ATAR Notes: Forum

Uni Stuff => Universities - Victoria => University of Melbourne => Topic started by: red bull on December 24, 2009, 04:49:00 pm

Title: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: red bull on December 24, 2009, 04:49:00 pm
Do u have to do spesh maths to major in actuarial studies?
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: crappy on December 24, 2009, 04:49:46 pm
yeah, you need like 38 raw in spesh but I cant remember.
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: moshi on December 24, 2009, 04:52:47 pm
Doing spesh isn't a prerequisite; however, it is highly recommended.
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: Gloamglozer on December 24, 2009, 08:40:11 pm
Doing spesh isn't a prerequisite; however, it is highly recommended.

If you didn't do Spesh, you have to do a subject in semester 1 called "Calculus 1" which is as Dan says, "Spesh-in-a-semester".  Then in semester 2, you do "Calculus 2" which is pretty much an extension of Calculus 1.  Then during summer you do a subject called, "Linear Algebra".

And after that, you should be on par with the other actuarial students.  So yes, in essence, there is a bit of catching up to do.
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: Gloamglozer on December 24, 2009, 09:02:44 pm
Do u have to do spesh maths to major in actuarial studies?

lol why do you want to do actuarial studies?

If the OP has a genuine interest in what actuarial studies entails and is keen on hard work, then I don't see why not. 
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: Eriny on December 24, 2009, 11:45:48 pm
The thing with a lot of commercey subjects (not all) is that your maths ability and interest will almost definitely be tested. You also have to do honours to work as an actuary and for that you need a decent average - passes are not enough. It's a competitive field and there aren't many positions. However, if you're truly keen, I don't see what's stopping you from getting there. Just be aware that your ENTER will need to be 95+ for direct entry, and that spesh is a very good idea if you're committed.
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: Ilovemathsmeth on December 25, 2009, 01:20:36 pm
Aren't there enough positions - reckon it'd be hard to find employment?
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: jay1993 on December 30, 2009, 02:56:14 pm
what is acturial studies? what do they study? and why do u need spesh for it? cbf googling it lol...
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: LSC on December 30, 2009, 03:06:14 pm
what is acturial studies? what do they study? and why do u need spesh for it? cbf googling it lol...
Yeah. Whats the job called when you finish studying?
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: jimmy999 on December 30, 2009, 03:57:14 pm
When you finish you become an Actuary.
Now you don't need spesh maths to study it, but if you don't do spesh then you have to do an extra subject in uni that covers the basics of spesh. The reason people who do it do spesh is because actuarial studies is heavily maths based
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: jay1993 on December 30, 2009, 07:00:56 pm
?
When you finish you become an Actuary.
Now you don't need spesh maths to study it, but if you don't do spesh then you have to do an extra subject in uni that covers the basics of spesh. The reason people who do it do spesh is because actuarial studies is heavily maths based
what do actuaries actually do???
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: jimmy999 on December 30, 2009, 08:06:37 pm
They do risk assessment for insurance companies and I'm pretty sure finance stuff and a lot of statistics and determining probabilities. They get paid a lot though. Only downfall is it's many years of study
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: QuantumJG on December 31, 2009, 09:10:35 am
Doing spesh isn't a prerequisite; however, it is highly recommended.

This year I think specialist maths was a prerequisite (I.e. VCE students in 08 going into commerce at UoM in 09). Students who get >38 will do accelerated maths 1 & 2, which basically teaches calc 2 and linear algebra at a more advanced level and it also goes through real analysis (second year subject). 
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: jay1993 on December 31, 2009, 12:23:17 pm
They do risk assessment for insurance companies and I'm pretty sure finance stuff and a lot of statistics and determining probabilities. They get paid a lot though. Only downfall is it's many years of study

cheers! :D makes sense and it seems pre cool :D
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: tram on April 29, 2010, 11:53:07 am
They do risk assessment for insurance companies and I'm pretty sure finance stuff and a lot of statistics and determining probabilities. They get paid a lot though. Only downfall is it's many years of study

5 years minimum, most take 6-8 years. nothing comapred to specilising in med:P

Doing spesh isn't a prerequisite; however, it is highly recommended.

This year I think specialist maths was a prerequisite (I.e. VCE students in 08 going into commerce at UoM in 09). Students who get >38 will do accelerated maths 1 & 2, which basically teaches calc 2 and linear algebra at a more advanced level and it also goes through real analysis (second year subject). 

Also passing umep maths gain you exemption from accelearated maths 1, UoM suggests you do vector caculus (a second yr subject) to replace it.
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: scocliffe09 on June 13, 2010, 03:16:49 pm
They do risk assessment for insurance companies and I'm pretty sure finance stuff and a lot of statistics and determining probabilities. They get paid a lot though. Only downfall is it's many years of study

5 years minimum, most take 6-8 years. nothing comapred to specilising in med:P

Doing spesh isn't a prerequisite; however, it is highly recommended.

This year I think specialist maths was a prerequisite (I.e. VCE students in 08 going into commerce at UoM in 09). Students who get >38 will do accelerated maths 1 & 2, which basically teaches calc 2 and linear algebra at a more advanced level and it also goes through real analysis (second year subject). 

Also passing umep maths gain you exemption from accelearated maths 1, UoM suggests you do vector caculus (a second yr subject) to replace it.
nice work Trammo - good to see you've done your research!
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: schmalex on June 13, 2010, 07:00:44 pm
Aren't there enough positions - reckon it'd be hard to find employment?

You're pretty much guaranteed a good job if you pass everything.
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: AzureBlue on June 13, 2010, 08:34:37 pm
hmm, so is actuary a math or commerce subject? :)
Commerce - it's taught by the department of economics and commerce at Melb. However, we get a lot of financial maths subjects... and there's a lot of mathematics behind the models. We also do Introductory Microeconomics and Macroeconomics, intermediate macroeconomics, a few accounting subjects, contingencies, actuarial statistics, insurance and financial models etc...
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: AzureBlue on June 13, 2010, 08:37:47 pm
Also passing umep maths gain you exemption from accelearated maths 1, UoM suggests you do vector caculus (a second yr subject) to replace it.
True... there aren't enough breadth subjects in the actuarial course... only 1 in each year. I'm going to most likely choose Business Law for first-year and corporate law for second year. Maybe some geometry/number theory/algebra for third year? I dunno. But that means I miss out on all the awesome subjects like witch-hunting, creative writing and african drum and dance! There are too many amazing subjects of interest to choose from. :(
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: Gloamglozer on June 14, 2010, 06:09:57 pm
Also passing umep maths gain you exemption from accelearated maths 1, UoM suggests you do vector caculus (a second yr subject) to replace it.
True... there aren't enough breadth subjects in the actuarial course... only 1 in each year. I'm going to most likely choose Business Law for first-year and corporate law for second year. Maybe some geometry/number theory/algebra for third year? I dunno.

