

M-SC in Mathematics at Guru Nanak College (Autonomous)


Chennai, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Mathematics at Guru Nanak College (Autonomous) Chennai?
This M.Sc. Mathematics program at Guru Nanak College, Chennai focuses on building a strong theoretical foundation across various branches of advanced mathematics. With a curriculum spanning algebra, analysis, differential equations, topology, and numerical methods, it prepares students for both academic pursuits and analytical roles in diverse Indian industries. The program emphasizes problem-solving skills crucial for research and innovation in the national context.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for Bachelor of Science graduates in Mathematics, Applied Sciences, Statistics, or Physics with a strong mathematical background. It caters to individuals aspiring for careers in research, academia, data science, financial modeling, or engineering analytics within India. Working professionals seeking to enhance their quantitative skills for career advancement in sectors like IT, finance, or R&D will also find this program beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue advanced research in mathematics, become educators, or secure analytical roles in fields such as data science, quantitative finance, and software development in India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. The strong analytical foundation also prepares them for competitive exams and certifications in areas like actuarial science or advanced computing.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Mathematical Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant time to understanding fundamental theorems and proofs in Algebra and Real Analysis. Actively participate in problem-solving sessions and form study groups with peers to discuss challenging concepts. Focus on building a robust conceptual framework.
Tools & Resources
Standard textbooks (e.g., Dummit & Foote for Algebra, Rudin for Analysis), NPTEL lectures on foundational mathematics, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A strong foundation is critical for advanced studies, competitive exams, and analytical roles. It develops logical reasoning and problem-solving skills highly valued in academia and industry.
Develop Strong Problem-Solving Acumen- (Semester 1-2)
Practice solving a wide variety of problems from textbooks and previous year question papers. Focus on understanding the methodology behind solutions, not just memorizing them. Regularly attempt problems from online platforms or challenge books.
Tools & Resources
Problem books for advanced mathematics, Previous year university question papers, Online forums like Math StackExchange for problem inspiration
Career Connection
This hones analytical thinking, a key skill for research, data analysis, and quantitative roles. It builds resilience and a systematic approach to complex challenges, crucial for campus placements.
Engage with Departmental Activities- (Semester 1-2)
Attend departmental seminars, workshops, and guest lectures. This exposes you to various research areas and applications of mathematics, helping you identify your interests early on. Volunteer for organizing events to build soft skills.
Tools & Resources
Department notice boards and newsletters, College''''s academic calendar, Faculty mentorship
Career Connection
Early exposure to diverse mathematical fields can guide specialization choices and research interests. Networking with faculty and guest speakers can open doors to internships or research projects.
Intermediate Stage
Explore Interdisciplinary Applications- (Semester 3-4)
While focusing on core subjects, actively look for how mathematical concepts apply in fields like physics, computer science (e.g., data structures, algorithms), economics, or finance. Consider taking minor electives or online courses in these areas if permitted.
Tools & Resources
Online courses (Coursera, edX) on subjects like ''''Mathematics for Machine Learning'''', Books on mathematical modeling in different fields, Faculty guidance on interdisciplinary projects
Career Connection
Bridging mathematics with other disciplines makes you a versatile candidate for roles in data science, quantitative analysis, and research & development, expanding job prospects beyond pure mathematics.
Undertake Mini-Projects and Research- (Semester 3-4)
Utilize the Mini Project in Semester III to delve into a topic of interest. Seek guidance from faculty to identify research questions, perform literature reviews, and apply mathematical tools to solve problems. This builds independent research skills.
Tools & Resources
Research papers (arXiv, Google Scholar), LaTeX for document preparation, Mathematical software (e.g., MATLAB, Python with SciPy/NumPy), Faculty advisors
Career Connection
Project experience demonstrates practical application of knowledge, enhances problem-solving, and is highly valued by employers and for PhD applications. It provides a portfolio for placements.
Build Computational Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Learn a programming language (like Python or R) and mathematical software (like MATLAB, Mathematica, or Octave) relevant to numerical methods and data analysis. These tools are indispensable for modern mathematical research and industrial applications.
