The Mathematical, Computational and Statistical Sciences (MCS) major offers students the opportunity to pursue traditional curricula as well as curricula that cut across disciplinary boundaries.

Requirements for a Major in MCS

Class of 2021 onwards

The MCS major requires students to complete 54 Units including a capstone project that is worth 10 Units. Students will take three core courses, four courses in one of the three focus areas, Mathematics, Computer Science, or Data Science, and at least 9 Units of electives. At least 4 Units need to be at the 4000-level in addition to the 10 Units capstone.

CORE COURSES

The required core courses are:

• YSC1212 Introduction to Computer Science
• YSC2209 Proof
• YSC2239 Introduction to Data Science

FOCUS AREAS

Students need to complete four courses in one of the focus areas. Each focus area has three compulsory course and two specialist courses from which one should be completed.

Focus Area Mathematics

Class of 2021 to Class of 2023:
The compulsory courses for Mathematics are YSC3206 Introduction to Real Analysis, YSC2232 Linear Algebra, and YSC3240 Foundations of Applied Mathematics. Additionally, one of the specialist courses YSC4220 Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations or YSC3237 Introduction to Modern Algebra, is required.

Class of 2024 to Class of 2025:
The compulsory courses for Mathematics are YSC3206 Introduction to Real Analysis, YSC2232 Linear Algebra, and YSC3237 Introduction to Modern Algebra. Additionally, one of the specialist courses YSC4220 Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations or YSC4206 Mathematical Signal Processing is required.

Focus Area Computer Science

The compulsory courses for Computer Science are YSC2229 Introductory Data Structures and Algorithms, YSC3232 Software Engineering, and either (select one):

• YSC4230 Programming Language Design and Implementation
• YSC3236 Functional Programming and Proving
• YSC4231 Parallel, Concurrent and Distributed Programming
• Additionally, one of the specialist courses YSC3236 Functional Programming and Proving or YSC2244 Programming for Data Science is required.

Focus Area Data Science

The compulsory courses for Data Science are YSC2243 Probability, YSC3249 Statistical Inference, and YSC2232 Linear Algebra. Additionally, one of the specialist courses YSC4216 Machine Learning or YSC2244 Programming for Data Science is required.

ELECTIVES

At least 9 Units of elective courses are required. These courses can be selected from MCS course offerings and approved NUS courses. Recent MCS course offerings are available here. At least 4 Units must be at the 4000 level unless already taken as a focus course. 2 Unit MCS courses do not count towards the major.

CAPSTONE

The capstone experience offers each student an opportunity to learn a subject in great depth, to apply and reflect on previous coursework, and to reach out to other disciplines. It also serves to develop further skills in technical exposition, both written and spoken. Graduating students will enjoy the self-confidence and initiative that comes from having successfully conducted an independent research inquiry. Sample topics include: topological field theory and physics; robotics; number theory and cryptography; survival statistics; social network analysis; computer graphics; smartphones as a distributed computing platform; neuroimaging. In addition to the project, the capstone includes a weekly seminar. Combined, the capstone bears 10 Units.

To see a visual representation of your journey through the MCS major, click here.

Requirements for a Minor in MCS

An MCS minor offers students the opportunity to engage with advanced topics in mathematics, computation, and statistics. This can be an excellent supplement for students pursuing a major in quantitative social sciences, natural science, philosophy, etc. We encourage students to pursue an MCS minor to enhance their major, to explore their curiosity, and to develop skills for future employment.

Class of 2021 onwards

To minor in MCS, a student must complete the 3 core courses:

• YSC1212 Introduction to Computer Science
• YSC2209 Proof
• YSC2239 Introduction to Data Science

Plus 10 Units of elective MCS courses

Students can approach MCS faculty if they need assistance to design a suitable programme of study for the minor.