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Department of Mathematics | Faculty of Science Simon Fraser University Calendar | Spring 2025

Mathematics

Doctor of Philosophy

The doctor of philosophy (PhD) in mathematics is a program intended for those who wish to develop advanced independent research skills and hone their ability to explore mathematical questions. Candidates pursue a research-intensive program supported by world-class research faculty leading to a substantial contribution to mathematical knowledge. Students are trained in scientific communication skills and are qualified to work in industry, academia and government.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must satisfy the University admission requirements as stated in Graduate General Regulations 1.3 in the SFU Calendar. Normally, candidates should have a master of science (MSc) degree in mathematics or a related discipline to enter the program.

Program Requirements

This program offers two streams: mathematics and operations research. Both streams consist of courses and a thesis for a minimum of 30 units. Students who did not complete an MSc degree may be asked to complete additional course work. All courses are subject to supervisory committee and departmental graduate studies committee approval.

Mathematics Stream

Students must complete all of

MATH 875 - PhD Preliminary Examination (0)

A preliminary written examination covering a broad range of senior undergraduate material. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: Only available to students in Mathematics PhD program. Corequisite: MATH 876. Students with credit for MATH 878 may not take this course for further credit.

MATH 876 - PhD Comprehensive Examination (0)

A comprehensive written examination covering a broad range of graduate material. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: Only available to students in Mathematics PhD program. Corequisite: MATH 875. Students with credit for MATH 878 may not take this course for further credit.

MATH 879 - PhD Thesis Proposal (0)

An open oral defence of a written thesis proposal presented to the student's supervisory committee. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
G100 Ladislav Stacho
TBD
G200 TBD

and eight units of graduate courses numbered 800 or above

and an additional four graduate units

and a thesis

MATH 899 - PhD Thesis (18)

Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
G100 Ladislav Stacho
TBD
G200 TBD

Operations Research Stream

Students must complete all of

MATH 879 - PhD Thesis Proposal (0)

An open oral defence of a written thesis proposal presented to the student's supervisory committee. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
G100 Ladislav Stacho
TBD
G200 TBD
MATH 888 - Ph.D. Comprehensive Exam: Operations Research (0)

A written examination covering a broad range of senior undergraduate and graduate mathematical material commonly used in Operations Research. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.

and eight units of graduate courses numbered 800 or above

and an additional four graduate units

and a thesis

MATH 899 - PhD Thesis (18)

Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
G100 Ladislav Stacho
TBD
G200 TBD

Program Length

Students are expected to complete the program requirements in four years. Students are expected to complete their comprehensive examination and thesis proposal within their first six terms.

Other Information

Course Work

The graduate course work, across degrees, should demonstrate a breadth of mathematical knowledge. This can be achieved by completing coursework in three of the five groups of courses listed in the mathematics MSc program; similar breadth from course work in other major areas of mathematics can satisfy this requirement.

Thesis

The program requires the submission and successful examination of a thesis. The thesis embodies a significant contribution to mathematical knowledge. The completed thesis is assessed by the student's examining committee at an oral examination.

Academic Requirements within the Graduate General Regulations

All graduate students must satisfy the academic requirements that are specified in the Graduate General Regulations, as well as the specific requirements for the program in which they are enrolled.