Mathematics (Common Entry) Course content

LM124 Mathematics Common Entry is designed to provide you with a gateway to better choice if you’re unsure which area you’d like to study. You can avail of a broad common first year which will introduce you to various topics in mathematics, statistics, physics and economics. Having gained a better understanding of each subject area, you then choose your preferred pathway to specialise for the remaining 3 years of your degree programme. At UL, you get to try before you decide.

In the first semester, you will study calculus, linear algebra and computer programming and can choose from a selection of other modules, including physics and economics, before deciding whether to pursue a degree in

• Mathematical Sciences
• Mathematics and Physics; or
• Economics and Mathematical Sciences.

A Special Mathematics (Higher Level) Examination will be offered at UL following the Leaving Certificate results for those students who did not achieve the Mathematics requirement.

We welcome applications from mature students. Mature applicants must apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1 February.

Your choice of programme needs to be made before the end of the first semester; there is no restriction on this choice, except that to continue with Mathematics and Physics you must take the physics module Mechanics/Heat/Electricity/Magnetism (PH4131) in the first semester, and similarly to continue with Economics and Mathematical Sciences you must take an economics module in the first semester. It is possible for you to select modules which leave all three options open for the second semester.

Electives and Pathways information for incoming students

Module Electives - what are they?

Electives give you the opportunity to choose modules that you want to study.

Each semester you will be given a choice of a number of modules and you will be asked to select a certain amount to study. This can range from 1 module to 4 modules, based on the course.

For example, you may be given a list of 4 modules, and will be asked to choose 2 to study for the upcoming semester.

Course Pathways - what are they?

A course pathway, or elective stream, is where you choose a particular area to specialise in within the broader course.

The pathway you choose will influence the modules you can study each semester and will be recognised in your final degree as an area of expertise.

For example, if you are studying Applied Languages you are required to specialise in 2 languages from a selection of French, German, Irish and Spanish.

Electives and Pathways for Mathematics

Click here to see the various electives and pathways for this course.