Overview
The Department of Mathematics within the College of Science at Korea University commenced in 1952 as the Department of Mathematics and Physics. Since the division into the Department of Mathematics and the Department of Physics in 1954, the department has shown remarkable progress in both quantitative and qualitative terms. In 1963, the College of Liberal Arts and Science was divided into the College of Liberal Arts and the College of Science, leading to the Department of Mathematics as it exists today.
The goal of the Department of Mathematics is to nurture talent with the capacity to significantly contribute to the advancement of humanity by serving in mathematics or other related field. For this purpose, the department provides basic mathematical education as well as the opportunity to integrate basic sciences.
To diversify its educational program, the department provides not only traditional lectures, but also lab sessions using computers. It is also the only department in Korea to offer courses on actuarial science, which is highly popular among students. The program includes various innovative lab-based mathematics courses aimed at enhancing their international competitiveness.
The curriculum has been highly rated by students since 1990, and has continuously expanded in scale and content. A few of the recently introduced lab-based courses include Differential Equations with Lab, and Partial Differential Equations and Computer Experiment.
The Department of Mathematics attracts 40 to 50 undergraduate students annually. The department had 160 undergraduates and 60 graduate students in 2009 and had produced 1,600 bachelor’s degree holders in total by 2010.
Since 1991, the department has strengthened ties among its members by organizing the Day of Mathematicians every summer.
Analysis
Students learn to adopt logical approaches to problem-solution based on mathematical analysis, which requires an understanding of the theory of infinity.
Algebra and Number Theory
Students learn to adopt logical approaches to problem-solution by applying algebra and number theory to various sets.
Topology and Geometry
Students gain intuitive insights and problem-solving skills through theoretical and intuitive training on topological invariants and geometric properties.
Differential Equations
Students learn to adopt logical approaches to problem-solution by applying differential equations.
Probability Theory
Students learn concepts and theories of probability and related applications in finance, actuarial science and communications.
Numerical Analysis
Students learn how to approximate values from continuum models and participate in theory/lab sessions.