Maths for skills:
Maths for skills Maths is a way of thinking - it teaches you skills that you can use in any career
That’s why mathematicians work in almost any field you can think of
Here are some examples …
How to solve problems
Analytical thinking
Conceptual ability
Communication skills
Nick Gray: Computer games developer:
Nick Gray: Computer games developer The real world is governed by the laws of physics.
How exactly does a car crunch up when it’s crashed?
Nick makes computer games look realistic by encoding the physics of the real world into the virtual world of the game.
He needs to put the physics in a language the computer will understand.
Making superfast programs involves complex programming problems
Explaining what’s happening to non-maths colleagues requires excellent communication skills
As a mathematician Nick has it all!
Charles Trevelyan and Gala Wright: furniture designers:
Charles Trevelyan and Gala Wright: furniture designers Charles and Gala studied maths at university during their engineering and physics degrees.
“There is a lot of problem solving in design, and not just aesthetically” - Charles
Need to solve many problems to take designs from idea to reality, and excellent communication skills to instruct manufacturers how to build your design. Maths skills required can be surprising - lots of trigonometry, physics and mechanics.
Their background helps them push the limits of their designs.
“Don’t underestimate the science in design!” - Gala
JimMcElwaine: avalanche researcher:
JimMcElwaine: avalanche researcher Jim was once buried up to his neck in an avalanche… fortunately someone dug him out.
Avalance research combines his two favourite things - mathematics and mountaineering.
Field work requires both mathematical and mountaineering skills - he also simulates avalanches by releasing a ton of pingpong balls on a ski jump! Jim’s uses maths to model the way the snowpack evolves.
Avalanches are a particular example of granular flow - a concept in fluid mechanics. Other examples of this are undersea landslides and processes in industry.
“The beauty of maths research is that it can be applied in different fields” - Jim
Christine Hogan: aerodynamicist:
Christine Hogan: aerodynamicist Christine was always interested in formula one racing. She never thought she’d be able to work in this as a career - but thanks to maths she does!
She started off using maths to describe the complex airflow in the wake of aircraft - an area which has many safety implications.
Christine now designs race cars for a formula one team.
Aerodynamicists use maths to model the way air moves around the race cars. Their work affects the cars speed, and can make the difference between winning or losing a race.
Each team has a group of these mathematicians working on different parts of the car.
Maths makes a difference to your future career:
Maths makes a difference to your future career Maths gives you a set of skills that will be useful in any career
Maths gives you the edge when it comes to getting a job
Find out more about where maths can take you in the
Plus Careers with Maths Library
and on the Maths Careers Website
http://plus.maths.org/interview.html
http://mathscareers.org.uk