

M-SC in Mathematics at VELS Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS)


Chennai, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Mathematics at VELS Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS) Chennai?
This M.Sc Mathematics program at Vels Institute of Science Technology and Advanced Studies focuses on building a strong foundation in advanced mathematical concepts and their applications. It emphasizes theoretical understanding alongside computational and statistical tools. The curriculum is designed to meet the growing demand for highly skilled mathematicians in various Indian sectors, from academia to data science and finance, offering a blend of pure and applied mathematics.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for B.Sc. Mathematics graduates seeking to deepen their analytical and problem-solving skills for advanced research or industry roles. It attracts individuals passionate about abstract concepts and logical reasoning. Aspiring educators, data scientists, financial analysts, and researchers will find this program beneficial, as it provides the rigorous mathematical background required for these demanding professions in India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including academic positions, research roles in R&D firms, and analytical roles in IT, finance, and data analytics sectors. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-7 LPA, with significant growth potential for experienced professionals. The strong mathematical foundation also prepares students for competitive exams, actuarial science, and higher studies like PhD programs, fostering intellectual and professional development.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Mathematical Foundations- (undefined)
Dedicate significant time to thoroughly understand fundamental concepts in Algebra, Real Analysis, and Differential Equations. Practice problem-solving rigorously using textbooks and online resources. Engage in peer study groups to clarify doubts and explore different approaches to complex problems, building a solid base for advanced topics.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses, MIT OpenCourseWare, GeeksforGeeks for C++, Standard textbooks
Career Connection
A strong foundation is crucial for excelling in entrance exams for PhD programs, analytical roles, and academic positions, directly impacting long-term career growth in India.
Develop Computational Thinking with C++- (undefined)
Actively participate in C++ programming labs, focusing on implementing mathematical algorithms and numerical methods. Work on small coding projects to solidify understanding of object-oriented programming, data structures, and algorithms. This practical skill is highly valued in the Indian IT and data science industries.
Tools & Resources
CodeChef, HackerRank, LeetCode, Online C++ tutorials
Career Connection
Proficiency in programming enhances employability for quantitative analyst, data scientist, and software development roles, bridging the gap between theoretical math and industry application.
Cultivate Analytical Problem-Solving Skills- (undefined)
Regularly solve challenging problems from textbooks and previous year question papers in subjects like Mathematical Statistics and Operations Research. Focus on understanding the ''''why'''' behind solutions, not just ''''how''''. Participate in inter-collegiate math competitions to test and refine analytical abilities.
Tools & Resources
Math StackExchange, Past exam papers, Mathematical Olympiad problems
Career Connection
Exceptional analytical skills are highly sought after by consulting firms, research organizations, and financial institutions across India, leading to high-impact roles.
Intermediate Stage
Explore Specialized Mathematical Fields- (undefined)
In Semesters 3, choose electives strategically based on your career interests (e.g., Advanced Statistics for data science, Financial Mathematics for finance). Deep-dive into these specialized areas through extra readings, research papers, and online courses. This helps build a unique skill set relevant to specific industry demands.
Tools & Resources
Research papers via IEEE/ACM Digital Library, Coursera/edX for specialized courses, Domain-specific forums
Career Connection
Specialization makes you a more attractive candidate for niche roles in rapidly growing sectors like fintech, bioinformatics, and advanced manufacturing in India.
Engage in Project-Based Learning- (undefined)
Utilize the Semester 3 Project/Internship opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems. Seek out mentors, whether faculty or industry professionals, to guide your project. Focus on clear problem definition, robust methodology, and impactful results presentation.
Tools & Resources
LaTeX for report writing, Python/R for data analysis, GitHub for project version control
Career Connection
Practical project experience is a critical differentiator during placements, demonstrating your ability to convert theoretical knowledge into tangible solutions for Indian companies.
Network and Seek Industry Exposure- (undefined)
Attend webinars, workshops, and guest lectures by industry experts and alumni. Build professional connections through LinkedIn and university events. Look for opportunities to shadow professionals or undertake short-term industrial training. This helps understand industry expectations and open doors to future opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional conferences and seminars (e.g., by IMS, ORSI), VISTAS alumni network
Career Connection
Networking often leads to valuable internship and job referrals, especially in a relationship-driven job market like India''''s, improving placement chances.
Advanced Stage
Undertake Rigorous Dissertation Research- (undefined)
In Semester 4, commit to a comprehensive Dissertation project. Select a research topic aligned with your long-term career goals and the faculty''''s expertise. Focus on original contributions, rigorous methodology, and high-quality thesis writing. Prepare thoroughly for the viva-voce defense.
Tools & Resources
Research databases (Scopus, Web of Science), Mendeley/Zotero for citation management, Statistical software (SAS, SPSS)
Career Connection
A strong dissertation showcases research capabilities, critical for academic careers, R&D roles, and admission to prestigious PhD programs both in India and abroad.