I thought you weren't allowed to choose maths subjects as your breadth?
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: humph on June 14, 2010, 06:32:58 pm
hmm, so is actuary a math or commerce subject? :)
Commerce - it's taught by the department of economics and commerce at Melb. However, we get a lot of financial maths subjects... and there's a lot of mathematics behind the models. We also do Introductory Microeconomics and Macroeconomics, intermediate macroeconomics, a few accounting subjects, contingencies, actuarial statistics, insurance and financial models etc...
We?? You're still a couple of years away from it...
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: Gloamglozer on June 14, 2010, 07:19:32 pm
hmm, so is actuary a math or commerce subject? :)
Commerce - it's taught by the department of economics and commerce at Melb. However, we get a lot of financial maths subjects... and there's a lot of mathematics behind the models. We also do Introductory Microeconomics and Macroeconomics, intermediate macroeconomics, a few accounting subjects, contingencies, actuarial statistics, insurance and financial models etc...
We?? You're still a couple of years away from it...

Yeah, that's what I was thinking.  I think AzureBlue is very passionate about actuarial studies and can imagine himself doing it now.
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: darlok on June 15, 2010, 02:31:14 am
hmm, so is actuary a math or commerce subject? :)
Commerce - it's taught by the department of economics and commerce at Melb. However, we get a lot of financial maths subjects... and there's a lot of mathematics behind the models. We also do Introductory Microeconomics and Macroeconomics, intermediate macroeconomics, a few accounting subjects, contingencies, actuarial statistics, insurance and financial models etc...
We?? You're still a couple of years away from it...

Yeah, that's what I was thinking.  I think AzureBlue is very passionate about actuarial studies and can imagine himself doing it now.

Honestly don't see how anyone could be passionate about being an actuary.
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: humph on June 15, 2010, 03:16:01 am
hmm, so is actuary a math or commerce subject? :)
Commerce - it's taught by the department of economics and commerce at Melb. However, we get a lot of financial maths subjects... and there's a lot of mathematics behind the models. We also do Introductory Microeconomics and Macroeconomics, intermediate macroeconomics, a few accounting subjects, contingencies, actuarial statistics, insurance and financial models etc...
We?? You're still a couple of years away from it...

Yeah, that's what I was thinking.  I think AzureBlue is very passionate about actuarial studies and can imagine himself doing it now.

Honestly don't see how anyone could be passionate about being an actuary.
+1
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: AzureBlue on June 15, 2010, 07:08:42 am
Also passing umep maths gain you exemption from accelearated maths 1, UoM suggests you do vector caculus (a second yr subject) to replace it.
True... there aren't enough breadth subjects in the actuarial course... only 1 in each year. I'm going to most likely choose Business Law for first-year and corporate law for second year. Maybe some geometry/number theory/algebra for third year? I dunno.
I thought you weren't allowed to choose maths subjects as your breadth?
Umm, I think two of the breadth have to be non-maths and the other one/two can be maths, according to the subject course planner.
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: AzureBlue on June 15, 2010, 07:09:20 am
hmm, so is actuary a math or commerce subject? :)
Commerce - it's taught by the department of economics and commerce at Melb. However, we get a lot of financial maths subjects... and there's a lot of mathematics behind the models. We also do Introductory Microeconomics and Macroeconomics, intermediate macroeconomics, a few accounting subjects, contingencies, actuarial statistics, insurance and financial models etc...
We?? You're still a couple of years away from it...

Yeah, that's what I was thinking.  I think AzureBlue is very passionate about actuarial studies and can imagine himself doing it now.
Honestly don't see how anyone could be passionate about being an actuary.
+1
Lol, yeah, I'm very passionate, can't wait til uni (which is 3 years away lol) :D
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: AzureBlue on June 15, 2010, 06:21:04 pm
^ Hahaha yeah, good for you. At least you know what you wanna do in future :P
I don't even know what I want to be next time but recently, my school gave us the Job Guide 2010 and in the area under Mathematics, Accountant and Actuary are actually classified under it. So I'm considering it atm.
Don't worry lol, we've still got quite a while to go til uni unfortunately :( I'm just interested! The breadth subjects are awesome at UoM :D And it's good we get some eco subjects in actuarial studies too (well, there's only one actuarial subject in first year, Intro to Actuarial Studies).
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: Ilovemathsmeth on June 15, 2010, 07:35:19 pm
lol maths is awesome =D thats why ppl would want to be actuaries lol.
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: AzureBlue on June 15, 2010, 08:16:01 pm
lol maths is awesome =D thats why ppl would want to be actuaries lol.
Ditto to that!!!!! I reckon I'm almost going to take the same subjects as you first-year first semester: I'm probably doing Vector Calculus, Introductory Microeconomics, Principles of Business Law and Accounting Reports and Analysis. Sounds great :) Are you taking any breadth next semester or just take the Intro to Actuarial Studies subject? How's business law?
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: AzureBlue on June 15, 2010, 08:17:10 pm
Haha yes, I was considering UoM, but they don't offer double degree. I was thinking of BMus/BSci (Major maths obviously). Can't find any unis that offer it. Weird combo apparently :P And yes, Maths is awesome :)
Apparently the Melbourne Model hasn't changed anything in the commerce faculty (but it has changed stuff like med dramatically.) You can just take a Bcomm and then a Bmus, still takes 3+3=6 years.
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: Ilovemathsmeth on June 15, 2010, 09:32:04 pm
No, I'm not doing Intro to Actuarial :( That's because I didn't do Spec Maths in year 12, which means I have to do a different Maths pathway instead. Wish I'd had as much knowledge as you do back then. But I really don't like Intro Micro, it's too tricky for my liking. The rest are pretty awesome, though Law does involve a LOT of reading and memorising of cases (we had to do about 80 I think) and lots of case study applications. Overall, it's been okay as a semester. I think Semester 2 will be better because I've got two Maths subjects then and I'll probably enjoy it better as a result.
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: AzureBlue on June 15, 2010, 09:58:25 pm
I have first year Intro Microeconomics, Principles of Business Law (breadth), Accounting Reports and Analysis, Vector Calculus -- Intro Macroeconomics, Accounting Transactions and Analysis, Accel Maths 2, Intro to Actuarial Studies.
Second year - Organisational Behavior, Prob, Financial Maths I, Business Finance --Intermediate Macro, Stats, Financial Maths II, Corporate Law (breadth).
Third year - Actuarial Modelling I, Actuarial Modelling II, Financial Maths III, Breadth Subject -- Contigencies, Actuarial Stats, and Models for insurance and finance.
Then honours year!

