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Mathematics
The doctor of philosophy (PhD) in mathematics is a program intended for those who wish to develop advanced independent research skills and hone their ability to explore mathematical questions. Candidates pursue a research-intensive program supported by world-class research faculty leading to a substantial contribution to mathematical knowledge. Students are trained in scientific communication skills and are qualified to work in industry, academia and government.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the University admission requirements as stated in Graduate General Regulations 1.3 in the SFU Calendar. Normally, candidates should have a master of science (MSc) degree in mathematics or a related discipline to enter the program.
Program Requirements
This program offers two streams: mathematics and operations research. Both streams consist of courses and a thesis for a minimum of 30 units. Students who did not complete an MSc degree may be asked to complete additional course work. All courses are subject to supervisory committee and departmental graduate studies committee approval.
Mathematics Stream
Students must complete all of
A preliminary written examination covering a broad range of senior undergraduate material. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: Only available to students in Mathematics PhD program. Corequisite: MATH 876. Students with credit for MATH 878 may not take this course for further credit.
An open oral defence of a written thesis proposal presented to the student's supervisory committee. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| G100 | TBD |
and eight units of graduate courses numbered 800 or above
and an additional four graduate units
and a thesis
Operations Research Stream
Students must complete all of
An open oral defence of a written thesis proposal presented to the student's supervisory committee. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| G100 | TBD |
A written examination covering a broad range of senior undergraduate and graduate mathematical material commonly used in Operations Research. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.
and eight units of graduate courses numbered 800 or above
and an additional four graduate units
and a thesis
Program Length
Students are expected to complete the program requirements in four years. Students are expected to complete their comprehensive examination and thesis proposal within their first six terms.
Other Information
Course Work
The graduate course work, across degrees, should demonstrate a breadth of mathematical knowledge. This can be achieved by completing coursework in three of the five groups of courses listed in the mathematics MSc program; similar breadth from course work in other major areas of mathematics can satisfy this requirement.
Thesis
The program requires the submission and successful examination of a thesis. The thesis embodies a significant contribution to mathematical knowledge. The completed thesis is assessed by the student's examining committee at an oral examination.
Academic Requirements within the Graduate General Regulations
All graduate students must satisfy the academic requirements that are specified in the Graduate General Regulations, as well as the specific requirements for the program in which they are enrolled.