grounding in corporate finance, financial institutions, financial markets and various branches of the financial services industry, and you can select from units in accounting, economics and business.
In your final year you’ll undertake a project where you’ll put your skills into practice. Examples of previous projects include investigating the relationships between foreign exchange rates and Australian currency volatility; the effectiveness of using stochastic differential equations to model stock price; and statistical analysis of a portfolio strategy based on fluctuating prices.
This major sits within the Bachelor of Science (Science) degree. It can also be studied as part of the Bachelor of Advanced Science course.
See our handbook for more course information.
How this course will make you industry ready
- Curtin's strong links with industry and business have informed the design of this course, to ensure you gain the practical skills needed to address real-world problems.
- A work experience program runs from second year onwards, exposing you to real applications of their mathematical studies, and introducing you to potential employers.
What jobs can the Financial Mathematics course lead to?
Careers
- Commercial banker
- Finance/funds manager
- Financial analyst
- Financial planner
- Stockbroker
- Superannuation manager.
Industries
- Banking and finance
- Econometrics
- Education
- Government
- Insurance
- Investment banking
- Risk management.
Further study
What you'll learn
- understand and apply mathematical and statistical principles and concepts in a range of mathematical disciplines such as operations research, statistics, numerical analysis or applied mathematical modelling, and to solve problems relevant to science, industry, commerce and government
- apply mathematics and statistical methods to critically analyse problems in finance and to think creatively to generate innovative solutions
- locate, extract and critically appraise relevant evidence and scientific literature in relation to mathematical science
- communicate effectively within the context of mathematical science through the written word and by oral presentation
- use new technologies to effectively gather data and communicate information
- understand the theoretical framework of mathematical science and work as a responsible, reflective, self-directed and motivated lifelong learner
- be aware of the diversity of international perspectives and apply international standards of practice within their profession as a mathematical scientist in the financial services industry
- understand cultural diversity and how it impacts a mathematician in the financial services industry
- display professional behaviour both independently and as a team member through the use of recognised ethical practices in the financial service industries