That is, if all goes to plan, which it hopefully will. :)

Sorry bout the confusion - all 3 breadth subjects must be non-maths, I must've looked at the wrong page or something.

What subject are you taking in place of Intro to Actuarial Studies? I thought UMEP Maths replaced Accelerated Maths I which you are doing in first semester (it is replaced by Vector Calculus normally if you have done UMEP).
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: laynie on June 15, 2010, 10:35:38 pm
I have first year Intro Microeconomics, Principles of Business Law (breadth), Accounting Reports and Analysis, Vector Calculus -- Intro Macroeconomics, Accounting Transactions and Analysis, Accel Maths 2, Intro to Actuarial Studies.
Second year - Organisational Behavior, Prob, Financial Maths I, Business Finance --Intermediate Macro, Stats, Financial Maths II, Corporate Law (breadth).
Third year - Actuarial Modelling I, Actuarial Modelling II, Financial Maths III, Breadth Subject -- Contigencies, Actuarial Stats, and Models for insurance and finance.
Then honours year!

That is, if all goes to plan, which it hopefully will. :)

Sorry bout the confusion - all 3 breadth subjects must be non-maths, I must've looked at the wrong page or something.

What subject are you taking in place of Intro to Actuarial Studies? I thought UMEP Maths replaced Accelerated Maths I which you are doing in first semester (it is replaced by Vector Calculus normally if you have done UMEP).

You sure know a load about the actuarial course outline and you're still three years away from uni?!? now that is some dedication..
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: AzureBlue on June 16, 2010, 08:06:07 am
You sure know a load about the actuarial course outline and you're still three years away from uni?!? now that is some dedication..
Well, I guess I've done my research :) ...but now I need a new third year breadth subject (probably has to be taxation law if I've taken business and corporate in first and second years, respectively).
What are you majoring in in your Bcomm?
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: Ilovemathsmeth on June 16, 2010, 11:57:39 am
Yeah you can't take Maths breadth subjects. Intro to Actuarial is apparently not a prerequisite so they said it was okay if I skipped it, apparently Linear Algebra is more important :)
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: humph on June 16, 2010, 01:30:54 pm
You sure know a load about the actuarial course outline and you're still three years away from uni?!? now that is some dedication..
Well, I guess I've done my research :) ...but now I need a new third year breadth subject (probably has to be taxation law if I've taken business and corporate in first and second years, respectively).
What are you majoring in in your Bcomm?
Dude. You're five years away from having to worry about third year breadth subjects. By the time you get there, there'll be different subjects on offer anyway.
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: laynie on June 16, 2010, 03:11:47 pm
You sure know a load about the actuarial course outline and you're still three years away from uni?!? now that is some dedication..
Well, I guess I've done my research :) ...but now I need a new third year breadth subject (probably has to be taxation law if I've taken business and corporate in first and second years, respectively).
What are you majoring in in your Bcomm?
lol Acc/Fin like the other 3983423 students.
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: AzureBlue on June 16, 2010, 03:43:42 pm
Yeah you can't take Maths breadth subjects. Intro to Actuarial is apparently not a prerequisite so they said it was okay if I skipped it, apparently Linear Algebra is more important :)
Oh yeah - is that because you didn't take Specialist or UMEP again? What breadth are you choosing for second and third year? All these third year subjects seem to have second year prereqs so I guess that leaves me not much choice...

I wish you could take maths breadth subjects as well as economics breadth subjects - I wanted to do more microeconomics than just first-year, and try some econometrics but oh well...  :-X
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: Gloamglozer on June 16, 2010, 04:47:09 pm
Yeah you can't take Maths breadth subjects. Intro to Actuarial is apparently not a prerequisite so they said it was okay if I skipped it, apparently Linear Algebra is more important :)
Oh yeah - is that because you didn't take Specialist or UMEP again? What breadth are you choosing for second and third year? All these third year subjects seem to have second year prereqs so I guess that leaves me not much choice...

I wish you could take maths breadth subjects as well as economics breadth subjects - I wanted to do more microeconomics than just first-year, and try some econometrics but oh well...  :-X

You can't do breadth subjects within your own faculty.  That is, economics is part of the commerce faculty so you can't do economics as your breadth.
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: AzureBlue on June 16, 2010, 04:49:44 pm
Yeah you can't take Maths breadth subjects. Intro to Actuarial is apparently not a prerequisite so they said it was okay if I skipped it, apparently Linear Algebra is more important :)
Oh yeah - is that because you didn't take Specialist or UMEP again? What breadth are you choosing for second and third year? All these third year subjects seem to have second year prereqs so I guess that leaves me not much choice...

I wish you could take maths breadth subjects as well as economics breadth subjects - I wanted to do more microeconomics than just first-year, and try some econometrics but oh well...  :-X

You can't do breadth subjects within your own faculty.  That is, economics is part of the commerce faculty so you can't do economics as your breadth.
Yeah I noted that ages ago... are you allowed to take subjects in your faculty as a non-award subject in a summer course or something if you really like them?
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: Gloamglozer on June 16, 2010, 05:20:48 pm
Yeah you can't take Maths breadth subjects. Intro to Actuarial is apparently not a prerequisite so they said it was okay if I skipped it, apparently Linear Algebra is more important :)
Oh yeah - is that because you didn't take Specialist or UMEP again? What breadth are you choosing for second and third year? All these third year subjects seem to have second year prereqs so I guess that leaves me not much choice...