Tools & Resources
Online coding platforms (HackerRank, LeetCode), Python libraries (NumPy, SciPy, Matplotlib), R for statistical computing, Tutorials for mathematical software
Career Connection
Computational skills are non-negotiable for most analytical roles in IT, finance, and data science. Proficiency in these tools significantly boosts employability and enables handling large datasets and complex models.
Advanced Stage
Prepare for Higher Studies or Placements- (Semester 4)
If aiming for PhD, identify potential research areas and supervisors, and prepare for entrance exams like NET/GATE/NBHM. For placements, sharpen your aptitude, logical reasoning, and technical interview skills. Attend mock interviews and participate in resume building workshops.
Tools & Resources
Previous year NET/GATE papers, Online aptitude test platforms, College placement cell workshops, Industry-specific skill assessments
Career Connection
Proactive preparation for either academic entrance exams or corporate placements ensures a smooth transition post-M.Sc. It maximizes chances of securing desired roles or university admissions.
Engage in Major Project with Industry Relevance- (Semester 4)
For your Major Project, try to choose a topic that has real-world applications or industry connections, even if theoretical. Collaborate with faculty who have industry ties or look for opportunities to do projects at research institutions outside the college.
Tools & Resources
Industry reports and case studies, Networking with alumni in relevant fields, Faculty research areas, Advanced mathematical modeling tools
Career Connection
A strong, industry-relevant major project is a significant asset for job applications, showcasing practical problem-solving capabilities and initiative to potential employers. It can lead to direct job offers or enhance your profile for specific roles.
Network and Seek Mentorship- (Semester 4)
Actively connect with alumni, guest speakers, and professionals in your target career paths. Attend conferences (online or in-person) and utilize professional networking platforms like LinkedIn. Seek mentorship from experienced individuals in your field of interest.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional mathematics societies in India (e.g., Indian Mathematical Society), Alumni network events, Conferences and workshops
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to hidden job opportunities, provides insights into career paths, and helps build professional connections that can be invaluable for career growth and mentorship in the Indian job market.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A candidate who has passed B.Sc. Degree Examination in Mathematics / Applied Sciences / Statistics / Applied Statistics / Physics (with Mathematics as Allied subject) of the University of Madras or an Examination of some other University accepted by the Syndicate as equivalent thereto.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40% (for theory), 50% (for practicals/projects), External: 60% (for theory), 50% (for practicals/projects)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P22MA101 | ALGEBRA - I | Core | 4 | Groups and Subgroups, Sylow''''s Theorem, Rings, Ideals, Quotient Rings, Euclidean and Unique Factorization Domains, Polynomial Rings |
| P22MA102 | REAL ANALYSIS - I | Core | 4 | Riemann-Stieltjes Integral, Sequences and Series of Functions, Uniform Convergence, Power Series, Fourier Series |
| P22MA103 | ORDINARY DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS | Core | 4 | Second Order Linear Equations, Boundary Value Problems, Power Series Solutions, Special Functions (Legendre, Bessel), Sturm-Liouville Boundary Value Problems |
| P22MA104 | MATHEMATICAL STATISTICS | Core | 4 | Probability and Random Variables, Distribution Functions, Mathematical Expectation, Moment Generating Functions, Special Discrete and Continuous Distributions |
