THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG

DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS

Advice on Course Selection

2020-21
(4-year curriculum)

Contents
1 Introduction 1
1.1 List of courses offered (in 2020-21) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.2 Programme requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.2.1 Major in Mathematics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.2.2 Major in Mathematics (Intensive) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.2.3 Minor in Mathematics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.2.4 Minor in Computational and Financial Mathematics . . . . . . . . . 6
1.2.5 Minor in Operations Research and Mathematical Programming . . . 7

2 Course Selection Advice 8

2.1 For students intending to major in mathematics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.2 For students intending to minor in mathematics/minor in computational
and financial mathematics/minor in operations research and mathematical
programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

3 Appendix 11
3.1 Course Selection Advisers (Department of Mathematics) . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3.2 Table of Equivalence between HKDSE and Other Qualifications . . . . . . . 11
1 Introduction
One of the key features of the Bachelor of Science programme is the great flexibility of the
curriculum. Students are free to choose their major and to plan their own class schedule.
Meanwhile, it is very likely that you will have questions about what courses you should
enroll in for your first two years so as to better prepare your future courses. In view of this,
we are going to provide you in this article with some advice on course selection, aiming at
those who are interested in choosing one of the following programmes:

• Major in Mathematics

• Major in Mathematics (Intensive)

• Minor in Mathematics

• Minor in Computational and Financial Mathematics

• Minor in Operations Research and Mathematical Programming

For further discussion and for endorsement of your course approval form, please contact
our Course Selection Advisers (see Appendix 3.1).

1.1 List of courses offered (in 2020-21)

To find out the courses offered by our department, you can

1. go to http://www.math.hku.hk/

2. click Current Students =⇒ Undergraduate =⇒ Courses =⇒ List of Courses

Here we also include the list of courses offered by our department in 2019-20 for your
reference:

1
Course Code Course Name Semester Offered
MATH1009 Basic Mathematics for Business and Economics both
MATH1011 University Mathematics I both
MATH1013 University Mathematics II both
MATH1821 Mathematical Methods for Actuarial Science I 1st
MATH1851 Calculus and Ordinary Differential Equations both
MATH1853 Linear Algebra, Probability and Statistics both
MATH2012 Fundamental Concepts of Mathematics both
MATH2014 Multivariable Calculus and Linear Algebra both
MATH2101 Linear Algebra I both
MATH2102 Linear Algebra II 2nd
MATH2211 Multivariable Calculus both
MATH2241 Introduction to Mathematical Analysis both
MATH2822 Mathematical Methods for Actuarial Science II 2nd
MATH3002 Mathematics Seminar 2nd
MATH3301 Algebra I 1st
MATH3304 Introduction to Number Theory 2nd
MATH3401 Analysis I 1st
MATH3403 Functions of a Complex Variable 2nd
MATH3405 Differential Equations 2nd
MATH3408 Computational Methods and Differential Equations with Applications 2nd
MATH3600 Discrete Mathematics 1st
MATH3601 Numerical Analysis 1st
MATH3603 Probability Theory 1st
MATH3901 Operations Research I 1st
MATH3904 Introduction to Optimization 1st
MATH3906 Financial Calculus 2nd
MATH3911 Game Theory and Strategy 2nd
MATH3999 Directed Studies in Mathematics 1st/2nd
MATH4302 Algebra II 2nd
MATH4402 Analysis II 2nd
MATH4404 Functional Analysis 2nd
MATH4406 Introduction to Partial Differential Equations 1st
MATH4501 Geometry 1st
MATH4511 Introduction to Differentiable Manifolds 2nd
MATH4602 Scientific Computing 2nd
MATH4910 Senior Mathematics Seminar 2nd
MATH4966 Mathematics Internship 1st/2nd/summer
MATH4999 Mathematics Project year long
MATH7101 Intermediate Complex Analysis 1st
MATH7202 Complex Manifolds 2nd
MATH7502 Topics in Applied Discrete Mathematics 2nd
MATH7503 Topics in Mathematical Programming and Optimization 2nd
MATH7505 Real Analysis 2nd
APAI1001 Artificial Intelligence: Foundation, Philosophy and Ethics 1st
CCST9017 Hidden Order in Daily Life: A Mathematical Perspective 1st
CCST9037 Mathematics: A Cultural Heritage 1st
CCST9048 Simplifying Complexity 1st
1.2 Programme requirements
In this section we list the requirements of our major/minor programmes for your reference.
In fact, all these information can be found in
http://webapp.science.hku.hk/sr4/servlet/enquiry