I wish you could take maths breadth subjects as well as economics breadth subjects - I wanted to do more microeconomics than just first-year, and try some econometrics but oh well...  :-X

You can't do breadth subjects within your own faculty.  That is, economics is part of the commerce faculty so you can't do economics as your breadth.
Yeah I noted that ages ago... are you allowed to take subjects in your faculty as a non-award subject in a summer course or something if you really like them?

Well, you'll definitely have to pay for them and whether or not it will be covered under your degree as a CSP is definitely in question.  I am suspecting not since you won't be applying credit for it.  But what if you apply credit for it?
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: AzureBlue on June 16, 2010, 05:26:12 pm
Well, you'll definitely have to pay for them and whether or not it will be covered under your degree as a CSP is definitely in question.  I am suspecting not since you won't be applying credit for it.  But what if you apply credit for it?
Lol of course! They aren't that expensive... what do you mean by credit? It won't count towards the bachelors degree.
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: darlok on June 16, 2010, 09:02:27 pm
AzureBlue, you are hyping yourself up for the worst major known to man. You will be a drone, the people in the course are not interesting, the faculty is lacking, you would be much better off taking a couple of the subjects and majoring in finance. There is none of the beauty of math in these subjects, if you "love math" then you wouldn't disrespect it by even calling actuarial studies math. This course is for people that have no people skills and have resigned themselves to be human computers for the rest of their lives because they wont make it in any front office finance position. This isn't the same as some jock laughing at you for liking math, they just don't understand it. This is just rote learning and plugging in numbers, there is nothing beautiful about finding the after tax yield on an investment or valuing an option. If you enjoy actuarial, you actually do not have a soul and I wish you well for what will be a fairly meaningless existence on this earth.
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: AzureBlue on June 16, 2010, 10:18:18 pm
LOL have you even tried it before?
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: EvangelionZeta on June 16, 2010, 10:30:17 pm
LOL have you even tried it before?

To be fair, what darlok says seems to be the general consensus.  I know Olympiad people who were interested in being an actuary until they found out what it actually entails...

RE: your other question though, you can overload and do more than the required subjects in your own faculty I believe.
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: Akirus on June 16, 2010, 10:49:31 pm
AzureBlue, you are hyping yourself up for the worst major known to man. You will be a drone, the people in the course are not interesting, the faculty is lacking, you would be much better off taking a couple of the subjects and majoring in finance. There is none of the beauty of math in these subjects, if you "love math" then you wouldn't disrespect it by even calling actuarial studies math. This course is for people that have no people skills and have resigned themselves to be human computers for the rest of their lives because they wont make it in any front office finance position. This isn't the same as some jock laughing at you for liking math, they just don't understand it. This is just rote learning and plugging in numbers, there is nothing beautiful about finding the after tax yield on an investment or valuing an option. If you enjoy actuarial, you actually do not have a soul and I wish you well for what will be a fairly meaningless existence on this earth.

That was beautiful, and I applaud you.
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: EvangelionZeta on June 16, 2010, 10:56:46 pm
http://www.beanactuary.org/hs/topten.cfm
http://actuarialgrads.com/articlebyanthem2.htm

Not to sound like an actuary basher, but notice how all of the "BE AN ACTUARY" things emphasise the security and wealth of the vocation?

Not only that, but...

http://www.actuary.com/actuarial-discussion-forum/showthread.php?t=17109

"Generally from what I've seen, the people who hope for heavy math get really disappointed and irritated with the career. If you are content being a business professional who deals with rates and reserves, you'll love it."
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: darlok on June 16, 2010, 11:06:36 pm
AzureBlue, yes I have studied actuarial studies.
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: Ilovemathsmeth on June 16, 2010, 11:33:06 pm
OK I'm sad now. What can I do that is hardcore Maths/Calculus???
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: tram on June 16, 2010, 11:52:44 pm
OK I'm sad now. What can I do that is hardcore Maths/Calculus???

same here, but in fariness, darlok, i think ur being a little harsh with ur bashing of acturies.....like, sure it's not the most innovative job in the world but  "If you enjoy actuarial, you actually do not have a soul and I wish you well for what will be a fairly meaningless existence on this earth." is going a bit far.

having said that, i have been concidering for a while to still do act stud, but do a law degree after so as opposed to just being straight acturary i can do something with a bit more.....variance (THAT WAS NOT A PROBABILTY JOKE I JUST COUDN'T THINK OF ANOTHER WORD)
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: humph on June 16, 2010, 11:56:10 pm
OK I'm sad now. What can I do that is hardcore Maths/Calculus???
Mathematics in itself?

Otherwise, areas like engineering and physics make major use of mathematical techniques - physics especially uses calculus nonstop. Game theory in economics and even evolutionary biology use more discrete forms of mathematics. But as people have said, Actuarial Studies doesn't use any particularly "interesting" maths.
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: darlok on June 17, 2010, 12:38:56 am
Ok, not having a soul is a bit harsh, but I will explain my reasoning with a little bit of economic theory.

In life people make sacrifices, they decide that maybe studying video game design isn't the best idea, so they decide to do something practical like computer science and mathematics. Now lets simplify this; in their working life people gain utility from there jobs in 2 ways

1. They enjoy their job
2. They enjoy the stability that their job brings through income and employment opportunities in their field

(I will refer to these as 1. and 2.)

Now, this individual would have maximized 1. by going and studying game design, but he realises that the stability and availability of jobs in the game design industry is not great, so the value of 2. will not be very high. So now this individual thinks to himself, how can I make 2. higher without decreasing 1. too much. Basically he is making a compromise between 1. and 2. and the best compromise he could make was to study computer science and maths. The weight place on 1. and 2. vary from person to person, those kids that study music value 1. far higher than someone that studies finance.