Leverage Online Certification for Skill Enhancement- (undefined)
Complete a high-quality NPTEL/SWAYAM/MOOCs certification course in an area highly relevant to your target industry (e.g., Machine Learning, Blockchain, Quantitative Finance). This demonstrates initiative, keeps you updated with current trends, and adds a recognized credential to your profile.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL, SWAYAM, Coursera, Udemy, edX
Career Connection
Certifications from reputable platforms make your resume stand out to Indian recruiters, proving practical, job-ready skills alongside your theoretical degree.
Strategize for Placements and Career Launch- (undefined)
Actively participate in campus placement drives. Prepare a tailored resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile highlighting your mathematical skills, projects, and certifications. Practice aptitude tests, group discussions, and technical interviews diligently, focusing on quantitative and problem-solving questions. Seek guidance from the career services department.
Tools & Resources
VISTAS Career Guidance Cell, Mock interview platforms, Aptitude test preparation books
Career Connection
Effective placement preparation significantly boosts your chances of securing desirable job offers in leading companies across various sectors in India immediately after graduation.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A pass in B.Sc. Mathematics with a minimum of 50% marks.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 90 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PMA20101 | Algebra | Core | 4 | Group Theory, Sylow''''s Theorems, Ring Theory, Unique Factorization Domains, Noetherian and Artinian Rings |
| PMA20102 | Real Analysis | Core | 4 | Riemann Stieltjes Integral, Uniform Convergence, Sequences and Series of Functions, Fourier Series, Functions of Several Variables |
| PMA20103 | Ordinary Differential Equations | Core | 4 | Linear Equations, Homogeneous and Non-Homogeneous Equations, Power Series Solutions, Special Functions, Oscillation Theory |
| PMA20104 | Mathematical Statistics | Core | 4 | Probability Theory, Random Variables, Probability Distributions, Sampling Theory, Hypothesis Testing |
| PMA20105 | C++ Programming | Core | 4 | C++ Fundamentals, Classes and Objects, Inheritance, Polymorphism, Exception Handling, File Management |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PMA20201 | Advanced Algebra | Core | 4 | Field Theory, Galois Theory, Solvable Groups, Modules, Noetherian and Artinian Modules |
| PMA20202 | Complex Analysis | Core | 4 | Complex Integration, Cauchy''''s Theorem, Series Expansions, Residue Theorem, Conformal Mappings |
| PMA20203 | Partial Differential Equations | Core | 4 | First Order PDE, Second Order PDE, Classification of PDE, Laplace Equation, Wave Equation |
| PMA20204 | Operations Research | Core | 4 | Linear Programming, Simplex Method, Duality Theory, Transportation and Assignment Problems, Queuing Theory |
| PMA20205 | Numerical Analysis | Core | 4 | Numerical Solutions of Equations, Interpolation, Numerical Differentiation and Integration, Numerical Solution of ODEs, Eigenvalue Problems |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PMA20301 | Topology | Core | 4 | Topological Spaces, Continuous Functions, Connectedness, Compactness, Countability and Separation Axioms |
| PMA20302 | Functional Analysis | Core | 4 | Normed Spaces, Banach Spaces, Hilbert Spaces, Linear Operators, Dual Spaces |
| PMA20303 | Discrete Mathematics | Core | 4 | Logic and Proofs, Set Theory, Relations and Functions, Graph Theory, Combinatorics |
| PMA20E01 | Advanced Statistics | Elective | 4 | Estimation Theory, Hypothesis Testing, Non-parametric Methods, Regression Analysis, Design of Experiments |
| PMA20E02 | Stochastic Processes | Elective | 4 | Random Processes, Markov Chains, Poisson Processes, Birth and Death Processes, Renewal Theory |
| PMA20E03 | Mathematical Modelling | Elective | 4 | Model Formulation, Dimensional Analysis, Optimization Models, Simulation, Case Studies |
| PMA20PRJ | Project | Project | 4 | Problem Identification, Literature Survey, Methodology Development, Data Analysis, Report Writing and Presentation |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PMA20401 | Measure Theory and Integration | Core | 4 | Measure Spaces, Outer Measure, Lebesgue Measure, Measurable Functions, Lebesgue Integration |
| PMA20E04 | Financial Mathematics | Elective | 4 | Interest Rate Models, Derivatives Pricing, Option Pricing Models, Black-Scholes Model, Risk Management |
| PMA20E05 | Cryptography | Elective | 4 | Classical Cryptography, Symmetric Key Cryptography, Asymmetric Key Cryptography, Hashing Algorithms, Digital Signatures |
| PMA20E06 | Fuzzy Mathematics | Elective | 4 | Fuzzy Sets and Operations, Fuzzy Relations, Fuzzy Logic, Fuzzy Numbers, Fuzzy Optimization |
| PMA20402 | Dissertation and Viva-Voce | Project | 8 | Research Problem Formulation, Advanced Methodologies, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Thesis Writing, Oral Presentation and Defense |
| PMA20403 | Online Certification Course | Core | 4 | NPTEL/SWAYAM Course Selection, Advanced Mathematical Concepts, Industry-relevant Skills, Online Learning Methodologies, Certification Exam Preparation |