1.2.1 Major in Mathematics

Introductory level courses (48 credits)
Science Foundation Courses (12 credits)
SCNC1111 Scientific Method and Reasoning
SCNC1112 Fundamentals of Modern Science
Disciplinary Core Courses (36 credits)
MATH1013 University Mathematics II
MATH2012 Fundamental Concepts of Mathematics
MATH2101 Linear Algebra I
MATH2102 Linear Algebra II
MATH2211 Multivariable Calculus
MATH2241 Introduction to Mathematical Analysis

Advanced level courses (42 credits)

Disciplinary Core Course (6 credits)
MATH3401 Analysis I

Disciplinary Electives (36 credits)

At least 36 credits advanced level Mathematics courses (MATH3XXX or
MATH4XXX or MATH7XXX level), of which at least 12 credits are selected
from List A and at least 12 credits should be from MATH4XXX or MATH7XXX
level, subject to pre-requisite requirements.
List A
MATH3301 Algebra I
MATH3403 Functions of a Complex Variable
MATH3601 Numerical Analysis
MATH3603 Probability Theory
MATH3904 Introduction to Optimization
For List B, please refer to Enquiry for Major/Minor/Programme Requirements:
Major in Mathematics
Capstone requirement (6 credits)
At least 6 credits selected from the following courses:

MATH3999 Directed Studies in Mathematics

MATH4910 Senior Mathematics Seminar
MATH4911 Mathematics Capstone Project
MATH4966 Mathematics Internship
MATH4999 Mathematics Project (12 credits)

Table 1.2.1 Programme requirements: Major in Mathematics

Please also refer to the notes and remarks listed in Enquiry for Major/Minor/Programme
Requirements: Major in Mathematics

3
1.2.2 Major in Mathematics (Intensive)
Introductory level courses (48 credits)
Science Foundation Courses (12 credits)
SCNC1111 Scientific Method and Reasoning
SCNC1112 Fundamentals of Modern Science
Disciplinary Core Courses (36 credits)
MATH1013 University Mathematics II
MATH2012 Fundamental Concepts of Mathematics
MATH2101 Linear Algebra I
MATH2102 Linear Algebra II
MATH2211 Multivariable Calculus
MATH2241 Introduction to Mathematical Analysis

Advanced level courses (84 credits)

Disciplinary Core Course (60 credits)
MATH3002 Mathematics Seminar
MATH3301 Algebra I
MATH3401 Analysis I
MATH3403 Functions of a Complex Variable
MATH3405 Differential Equations
MATH3600 Discrete Mathematics
MATH3603 Probability Theory
MATH3904 Introduction to Optimization
MATH4404 Functional Analysis
MATH4406 Introduction to Partial Differential Equations

Disciplinary Electives (24 credits)

Select Stream (A) or Stream (B):
(A) Pure Mathematics (at least 24 credits with 12 credits from MATH7XXX
level, subject to pre-requisite requirement);
(B) Applied Mathematics (at least 24 credits with 12 credits from MATH4XXX
or MATH7XXX level, subject to pre-requisite requirement)
For the list of courses in Stream (A) or Stream (B), please refer to Enquiry for
Major/Minor/Programme Requirements: Major in Mathematics (Intensive)

Capstone requirement (12 credits)

At least 12 credits selected from the following courses:

MATH3999 Directed Studies in Mathematics

MATH4910 Senior Mathematics Seminar
MATH4911 Mathematics Capstone Project
MATH4966 Mathematics Internship
MATH4999 Mathematics Project (12 credits)

Table 1.2.2 Programme requirements: Major in Mathematics (Intensive)

Please also refer to the notes and remarks listed in Enquiry for Major/Minor/Programme
Requirements: Major in Mathematics (Intensive)

