Bachelor of Arts and Science - Philosophy & Mathematics (Optional Co-op)

Philosophy investigates fundamental questions about the nature of things; about the universe as a whole, about human beings, society, science, ethics and art.

Philosophy students will learn about the basic intellectual foundation for political, social and legal systems, as well as an understanding of the principles of modern science and technology. Students will explore deep theoretical, practical and moral issues that do not easily fit into more specialized disciplines. Philosophy will challenge students with its reflective and critical approach to important, often puzzling, questions about the nature of right and wrong, time and space, perception, and the human mind. Philosophy pays careful attention to its own long history, spanning more than 2,500 years. These early investigations are the focus of the department’s courses on ancient, early modern, late modern and 20th-century philosophers and philosophical movements. There are numerous branches within the study of philosophy, touching virtually every topic; from questions about the existence of God, through to aesthetic principles, and the concepts of space and time: • Justice and goodness: Investigates questions about right and wrong, or good and evil, such as biomedical ethics or environmental philosophy. • Truth and reality: Looks at truth and reality through areas such as logic, metaphysics, epistemology and the philosophy of science. • Social philosophical concerns: Delves into fundamental social philosophical issues addressed by political philosophy, ethics and the history of philosophy itself. • Scientific philosophical concerns: Focuses on the conditions under which enquiry produces genuine truth and accurate representations of objective reality. • Human creativity and artistic expression: Evaluates concepts like beauty in disciplines such as aesthetics and the philosophy of art.

Mathematics

Mathematics is the study of structure and patterns in numbers and shapes. It is an active research area, providing a language, theories and models to solve complex problems across a wide variety of scientific, industrial and economic sectors. Over the past century, discoveries in pure mathematics have found unexpected applications in science, industry and finance, such as: secure internet transactions, Google, DNA sequencing and the stock market. Math students will study both pure and applied mathematics, giving them the opportunity to see real-world applications of their studies. The program offers courses in four main areas: algebra, analysis, number theory and geometry, and statistics. Many students opt to combine math with courses in physics, computer science, chemistry, economics, management or other areas of interest. A mathematics education provides a solid training that is sought after by employers and allows flexibility in their career choices. Students will learn to tackle difficult problems employing a variety of theories and statistical models. Students will also learn to communicate their expertise by combining their technical skills with a sound liberal education. Students will have access to state-of-the-art science and research facilities. The computer labs feature the latest equipment and the small class sizes ensure students have access to their instructors whenever they need it.