Mathematics University of Trento

Overview

Introduction

The Department of Mathematics at the University of Trento aims to train professional mathematicians to pursue the study of scientific and technological problems by mathematical methods and to undertake research in various branches of the subject.

The Department covers all main fields of Modern Mathematics, from Algebra to Geometry, Analysis, Probability and Statistics, Mathematical Physics and Numerical Analysis, and has earned an outstanding reputation for excellence in the application of fields such as Biomedicine (for example, modeling of the cardiovascular system), Biomathematics (for example, vaccination strategies against pandemics), and Data Security (for example, error-correcting codes used in critical applications such as in train signaling).

The Master’s degree in Mathematics provides students with advanced knowledge and understanding of the main theoretical and applied concepts through four taught modules: Advanced Mathematics, Teaching and Scientific Communication, Mathematics for Life Sciences, Coding Theory and Cryptography.

Program Overview

The Master Degree in Mathematics aims to form scientists and professionals having a deep knowledge of the theoretical principles that are the base of mathematical sciences. In addition, the program offers a variety of study plans regarding various applications of mathematics. The course is divided into four curricula:

• Advanced Mathematics is generally for students who want to continue their studies at the doctorate level, as it includes a large spectrum of areas of Mathematics. It proposes 3 tracks: 

• General Advanced Mathematics;

• Advanced Algebra and Geometry;

• Calculus of Variations, Partial Differential Equations, and Dynamical Systems.

• The curriculum on Teaching and Scientific Communication prepares students, on the one hand, for school teaching and, on the other, to work in the field of scientific dissemination which is becoming increasingly important due to science museums and shows.

• Mathematics and Statistics for Life and Social Sciences offers 4 tracks:

• Mathematics for Data Science is especially geared towards students who wish to work in the Data Analysis departments;

• Modeling, Statistics and Analysis of Biosystems studies the models used to investigate various complex biological systems. Among others, models of epidemic spread are studied;

• Modeling and Simulation for Biomedical Applications yields competencies in mathematics, numerical computation, physics, physiology, applicable to a range of disciplines in medicine, the pharmaceutical industry and sanitary services;

• Modeling, Statistics, and Analysis in Mathematical Finance aims at preparing students with modern education in probabilistic, statistical and computational methods.

• Cryptography introduces the theoretical and practical aspects of modern cryptography and Error Correction Codes. It shows how important methods adopted in mobile phones, smart cards, browsers, or decoders are constructed starting from very refined algebraic and geometric theoretical instruments. It proposes two particular study plans: stage-oriented and research-oriented.

Admissions

How to Apply

• Access the online application form

• Upload the required documents

• Submit your online application by the deadline

Requirements

• Bachelor degree (or equivalent) in Mathematics or related fields

• Strong background in Mathematics

• English at the B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

Selection Criteria for Non-EU Citizens

• Coherence between the applicant’s previous studies and the academic objectives of the Master’s degree program in Mathematics

• Academic curriculum

• English language proficiency (at least B2)

• Statement of purpose

• Pass written admissions test in English (about math, physics, algebra, analysis)

Curriculum

The Master’s degree program in Mathematics consists of 120 ECTS–credits for a two-year program. Students will undertake demanding full-time learning activities: attendance at lectures, laboratory sessions, and additional training sessions is strongly recommended. All courses are taught in English.

Depending on the taught module, students are required to select a certain number of credits from the list of core course units and from the list of related course units following the specific regulations outlined in the prospectus (Manifesto degli studi). Students can choose elective course units to complete the Master’s degree program in Mathematics from any other degree programs but those courses will be subjected to approval by the Teaching Committee of the Department of Mathematics.

Students may choose to develop a final thesis supervised by a member of the faculty or to undertake an internship and produce a thesis based on their experience.

Credits required to complete the Master’s degree program in Mathematics: 120 ECTS

Notes: according to the Sorbonne (1988) and the Bologna (1999) declarations university-level study programs in the European Higher Education Area are structured in university credits (ECTS). One university credit corresponds to 25 hours of student workload, time for personal preparation included. The annual average workload for a full-time student is conventionally fixed at 60 credits.

Program Outcome

The Master Degree in Mathematics aims to form scientists and professionals that master a deep knowledge of the theoretical principles that are the base of mathematical sciences, as well as specific competencies relative to other fields.

Among the common learning objectives for all the specializations:

• The ability to work with a high degree of autonomy, including taking responsibility for large-scale plans and structures;

• The expansion of the scientific method, inductive method of logical-deductive reasoning and methods tied to experimentation;

• The knowledge of the foundations of pure mathematics, and the knowledge of at least another discipline and the knowledge of relevant mathematical applications to it.

Career Opportunities

The graduates with a Master’s degree in Mathematics will be able to carry out professional activities:

• in companies and industry

• in laboratories and research centers

• in the field of the scientific culture dissemination

• in the field of services

• in Public Administration

With a variety of areas of interest, like computer science, financial, engineering, medical, communication, scientific, academic, and in general in all cases where a flexible thinking, computational and computer science competencies, a good familiarity with the management, analysis and treatment of numerical data are useful.

In particular, the graduates can carry out the activities of an expert in application technicians and statistical technicians. The specificity of their mathematical education gives them the opportunity to easily acquire the competencies needed for the professions of statistical Mathematicians and most of the professions in Information Technologies, as classified by ISTAT.

The course prepares for the professions of:

• Mathematicians, statistics, and related professions

• Information Technologies technicians

• Applications expert technicians

• Statistical technicians