Pure mathematics is mathematics for its own sake, focusing on abstraction, generalisations and proving. 

Studying mathematics at university usually entails two broad areas, namely analysis and algebra. The origins of what you study in these two areas during the first two years at university come from long before the nineteenth century, so it is mostly mathematics to be used in applications. The study of numbers, called algebra at the beginning undergraduate level, extends to abstract algebra at more advanced levels. The study of functions, called calculus at the first year level becomes mathematical analysis and functional analysis at more advanced levels. Each of these branches of more abstract mathematics have many sub-specialties.

Careers in mathematics rarely carry the title of “mathematician” and are often coupled with a specialty or area of research interest. Students wondering what kind of career they can have with a degree in mathematics should take a look at this brochure by the South African Mathematical Foundation.

Current research in the department can be broadly divided into the following:

• Functional Analysis
• Ring and Near-Ring Theory
• Mathematics Education