Official length of programme

Three-year programme, 180 ECTS credits.

Access requirements

Applicants must have completed a four-year secondary school.

Name of qualification

Bachelor of Science in Mathematics

Programme requirements

In the university education of mathematicians following the Bologna process, the 3+2 year structure has been adopted in the first phase of study. Having completed the first part of this model the Bachelors in mathematics could apply for either scientific or educational graduate studies of various specializations, as well as graduate studies at other higher educational institutions where good mathematical and computing basics are amply required. 
With its curriculum and the methods of teaching and forms of classes, the programme enables the acquisition of basic knowledge and the understanding of results in main areas of mathematics, such as algebra, analysis, geometry, differential equations, discrete mathematics, probability theory and statistics, numerical mathematics, computing and so on. Acquired theoretical knowledge is necessary for the understanding of mathematical methods and techniques, and students familiarize themselves with mathematical modelling and various applications of mathematics. 
Necessary requirements for a successful completion of the programme are passed exams from all prescribed courses (see www.math.hr). In the first year of study, students are expected to acquire basic knowledge in mathematics and computing, and to achieve theoretical backgrounds and later apply them to solve different practical tasks. In the second year of study, however, students become more proficient and more skillful in other important branches of mathematics, in programming techniques with an emphasis on algorithms or algorithmic problems, all the time keeping in mind the application of mathematics in physics, biology, chemistry and computing, which depends on the chosen module. Nevertheless, the third year of study is a more advanced level. By that time students broaden their knowledge and skills in algebra, analysis, differential equations, statistics, set theory, physics and programming and, depending on their choice, they master logic, probability, applied mathematics, number theory, and geometry. 
Throughout the study, students acquire the ability to understand mathematical proofs, and thus the logical arguments in more general situations; the ability of mathematical modelling, creative problem-solving using mathematical tools and ICT (information and communication technology). Students develop skills of practical use and application of ICT, and are qualified for further self-education in mathematics, computer science and other sciences. Many exams are oral, which enables students to effectively master the communication skills when presenting various problems and their solutions. University graduates in mathematics have gained the following competencies: a) Content knowledge and understanding of: basic concepts from all branches of mathematics and computer science, mathematical modelling of problems from various areas, not necessarily related to mathematics, key concepts in ICT development, including algorithmic thinking, design and programming; b) modelling and problem-solving: algebra, analysis, discrete mathematics, geometry, statistics and probability, systems where fast and accurate calculation is necessary (approximation and iteration), other sciences (natural and social sciences); c) the use of ICT: Windows, Linux and UNIX, computer networks, d) research and practice: search and literature search, databases and other sources of information, team work in small project tasks, presentation of concrete results. Depending on the selection of elective courses, students have gained competence in other areas of mathematics, computer science and their applications.

Professional status

Mathematics, the undergraduate university study, is the first of two stages in university education for mathematicians. The second stageis one of two-year university graduate studies of mathematics. Bachelors of mathematics are trained for various technical jobs and careers in industry, government and public sector. Such jobs require analytical thinking, basic knowledge of mathematics and computing, the ability of mathematical modelling, and problem-solving. Equally important are: knowledge of statistics, the ability of the organization, analysis and pre sentation of data as well as the application of ICT.

Access to further study

After completion of the undergraduate university degree programme, a student acquires the right to enrol in each of seven graduate university studies of the Faculty of Sciences, Department of Mathematics, University of Zagreb. Requirements for admission to university or professional study programmes at other higher education institutions are determined by these institutions.