Now what im saying is, that someone that decides to study actuarial puts 100% of the weight on 2. and 0% on 1.
They literally do not care about any sense of satisfaction or enjoyment in their job, and I find that very robotic and soulless. If you look at Maslow's hierarchy of needs you will see that they have essentially ignored the top half of the pyramid, which is everything that makes us human.

Now I'm sure that someone will argue that they "love" actuarial studies, and of course you would tell yourself that. If you are neglecting 1., it is your best interest to try and convince yourself you gain great satisfaction from your studies/profession.

Of course I just made this all up, but this was my thought process in calling it soulless.
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: Ilovemathsmeth on June 17, 2010, 01:28:50 am
But then I'll probs never find a job where I can sit down all day and solve differential equations/integrate and find areas under curves :( I'm shattered. I thought you did a lot of calculus in probability Maths in actuarial...
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: humph on June 17, 2010, 01:59:58 am
But then I'll probs never find a job where I can sit down all day and solve differential equations/integrate and find areas under curves :( I'm shattered. I thought you did a lot of calculus in probability Maths in actuarial...
I don't understand why you would think that. Have you had a read now of EvangelionZeta's links? I guess they give you a better idea of what an actuarial actually does.
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: AzureBlue on June 17, 2010, 08:06:27 am
OK I'm sad now. What can I do that is hardcore Maths/Calculus???
same here, but in fariness, darlok, i think ur being a little harsh with ur bashing of acturies.....like, sure it's not the most innovative job in the world but  "If you enjoy actuarial, you actually do not have a soul and I wish you well for what will be a fairly meaningless existence on this earth." is going a bit far.
having said that, i have been concidering for a while to still do act stud, but do a law degree after so as opposed to just being straight acturary i can do something with a bit more.....variance (THAT WAS NOT A PROBABILTY JOKE I JUST COUDN'T THINK OF ANOTHER WORD)
Yeah, same - I actually find actuarial studies quite appealing, as well as economics and law. Hence, I'll definitely go into it first year, if I change my mind I can switch to Bcomm majoring in Economics (and maybe finance, but I'm not sure about finance) with a DipMsc on top - ideally, I would do a Bcomm with a double major in economics and act stud with a DipMsc but unfortunately that doesn't exist due to accreditation subject requirements. Or I might even do a JD after my degree...

And I acknowledge that it isn't for everyone - but whilst some people really seem to dislike it, there are people who have genuinely liked it. "Pursuing actuarial studies has been a thoroughly challenging and invigorating experience. Some of the mathematics behind the models presented is incredible - it's exciting to know that I am learning the frameworks which real companies use to assess their investment opportunities." and other people enjoy the interaction with clients and the modelling process. :) And indeed, the security and wealth is a bonus. Also, quote from EvagelionZeta's link:  "Amazingly enough, the career I chose at 16 has worked out well for me.  I have learned programming and good business sense, but also interpersonal and managerial skills.  I’ve helped train new co-workers, and participated in discussions with executives.  I have found the actuarial profession to be challenging and rewarding in many ways, and offer opportunities for responsibility and recognition that would have been harder to come by in another field. Becoming an actuary has helped me become a well-rounded professional, which I now realize has been my goal all along."

Same goes with other courses; while lots of people enjoy med, I'm one of the people who wouldn't even consider it  ;D
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: AzureBlue on June 17, 2010, 08:29:44 am
OK I'm sad now. What can I do that is hardcore Maths/Calculus???
If you just want mainly maths - do BSc majoring in Maths :) Or maybe physics would qualify too...
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: ReVeL on June 17, 2010, 10:32:09 am
If you look at Maslow's hierarchy of needs you will see that they have essentially ignored the top half of the pyramid, which is everything that makes us human.

OB... *shudders*
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: darlok on June 17, 2010, 11:32:03 am
Haha, did you guys do that in OB. I'm leaving it until 4th year when I am swimming in math and wouldn't mind some pseudobusiness bullshit. I've heard the exam was horrible.
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: ReVeL on June 17, 2010, 11:43:30 am
Haha yeah we did touch on Maslow. Fair enough leaving it till last, it's a shocking subject. The exam was horrible this semester, but that probably reduces the chance of a crap exam in the coming semesters, which is encouraging for you!
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: tram on June 17, 2010, 12:09:25 pm
Ok, not having a soul is a bit harsh, but I will explain my reasoning with a little bit of economic theory.

In life people make sacrifices, they decide that maybe studying video game design isn't the best idea, so they decide to do something practical like computer science and mathematics. Now lets simplify this; in their working life people gain utility from there jobs in 2 ways

1. They enjoy their job
2. They enjoy the stability that their job brings through income and employment opportunities in their field

(I will refer to these as 1. and 2.)

Now, this individual would have maximized 1. by going and studying game design, but he realises that the stability and availability of jobs in the game design industry is not great, so the value of 2. will not be very high. So now this individual thinks to himself, how can I make 2. higher without decreasing 1. too much. Basically he is making a compromise between 1. and 2. and the best compromise he could make was to study computer science and maths. The weight place on 1. and 2. vary from person to person, those kids that study music value 1. far higher than someone that studies finance.

Now what im saying is, that someone that decides to study actuarial puts 100% of the weight on 2. and 0% on 1.
They literally do not care about any sense of satisfaction or enjoyment in their job, and I find that very robotic and soulless. If you look at Maslow's hierarchy of needs you will see that they have essentially ignored the top half of the pyramid, which is everything that makes us human.

Now I'm sure that someone will argue that they "love" actuarial studies, and of course you would tell yourself that. If you are neglecting 1., it is your best interest to try and convince yourself you gain great satisfaction from your studies/profession.

Of course I just made this all up, but this was my thought process in calling it soulless.

lol, could you not've just said that in the first place instead of bashing act stud head on?

but yea....agree with eveything here :) You'll find that very few ppl do just PURE acturial for their entire life anyway
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: AzureBlue on June 17, 2010, 03:38:59 pm
lol, could you not've just said that in the first place instead of bashing act stud head on?
but yea....agree with eveything here :) You'll find that very few ppl do just PURE acturial for their entire life anyway
Lol I'm pretty sure it's really not as bad as they make it out to be... what do people normally combine actuarial with? I'm thinking economics or law as alternatives, but again, I think actuarial will be fine :)
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: schmalex on June 17, 2010, 03:57:52 pm
OK I'm sad now. What can I do that is hardcore Maths/Calculus???