| P22MAES101 | DISCRETE MATHEMATICS | Elective | 4 | Logic and Proofs, Boolean Algebra and Lattices, Graph Theory Fundamentals, Trees and Algorithms, Formal Languages and Automata Theory |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P22MA201 | ALGEBRA – II | Core | 4 | Vector Spaces, Linear Transformations, Fields and Extension Fields, Algebraic and Transcendental Extensions, Galois Theory, Cyclic and Finite Fields |
| P22MA202 | REAL ANALYSIS - II | Core | 4 | Lebesgue Measure, Measurable Functions, Lebesgue Integral, Differentiation and Integration, Lp Spaces and Banach Spaces |
| P22MA203 | PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS | Core | 4 | First Order PDEs, Second Order PDEs, Wave Equation, Heat Equation, Laplace Equation and Boundary Value Problems |
| P22MA204 | CALCULUS OF VARIATIONS AND INTEGRAL EQUATIONS | Core | 4 | Variation of a Functional, Euler-Lagrange Equation, Isoperimetric Problems, Fredholm Integral Equations, Volterra Integral Equations |
| P22MAES201 | OPTIMIZATION TECHNIQUES | Elective | 4 | Linear Programming Problems, Simplex Method, Duality in LPP, Transportation and Assignment Problems, Non-Linear Programming |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P22MA301 | COMPLEX ANALYSIS | Core | 4 | Complex Numbers and Functions, Analytic Functions, Cauchy-Riemann Equations, Complex Integration, Cauchy''''s Theorem, Series Expansions, Residue Theorem, Conformal Mappings |
| P22MA302 | TOPOLOGY | Core | 4 | Topological Spaces, Open and Closed Sets, Basis and Subbasis, Connectedness and Path Connectedness, Compactness and Countability Axioms, Product Spaces, Tychonoff Theorem |
| P22MA303 | FLUID DYNAMICS | Core | 4 | Kinematics of Fluids, Equations of Motion, Viscous Incompressible Flow, Boundary Layer Theory, Navier-Stokes Equation |
| P22MA304 | NUMERICAL METHODS | Core | 4 | Solution of Algebraic and Transcendental Equations, Interpolation, Numerical Differentiation and Integration, Numerical Solution of Ordinary Differential Equations, Eigenvalue Problems |
| P22MA3PR01 | MINI PROJECT | Project | 2 | Problem Identification, Literature Review, Methodology Development, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing and Presentation |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P22MA401 | FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS | Core | 4 | Normed Linear Spaces, Banach Spaces, Hilbert Spaces, Bounded Linear Operators, Hahn-Banach Theorem, Spectral Theory |
| P22MA402 | DIFFERENTIAL GEOMETRY | Core | 4 | Curves in Space, Surfaces, First Fundamental Form, Second Fundamental Form, Weingarten Map, Gaussian and Mean Curvature |
| P22MA4PRO1 | MAJOR PROJECT | Project | 6 | Advanced Problem Formulation, In-depth Research and Analysis, Implementation of Mathematical Models, Critical Evaluation of Results, Comprehensive Report and Viva Voce |
| P22MAEL4A | FUZZY MATHEMATICS | Elective (Group A) | 4 | Fuzzy Sets and Operations, Fuzzy Relations, Fuzzy Arithmetic, Fuzzy Logic and Approximate Reasoning, Applications of Fuzzy Sets |
| P22MAEL4B | GRAPH THEORY | Elective (Group A) | 4 | Basic Graph Concepts, Trees and Spanning Trees, Connectivity and Separability, Eulerian and Hamiltonian Graphs, Planar Graphs and Coloring |
| P22MAEL4C | APPLIED LINEAR ALGEBRA | Elective (Group A) | 4 | Vector Spaces and Subspaces, Linear Transformations, Eigenvalues, Eigenvectors, Diagonalization, Canonical Forms, Quadratic Forms and Matrix Decomposition |
| P22MAEL4D | CRYPTOGRAPHY | Elective (Group B) | 4 | Classical Cryptosystems, Symmetric Key Cryptography, Asymmetric Key Cryptography (RSA), Hash Functions and Message Authentication, Digital Signatures |
| P22MAEL4E | ADVANCED STATISTICS | Elective (Group B) | 4 | Estimation Theory, Hypothesis Testing, Non-parametric Methods, Regression Analysis, Design of Experiments |
| P22MAEL4F | WAVELETS | Elective (Group B) | 4 | Fourier Transforms, Continuous Wavelet Transform, Multiresolution Analysis, Discrete Wavelet Transform, Applications of Wavelets |




