Mathematics happens to be one of the most ancient sciences of the world. Some of the most famous intellectuals of the world, from Aristotle and Pythagoras (Greece), Euclid and Ptolemy (Egypt-Greece-) to Menelaus, Theon and Serenus (Egypt), Liu Hui and Tsu Chung-Chih (China) to Aryabhata and Bhaskaracharya (India) have dabbled in one or more branches or mathematics to fortify their knowledge and hone their mental skills.
Mathematics represents a high level of abstraction attained by the human mind. In India, mathematics has its roots in Vedic literature, which is nearly 4000 years old. Between 1000 B.C. and 1000 A.D. various treatises on mathematics were compiled in which, the concept of zero, the techniques of algebra and algorithm, square root and cube root were set forth. The rudiments of geometry, called Rekha-Ganita in ancient India, were formulated and applied in the drafting of Mandalas for architectural purposes. They were also displayed in the geometric patterns used in many temple motifs.
Between the 10th to 13th centuries, the Christian kingdoms of Europe made numerous attempts to reconquer the birthplace of Jesus Christ from its Mohammedan-Arab rulers. These attempts called the Crusades failed in their military objective, but the contacts they created between oriental and occidental civilizations and cultures resulted in a massive exchange of ideas. The technique of algebra might have been passed on to the west about this time.
Today, Mathematics and Statistics are becoming popular subjects owing to their application in a wide field of study and research. A bachelor's degree in mathematics will prepare you for fascinating jobs in statistics, actuarial sciences, mathematical modeling, and cryptography; for teaching; as well as for graduate school leading to a research career in mathematics or statistics. A strong background in mathematics is also necessary for research in many areas of computer science, social science, and engineering.
To take up higher studies in mathematics on needs to have very basics in mathematics right from middle school. He /she must have completed 10+2 with physics, chemistry and Maths. One can take up the subject as Honours in undergraduate level so that he/she can specialize in the subject at post-graduate level.
One who still wants to pursue further study or carry out research work can undertake PhD program offered by various institutes and universities in the country.
Under the broad heading of mathematics, we have different branches such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, trigonometry etc. Arithmetic deals with quantities expressed in numbers; algebra uses quantities and relationships expressed in symbols. Geometry deals with quantities associated with space, length, area, figures in space etc. Calculus deals with pairs of associated quantities. Trigonometry concerns relationships of angles and analytical geometry applies algebra to geometric studies.
Students of mathematics may contemplate careers in any of the following fields: pure mathematics, pure statistics, computer science, physical sciences, engineering and other mathematically oriented fields such as insurance, banking and accountancy. There are many options in mathematics. One may work as part of a team or opt to work singly. Those who prefer to work alone may find openings in private firms or libraries. They may also take up teaching or academic research.
Statistics as a professional science has arrived in India. Statisticians may find employment in government departments, semi-governments, public and private undertakings, industrial concerns, research institutions and establishments dedicated to higher education. The Indian Statistical Institute, with branches in many parts of the country, is a pioneering institute in the field of statistics. A network of service units in Statistical Quality Control covers major cities in India including Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Calcutta, Pune, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram and Baroda. There is a specialised Documentation Research and Training Centre in Bangalore, which employs professional statisticians. Statisticians too may opt for teaching or academic research for specialisation.
Most universities in the country offer undergraduate and postgraduate courses in mathematics and statistics. However specialized courses in mathematics and statistics are offered by the following institutes.
Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Taramani, Chennai-600 113 Courses Offered: One-year intensive training programme in Physics/Mathematics for postgraduates in Maths/Physics, with a special emphasis on developing problem solving ability, initiative for self-learning and exposure to advanced topics. The institute also offers Junior Research Fellowships in the areas of theoretical/mathematical physics and mathematics (including theoretical computer science) leading to a doctoral degree
Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai Courses Offered: Research in Mathematical Sciences
Mehta Research Institute of Mathematics and Mathematical Physics, Allahabad
University of Pune, Courses Offered: Undergraduate courses in Mathematics, Statistics, Industrial Maths and Applied Maths
University of Calcutta, Courses Offered: One-year diploma in Health Statistics.
Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Rudrapur (Dist: Nainital) Courses Offered: Postgraduate course in Agricultural Statistics
Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), Courses Offered: B.Stat. (Hons.), B.Math. (Hons.), M.Stat. (S-stream, M-stream), M.Math, M.S. in Quantitative Economics, M.Tech in Computer Science, M. Tech. in Quality, Reliability and Operations Research (DOU24112007)
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