I hear economics is actually pretty calculus-heavy.
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: AzureBlue on June 17, 2010, 05:43:45 pm
OK I'm sad now. What can I do that is hardcore Maths/Calculus???
I hear economics is actually pretty calculus-heavy.
Economics is AWESOME. :) Sounds really interesting...
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: tram on June 17, 2010, 05:46:22 pm
OK I'm sad now. What can I do that is hardcore Maths/Calculus???

I hear economics is actually pretty calculus-heavy.

really???? well i think it depends how mathsy the subjects you choose at uni are, you probs would be able to get away doing an eco major without like 50-in-spech skills right?.....and correct me if i'm worng but i'm pretty damn sure caculus is not in vce eco...
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: AzureBlue on June 17, 2010, 05:49:32 pm
really???? well i think it depends how mathsy the subjects you choose at uni are, you probs would be able to get away doing an eco major without like 50-in-spech skills right?.....and correct me if i'm worng but i'm pretty damn sure caculus is not in vce eco...
I'm not sure about VCE Economics yet (I'm doing 1/2 next year) but apparently it could help you a bit in first-year uni if you're doing a Bcomm. VCE Economics is definitely more basic than the microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics at uni but if you've done VCE eco, feel free to expand on the calculus side of things. Yeah, there should be a reasonable amount of maths in eco although it's not all maths... it's pretty good I've heard :)
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: schmalex on June 17, 2010, 05:59:45 pm
There's no maths in VCE eco because there's no requirement that you have to do it alongside maths. At uni you need methods, hence they can include it. Plus there's no calculus in first year uni anyway, or if there is it's ridiculously basic.
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: AzureBlue on June 17, 2010, 06:12:30 pm
There's no maths in VCE eco because there's no requirement that you have to do it alongside maths. At uni you need methods, hence they can include it. Plus there's no calculus in first year uni anyway, or if there is it's ridiculously basic.
So what is VCE Economics mainly about?
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: laynie on June 18, 2010, 01:32:00 pm
Yeah have to agree with darlok on this one. Got a few friends in actuarial who reckon it's the worst thing ever. Also ilmm: i think wolframalpha took your job as a area under curve calculator
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: AzureBlue on June 18, 2010, 05:09:53 pm
Got a few friends in actuarial who reckon it's the worst thing ever.
Okay, but for what reason?
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: laynie on June 18, 2010, 05:14:18 pm
Got a few friends in actuarial who reckon it's the worst thing ever.
Okay, but for what reason?
The reasons darlok mentioned.
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: AzureBlue on June 18, 2010, 05:25:40 pm
Got a few friends in actuarial who reckon it's the worst thing ever.
Okay, but for what reason?
The reasons darlok mentioned.
KK, I'm going to go into Bcomm Actuarial first to see what it's like from my own point of view, I've still got a fallback plan on Bcomm Economics or JD if I dislike it. :) I don't understand how it can be as bad as darlok mentioned though... what are you majoring in?
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: AzureBlue on June 18, 2010, 05:26:56 pm
AzureBlue, yes I have studied actuarial studies.
Still doing it? Or did you switch to a different major after first year? :P
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: Akirus on June 18, 2010, 05:40:09 pm
Got a few friends in actuarial who reckon it's the worst thing ever.
Okay, but for what reason?
The reasons darlok mentioned.
KK, I'm going to go into Bcomm Actuarial first to see what it's like from my own point of view, I've still got a fallback plan on Bcomm Economics or JD if I dislike it. :) I don't understand how it can be as bad as darlok mentioned though... what are you majoring in?

Out of curiosity, what makes it so interesting for you?
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: Toothpaste on June 18, 2010, 05:50:07 pm
Just an observation I feel like pointing out. AzureBlue you're a repeat of AppleXY's past obsession with actuarial at UoM, especially with the comparative dead-set goal and knowing quite a fair bit about the course during VCE. Deja Vu.
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: AzureBlue on June 18, 2010, 05:54:24 pm
Out of curiosity, what makes it so interesting for you?
The multi-disciplinary background of mathematics, statistics, demography, finance and economics needed (and this is displayed among the subjects sequence), risk modelling, interaction with clients, and the incredible mathematics behind the models as well as good job security. I can't really say for certain at this point as I am yet to enter university, but I think it sounds quite appealing and worth a try (even if everyone here seems to hate it, I will still try for myself to see what it really entails and whether I enjoy it or not without being influenced by anyone else). The problem solving aspect of economics also appeals to me, hence, that is what I would switch to if actuarial studies is not my thing. As for law, I'd have to do undergraduate actuarial or eco first, because it is only offered as JD now, and I'd also prefer to get a taste of law through breadth subjects (ie. Principles to Business Law, Corporate Law, Taxation Law) before I actually go into it so I know what I want to be doing.

Re: Toothpaste,
Just curious, why did AppleXY decide to switch to econometrics and at which point?
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: Gloamglozer on June 18, 2010, 06:32:50 pm
Actuarial studies then postgraduate law - that's determination right there.
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: Toothpaste on June 18, 2010, 07:34:43 pm
Re: Toothpaste,
Just curious, why did AppleXY decide to switch to econometrics and at which point?
He never did actuarial. I don't know what he's doing now, but he comes on VN from time to time so maybe he'll see this and answer. By the way, which year level are you in? I don't understand your signature.
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: AzureBlue on June 18, 2010, 09:33:29 pm
Re: Toothpaste,
Just curious, why did AppleXY decide to switch to econometrics and at which point?
He never did actuarial. I don't know what he's doing now, but he comes on VN from time to time so maybe he'll see this and answer. By the way, which year level are you in? I don't understand your signature.
I'm actually only in year 10. * denotes 1/2 only. Otherwise, the rest are 3/4.
According to AppleXY's signature, he is doing 2009 - BBus (Econometrics/Economics&Fin) @ Monash.
http://vcenotes.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=9

Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: darlok on June 19, 2010, 12:34:06 am
AzureBlue, yes I have studied actuarial studies.
Still doing it? Or did you switch to a different major after first year? :P

Still doing it, I will post how I went on my exam when results come out. The exam wasn't as challenging as I expected but I had a problem fitting one question onto my calculator when trying to linearly interpolate the after tax yield on an investment which was rather annoying, wasted about 20 minutes...
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: AzureBlue on June 19, 2010, 10:36:40 pm
If you hate it so much, why are you still doing it? (or are you still first year and considering changing a major next year?)
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: darlok on June 19, 2010, 11:07:24 pm
I'm second year, took one of the second year subjects to see what it was like.
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: laynie on June 19, 2010, 11:44:34 pm
Got a few friends in actuarial who reckon it's the worst thing ever.
Okay, but for what reason?
The reasons darlok mentioned.
KK, I'm going to go into Bcomm Actuarial first to see what it's like from my own point of view, I've still got a fallback plan on Bcomm Economics or JD if I dislike it. :) I don't understand how it can be as bad as darlok mentioned though... what are you majoring in?