4
1.2.3 Minor in Mathematics
Introductory level courses (18 credits)
Disciplinary Core Course (6 credits)
MATH1013 University Mathematics II
Disciplinary Electives (12 credits)
Select either List A or List B:
List A
MATH2101 Linear Algebra I
MATH2211 Multivariable Calculus
List B
MATH2012 Fundamental Concepts of Mathematics
MATH2014 Multivariable Calculus and Linear Algebra
Advanced level courses (18 credits)
Disciplinary Electives (18 credits)
At least 18 credits of advanced level Mathematics courses (MATH3XXX
or MATH4XXX or MATH7XXX level), subject to pre-requisite require-
ments.
Table 1.2.3 Programme requirements: Minor in Mathematics

Please also refer to the notes and remarks listed in Enquiry for Major/Minor/Programme
Requirements: Minor in Mathematics

5
1.2.4 Minor in Computational and Financial Mathematics

Introductory level courses (18 credits)

Disciplinary Core Course (6 credits)
MATH1013 University Mathematics II
Disciplinary Electives (12 credits)
Select either List A or List B:
List A
MATH2101 Linear Algebra I
MATH2211 Multivariable Calculus
List B
MATH2012 Fundamental Concepts of Mathematics
MATH2014 Multivariable Calculus and Linear Algebra
Advanced level courses (24 credits)
Disciplinary Core Courses (12 credits)
MATH3601 Numerical Analysis
MATH3906 Financial Calculus
Disciplinary Electives (12 credits)
At least 12 credits selected from the following courses:
MATH3408 Computational Methods and Differential Equations with Applications
MATH3603 Probability Theory
MATH3904 Introduction to Optimization
MATH3911 Game Theory and Strategy
MATH4602 Scientific Computing
MATH4907 Numerical Methods for Financial Calculus
MATH7217 Topics in Financial Mathematics
MATH7224 Topics in Advanced Probability Theory
Table 1.2.4 Programme requirements: Minor in Computational and Financial Mathematics

Please also refer to the notes and remarks listed in Enquiry for Major/Minor/Programme
Requirements: Minor in Computational and Financial Mathematics

6
1.2.5 Minor in Operations Research and Mathematical Programming

Introductory level courses (18 credits)

Disciplinary Core Course (6 credits)
MATH1013 University Mathematics II
Disciplinary Electives (12 credits)
Select either List A or List B:
List A
MATH2101 Linear Algebra I
MATH2211 Multivariable Calculus
List B
MATH2012 Fundamental Concepts of Mathematics
MATH2014 Multivariable Calculus and Linear Algebra

Advanced level courses (24 credits)

Disciplinary Core Courses (12 credits)
MATH3901 Operations Research I
MATH3904 Introduction to Optimization

Disciplinary Electives (12 credits)

At least 12 credits selected from the following courses:
MATH3405 Differential Equations
MATH3600 Discrete Mathematics
MATH3905 Queueing Theory and Simulation
MATH3906 Financial Calculus
MATH3911 Game Theory and Strategy
MATH3943 Network Models in Operations Research
MATH4902 Operations Research II
MATH4907 Numerical Methods for Financial Calculus
MATH7502 Topics in Applied Discrete Mathematics
MATH7503 Topics in Mathematical Programming and Optimization
Table 1.2.5 Programme requirements: Minor in Operations Research and Mathematical
Programming

Please also refer to the notes and remarks listed in Enquiry for Major/Minor/Programme
Requirements: Minor in Operations Research and Mathematical Programming

Remark (for students taking double majors, major-minor or double minors with
overlapping course requirements):

See Exemption and Replacement Arrangement.

7
2 Course Selection Advice

You may have several things to consider while selecting your courses. For instance,
you may want to finish the compulsory courses as early as possible so as to enable yourself
to enroll in more mathematics courses that you are interested in; or you may want to dis-
tribute the compulsory courses evenly so as to allow sufficient time to digest the materials
and to strike a balance between the core subjects and your other interests.

Here we would like to provide you with some study plans, focussing on
your first and second years. Note that these are just suggestions – we do not
intend to fix the menu for you and you can always design one that fits you bet-
ter. Again, you are strongly advised to consult our Course Selection Advisers
(see Appendix 3.1) before making up your study plans.

