Courses to improve knowledge of maths

by Mohammed NAALIR

The Mathematics Department of the University of Colombo will initiate two MSc Postgraduate programs in Mathematics, namely MSc Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Mathematics and MSc Postgraduate Diploma in Mathematics Education from mid-January 2010, Head of the University’s Mathematics Department, Dr. J.K. Wijerathna said.Dr. Wijerathna noted that insufficient knowledge in mathematics has become a barrier to entering the international job market.

A Bachelor of Science with Pure Mathematics or Applied Mathematics as a subject or a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from a recognised university or a holder of any other equivalent qualification acceptable to the Senate of the University of Colombo can apply for these two MSc courses.

The objective of these two MSc programs is to enhance the quantitative finance knowledge of students to an international level in the sense of theory and practice. The program is intended to train students with the financial skills required to operate in an increasingly competitive international environment. The program provides a thorough knowledge in the theory of quantitative finance and practice.

It is anticipated that graduates of this degree will serve the needs of the financial insurance sectors. Prospective employment opportunities include finance director, treasurer, banker, stockbroker, financier, credit manager, financial analyst, fund manager and actuarial analyst, the Coordinator of the MSc in Finance Mathematics, Dr. Sanjeewa Perera said.The lack of sufficient knowledge in mathematics has become a major obstacle to supplying qualified professionals to the local and international job market. Therefore, such programs will play a pivotal role in the future, Dr. Perera added.