Me: Accounting/Finance,
however I have quite a few friends studying Actuarial who find it very dull and not very challenging
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: Ilovemathsmeth on June 20, 2010, 01:40:36 am
I reckon I'm happy with my choice so far; I'm not sure how it will be in reality though since I only do the Actuarial subjects next year. Does anyone know about the pay - is it good? :) I love money and maths lol.
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: darlok on June 20, 2010, 03:32:34 am
Protip Ilovemathsmeth; never mention you are doing something for the money, even if you are. It's pretty sad really.
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: tram on June 20, 2010, 10:50:29 am
Got a few friends in actuarial who reckon it's the worst thing ever.
Okay, but for what reason?
The reasons darlok mentioned.
KK, I'm going to go into Bcomm Actuarial first to see what it's like from my own point of view, I've still got a fallback plan on Bcomm Economics or JD if I dislike it. :) I don't understand how it can be as bad as darlok mentioned though... what are you majoring in?

Me: Accounting/Finance,
however I have quite a few friends studying Actuarial who find it very dull and not very challenging

 :o reli? this i have never heard before......the dull bit, sure, but not challenging??
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: AzureBlue on June 20, 2010, 11:46:06 am
I'm second year, took one of the second year subjects to see what it was like.
What are you majoring in? And have you done any economics (if so, how is it)?
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: laynie on June 20, 2010, 11:52:12 am
Got a few friends in actuarial who reckon it's the worst thing ever.
Okay, but for what reason?
The reasons darlok mentioned.
KK, I'm going to go into Bcomm Actuarial first to see what it's like from my own point of view, I've still got a fallback plan on Bcomm Economics or JD if I dislike it. :) I don't understand how it can be as bad as darlok mentioned though... what are you majoring in?

Me: Accounting/Finance,
however I have quite a few friends studying Actuarial who find it very dull and not very challenging

 :o reli? this i have never heard before......the dull bit, sure, but not challenging??

Their words, not mine.

(They have around a high 80s average)
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: AzureBlue on June 20, 2010, 12:08:12 pm
Their words, not mine.
(They have around a high 80s average)
H1? That's really good lol :) So you pass the subject as long as you get 50%+ average over all the assessments in the subject?

H1 - First Class Honours (80-100)
H2A - Second Class Honours Division A (75-79)
H2B - Second Class Honours Division B (70-74)
H3 - Third Class Honours (65-69)
P - Pass (50-64)
N - Fail (0-49)
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: tram on June 20, 2010, 12:35:32 pm

however I have quite a few friends studying Actuarial who find it very dull and not very challenging

 :o reli? this i have never heard before......the dull bit, sure, but not challenging??

Their words, not mine.

(They have around a high 80s average)

wow, ok do you know what maths subjects they did in VCE/how they went in them? Also how far are they into the course?
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: darlok on June 20, 2010, 12:56:00 pm
If they are in second year actuarial it would not be surprising to have a high 80's average, as they will have only completed the easiest actuarial subject, even the two second year subjects aren't too hard.

I'm majoring in economics and finance, So far I have enjoyed micro more than macro because I want to go into consulting after uni.
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: tram on June 20, 2010, 01:20:47 pm
does anyone know what type of grades you need to achieve to achieve to obtain expemtion for AIA?

I'm guessing H2A or higher, mabys even H1. Is it actually realistic to obtain H1 for all your subjects? i.e. how much of a freak do you need to be?
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: Ilovemathsmeth on June 20, 2010, 01:27:21 pm
Protip Ilovemathsmeth; never mention you are doing something for the money, even if you are. It's pretty sad really.

LOL well I love the Maths too =D
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: darlok on June 20, 2010, 01:30:27 pm
does anyone know what type of grades you need to achieve to achieve to obtain expemtion for AIA?

I'm guessing H2A or higher, mabys even H1. Is it actually realistic to obtain H1 for all your subjects? i.e. how much of a freak do you need to be?

You need 73 on the exam.
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: AzureBlue on June 20, 2010, 01:43:18 pm
I'm majoring in economics and finance, So far I have enjoyed micro more than macro because I want to go into consulting after uni.
Good choice :)
If you do a Bcomm majoring in economics and finance with a DipMSc on top, do you get to choose any non-maths breadth subjects at all? Or is it basically all decided? I think that would be my second choice for an undergraduate degree at UoM. How many non-maths breadth subjects do you get in Bcomm majoring in economics with a DipMSc (if I don't do finance in a double-major with economics)?

Yeah, micro sounds really interesting and I'm looking forward to it, have you done any econometrics so far?
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: AzureBlue on June 20, 2010, 01:44:59 pm
does anyone know what type of grades you need to achieve to achieve to obtain expemtion for AIA?
I'm guessing H2A or higher, mabys even H1. Is it actually realistic to obtain H1 for all your subjects? i.e. how much of a freak do you need to be?
You need 73 on the exam.
So you actually need more than a pass on all your subjects... :O
Maybe I should opt for easier breadth subjects if I'm seeking accreditation then. :P
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: laynie on June 20, 2010, 01:47:18 pm
does anyone know what type of grades you need to achieve to achieve to obtain expemtion for AIA?
I'm guessing H2A or higher, mabys even H1. Is it actually realistic to obtain H1 for all your subjects? i.e. how much of a freak do you need to be?
You need 73 on the exam.
So you actually need more than a pass on all your subjects... :O
Maybe I should opt for easier breadth subjects if I'm seeking accreditation then. :P

73 in certain core actuarial subjects, not total average.
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: AzureBlue on June 20, 2010, 01:51:37 pm
73 in certain core actuarial subjects, not total average.
Ok, so that would be:
First year Intro Microeconomics, Accounting Reports and Analysis, Vector Calculus -- Intro Macroeconomics, Accounting Transactions and Analysis, Accel Maths 2.
Second year - Organisational Behavior, Prob, Financial Maths I, Business Finance --Intermediate Macro, Stats, Financial Maths II.
Third year - Actuarial Modelling I, Actuarial Modelling II, Financial Maths III -- Contigencies, Actuarial Stats, and Models for insurance and finance.

