Mathematics explores numbers, mathematical functions, and space. It is the basic language underlying all areas of science, and is widely applied in natural sciences and engineering, as well as in the humanities and the social sciences. Mathematics is used in the basic theories of all fields, including natural sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Earth Environment) and applied sciences (Machinery, Electronics, Computers, Medical Science, and Economics). Mathematics provides logical systems and ideas that can help to resolve the many problems that occur across all fields.

The Department of Mathematics offers a wide variety of courses, including Algebra, which is the study of sequences of numbers and groups; Analytics, which is the study of mathematical functions; Geometry and Topology, which research the structure of space; and Applied Mathematics. Each of these branches has an independent research scope, yet are closely interrelated.

Thus, building a solid academic base through the study of Mathematics is essential not only for students who wish to major in Mathematics, but also for students who hope to major in other subjects.

Moreover, in a society which is rapidly transforming from an industrial society to a knowledge-based society, as is well exemplified by the digital revolution and ICT, the basic branch of studies that is at the center and that supports the development of new technologies is Mathematics. With the progress of informatization, epoch-making discoveries are conceived in all areas of society, and accordingly, the demand for Mathematics, which lies at the base of each development, is continuously increasing.

Against this backdrop, the career prospects for students who have majored in Mathematics are expected to become brighter and more wide-ranging. It is without question that Mathematics is applied in natural sciences and in engineering. Its application in social sciences, such as Economics, Sociology, and Psychology, is growing as well.

Upon graduation, students have a variety of options to choose from. They can continue their studies, and pursue Master’[s or Doctorate degrees at Pusan University or other universities, join the work force, or become faculty members. Not only do we expect that graduates will take jobs in traditional areas as research faculty or researchers at research institutes, but we also expect that many job markets in the fields of humanities and social sciences will open their doors to Mathematics majors. As Daniel Bell said, the new century will be the century for mathematicians and scientists.

Furthermore, the Department of Mathematics has been involved in the New University for Regional Innovation (NURI) project since 2004 to foster experts in the field of financial futures and insurance. Taking this as an opportunity, the Department plans to focus on finance and insurance-related majors (minor/double-major), and to develop more than ten experts in the fields of?financial futures and insurance within the next three years.