2.1 For students intending to major in mathematics

Plan A – with the prerequisites of MATH1013 at the beginning of Year 1 Sem 1 (for ex-
ample, students with M1 or M2 in HKDSE, or other equivalent qualifications (Appendix
3.2)):

Year 1 Sem 1 MATH1013 University Mathematics II

Sem 2 MATH2012 Fundamental Concepts of Mathematics
MATH2211 Multivariable Calculus
Year 2 Sem 1 MATH2101 Linear Algebra I
Sem 2 MATH2102 Linear Algebra II
MATH2241 Introduction to Mathematical Analysis

Plan A : For students intending to major in mathematics

(with the prerequisites of MATH1013 at the beginning of Year 1 Sem 1)

Remark: Following this plan, you will complete all the introductory level disciplinary
courses as required by the major programme by the end of your second year.

8
Plan B – without the prerequisites of MATH1013 at the beginning of Year 1 Sem 1:

Year 1 Sem 1 MATH1011 University Mathematics I OR

† MATH1009 Basic Mathematics for Business and Economics
Sem 2 MATH1013 University Mathematics II
Year 2 Sem 1 MATH2012 Fundamental Concepts of Mathematics
MATH2211 Multivariable Calculus
Sem 2 MATH2101 Linear Algebra I
MATH2241 Introduction to Mathematical Analysis

Plan B : For students intending to major in mathematics

(without the prerequisites of MATH1013 at the beginning of Year 1 Sem 1)

† MATH1009 Basic Mathematics for Business and Economics is NOT for students from
the Faculty of Science or Engineering. It is NOT for students who have passed MATH1011
or MATH1013, or have already enrolled in these courses.

Plan C – this is an example of a study plan for more aggressive students (assuming the
prerequisites of MATH1013 at the beginning of Year 1 Sem 1 are satisfied):

Year 1 Sem 1 MATH1013 University Mathematics II

† MATH2012 Fundamental Concepts of Mathematics
Sem 2 MATH2101 Linear Algebra I
MATH2211 Multivariable Calculus
Year 2 Sem 1 MATH2241 Introduction to Mathematical Analysis
MATH3401 Analysis I
Sem 2 MATH2102 Linear Algebra II
MATH3XXX

Plan C : For more aggressive students intending to major in mathematics

† Note that you need to seek approval from one of our Course Selection Advisers (see
Appendix 3.1) for taking MATH2012 concurrently with MATH1013.

Remark: Following this plan, you are able to enroll to some of our advanced level courses
in your second year.

Remark: Students who want to choose the intensive major should consider packing as
many disciplinary core introductory level courses as possible into your first year.

Remark: For all the above plans you can fill up the remaining credits with common cores,
SCNC and CAES courses as well as some other electives that you are interested in.

9
2.2 For students intending to minor in mathematics/minor in computa-
tional and financial mathematics/minor in operations research and
mathematical programming

• Students doing a major in decision analytics, major in risk management, major in

economics/finance or major in quantitative finance are highly recommended to
attempt one of our minor programmes.

Plan D

Year 1 Sem 1
Sem 2 MATH1013 University Mathematics II
Year 2 Sem 1 Any one course from List X (X = A or B)
Sem 2 The other course from List X
———– ——————————————–
List A MATH2101 Linear Algebra I
MATH2211 Multivariable Calculus
List B MATH2012 Fundamental Concepts of Mathematics
MATH2014 Multivariable Calculus and Linear Algebra

Plan D : For students intending to do one of our minor programmes

Remark: Year 1 Sem 1 is left blank for mathematics courses to reserve room for the major
and faculty requirements. However, students without the prerequisites of MATH1013 are
suggested to put MATH1009 or MATH1011 in this semester.

If you are more aggressive and would like to explore more about mathematics, then you
can try the following:

Plan E

Year 1 Sem 1 MATH1013 University Mathematics II

Sem 2 MATH2012 Fundamental Concepts of Mathematics
MATH2101 Linear Algebra I
Year 2 Sem 1 MATH2211 Multivariable Calculus
MATH2241 Introduction to Mathematical Analysis
Sem 2 Advanced Level Disciplinary Core Courses or Electives

Plan E : For more aggressive students intending to do one of our minor programmes

Remark: In this plan students will take courses from List A to fulfill the introductory level
Disciplinary Electives requirement (for any of our minor programmes).

10
3 Appendix
3.1 Course Selection Advisers (Department of Mathematics)

3.2 Table of Equivalence between HKDSE and Other Qualifications

11