Why Study Mathematics?

by Vicky Neale

Studying any subject at degree level is an investment in the future that involves significant cost. Now more than ever, students and their parents need to weigh up the potential benefits of university courses. That’s where the Why Study series comes in. This series of books, aimed at students, parents and teachers, explains in practical terms the range and scope of an academic subject at university level and where it can lead in terms of careers or further study. Each book tries to both enthuse the reader about its subject and answer the crucial questions that a college prospectus does not.

Genres: Mathematics, Nonfiction

208 pages, Paperback

Published November 30, 2020

Reviews

[Colin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sort of book I could really have done with when I was picking my university courses: my thought process was basically "I'm good at French and Maths, and my French teacher says a French degree is pretty much useless, so I suppose I'll do Maths." (It turned out St Andrews had a French for Scientists course, so I did a minor in French too. Win.)

This explains what you study in a maths degree, what you can do afterwards, what to expect at university, and generally comes across as a shout-it-from-the-rooftops of why maths is great.

The only thing I think I would have added is a section on reasons someone *shouldn't* study maths (it isn't a good choice for everyone, and we ought to acknowledge that.)

Overall, excellent.

[Paulo · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'd like to explain my rating: it is due to how I liked the book today, in my forties. I'd have loved it when I was 17 or 18, when I was about to start college; I'd have rated it five stars (*****) then, no doubt. In fact, nowadays I strongly recommend this book for anyone in that position.

It has two parts: in the first one, Neale explains the differents branches of mathematics, how you can face your college years and what careers you can pursue by studying maths. In the second one, she tells (quite superficially) about a few topics and applications of maths which are interesting one way or another.

[TK · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first part of the book is basically laying down what is studied in university-level maths, different topics, how you can proceed in each semester, and what can be done as you progress and finish the degree. It is a nice overview if you're interested in mathematics and want to know what's studied after high school.

The second part is somewhat what I was looking for in the book: the applications in mathematics. Basically, a knowledge graph and each topic pointing to types of applications. It's very high-level level but it gives a good overview of what can be accomplished if you study a given topic.

It also talks about how it's important to acknowledge the cumulative nature of maths, so it's needed to learn prerequisites before moving to more advanced topics. This is why it's important to fill the foundational knowledge gaps in mathematics, a thing I learned (the hard way) through doing Math Academy.

[Alessandro Piovaccari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book even if I am not a prospective students. It gives a really nice picture of the various fields and applications of math and where it is going. It, also bring a fresh perspective on how many practical fields can benefit from someone with math education.

[Amonus Sussus · Rating 4 out of 5]

my fate is sealed but thanks for reinforcing my life decisions

[Orna · Rating 5 out of 5]

gotta love my gal vicky <3