^ The vast majority are core subjects, apart from 1 breadth subject each year.
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: laynie on June 20, 2010, 06:49:40 pm

however I have quite a few friends studying Actuarial who find it very dull and not very challenging

 :o reli? this i have never heard before......the dull bit, sure, but not challenging??

Their words, not mine.

(They have around a high 80s average)

wow, ok do you know what maths subjects they did in VCE/how they went in them? Also how far are they into the course?

Spesh and Methods, most got high 40s in Methods and Mid-High 40s in Spesh. Most are in second with a couple in third.
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: darlok on June 20, 2010, 09:29:41 pm
I'm majoring in economics and finance, So far I have enjoyed micro more than macro because I want to go into consulting after uni.
Good choice :)
If you do a Bcomm majoring in economics and finance with a DipMSc on top, do you get to choose any non-maths breadth subjects at all? Or is it basically all decided? I think that would be my second choice for an undergraduate degree at UoM. How many non-maths breadth subjects do you get in Bcomm majoring in economics with a DipMSc (if I don't do finance in a double-major with economics)?

Yeah, micro sounds really interesting and I'm looking forward to it, have you done any econometrics so far?

I'm taking all my breadth in math and doing the diploma without cross crediting, meaning I am taking between 14-16 math subjects and 16-18 commerce subjects.

Because I am doing the math stream for the quantitative requirement, I won't do econometrics until the level 3 subject.

If you wanted to you could do the diploma in math and take 6-8 non math breadth in your course, but that would mean only taking 8 math subjects which is the bare minimum and is really only enough to take the exact subjects to get 1 major.

I'm doing the subjects to get 2 majors, maybe 3 if I get to go to the exchange institution I want. This is because most math majors are 3 third level subjects in the specific area plus any other math subject at third level. I doubt they will let me put more than one major on the diploma though.
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: AzureBlue on June 21, 2010, 05:20:55 pm
Ah ok, so there's no cross-credited subjects that count for both your DipMSc and Bcomm when you're majoring in eco? Do you think a double commerce major would fit with a DipMSc if I only did 2-3 non-maths breadth (ie. Principles of Business Law (1st year), Corporate Law (2nd year)?  Wow... 3 majors... what other one are you planning to add?
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: laynie on June 21, 2010, 06:24:05 pm
Ah ok, so there's no cross-credited subjects that count for both your DipMSc and Bcomm when you're majoring in eco? Do you think a double commerce major would fit with a DipMSc if I only did 2-3 non-maths breadth (ie. Principles of Business Law (1st year), Corporate Law (2nd year)?  Wow... 3 majors... what other one are you planning to add?

You can't double major as an actuarial student, unless you get on the Dean's Honours List which allows you to take on an extra 25 points of study.
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: Russ on June 21, 2010, 07:00:17 pm
You can't double major as an actuarial student, unless you get on the Dean's Honours List which allows you to take on an extra 25 points of study.

Before someone asks this is the top 3% of students in the course.

Also, economics is really strange but I'm thinking of doing Introductory Microeconomics 1 as my final breadth subject...i heard it was relatively simple concepts being expressed in terms of logical rules/functions...and i heard that from an arts student, so is it a good idea to do it as a breadth or will it be a lot of work for not much return?
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: schmalex on June 21, 2010, 07:26:31 pm
It's a fair bit of work, but very very useful and interesting, so i'd recommend it
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: AzureBlue on June 21, 2010, 08:27:54 pm
You can't double major as an actuarial student, unless you get on the Dean's Honours List which allows you to take on an extra 25 points of study.
I know. I'm considering either Bcomm majoring in Actuarial Studies OR Bcomm majoring in Economics and Finance with a DipMSc. Not double major in economics and act stud, which I would love to do but is not an option.
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: laynie on July 01, 2010, 02:12:39 pm
@AzureBlue
My friend is currently in second year actuarial and they did Engineering Systems Design and Engineering Computation as breadth so far. They were wondering what kind of subject to do next year as their elective subject next year (can be any faculty including Commerce or Mathematics).
Got any ideas?
Thanks
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: AzureBlue on July 01, 2010, 02:17:19 pm
@AzureBlue
My friend is currently in second year actuarial and they did Engineering Systems Design and Engineering Computation as breadth so far. They were wondering what kind of subject to do next year as their elective subject next year (can be any faculty including Commerce or Mathematics).
Got any ideas?
Thanks
Firstly, check out: https://handbook.unimelb.edu.au/faces/htdocs/user/breadth/BreadthSearch.jsp
for all the options available :)

So if he/she wants to continue doing the engineering stream, then check out the engineering breadth subjects available in the handbook (because it might be hard to get into breadth subjects from another faculty due to prerequisites for level 3 breadth subjects - they normally require you to do a certain level 2 subject as a prerequisite).

Are you allowed to do third year COMMERCE breadth subjects as an actuarial student? :O
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: laynie on July 01, 2010, 02:21:09 pm
Are you allowed to do third year COMMERCE breadth subjects as an actuarial student? :O

Yes
Title: Re: actuarial studies @ melb uni
Post by: AzureBlue on July 01, 2010, 02:22:42 pm
Are you allowed to do third year COMMERCE breadth subjects as an actuarial student? :O
Yes
Yay, more economics subjects for me! So basically you're not allowed to choose breadth from the commerce/maths faculty in first/second year but you are in the one breadth subject you get in third year? :)