Program Structure

Undergraduate Program

Structure and Organization of Studies

The Undergraduate Program of the Department of Mathematics consists of a set of courses distributed over eight semesters, organized to respect both the chronological sequence and the interdependencies of the courses.

Three Core Units

The program is structured into three core units:

01

Compulsory Courses

The first unit includes Compulsory Courses for all students (core). These 19 courses provide both the fundamental methodological knowledge tools of the discipline and an introduction to specialized topics. They are taught across the 1st to 6th semesters.

02

Study Track Program

The second unit is the Study Track Program. Starting in the 4th semester, students choose the Study Track they wish to follow. “Tracks” are groups of courses that are scientifically coherent and guide graduates toward one of the diverse aspects and applications of mathematics. Each track includes 6 specific courses that students are required to take. While the awarded degree is unified as a Mathematics degree, each graduate receives a certificate specifying their chosen track.

03

Elective Courses

Finally, there is the Elective Courses unit, offering students the opportunity to expand their knowledge in general education, foreign languages, skills from other departments of the University of Patras, interdisciplinary subjects, etc. By selecting 11 of these courses, students complete their studies. Note that not all elective courses are offered every academic year.

Study Tracks

Five Specialization Tracks

General Track

Applied Mathematics Track

Theoretical Mathematics Track

Computer Science & Computational Mathematics Track

Statistics – Probability Theory & Operations Research Track

In addition to the above course categories, students may optionally participate in an internship (see regulations here) or complete a diploma thesis (see regulations here).

Degree Structure

From 36 Courses to the Unified Degree

The diagram below illustrates the program’s composition: core courses, electives, track, and final certification.

Total for Degree Completion 36 Courses
19

Core Courses

Common knowledge base for all Department students.

17

Elective Courses

Combine study track and free-choice options within the curriculum.

6 Track-Specific Required
11 Free Electives

Unified Mathematics Degree

Track Certification

General
Applied Mathematics
Theoretical Mathematics
Computer Science & Computational Mathematics
Statistics – Probability Theory & Operations Research

Credits (ECTS)

Each course corresponds to a number of Teaching Units (TUs) used solely for degree grade calculation. Each course is also assigned ECTS credits. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) organize their curricula based on the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), allowing programs to be described uniformly and credits to be transferred nationally and internationally.

ECTS credits reflect the workload required for a learning activity, including lectures, seminars, assignments, internships, study, and examinations. Each academic semester corresponds to 30 ECTS (approximately 1500–1800 hours per year; 1 ECTS ≈ 25–30 hours). Credits are awarded upon successful completion of activities and accumulate toward the degree: the undergraduate program in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Patras consists of 240 ECTS (30 ECTS per semester for 8 semesters). Credit transfer and accumulation are facilitated using ECTS documents, primarily the Diploma Supplement (issued in Greek and English).

Learning Outcomes

The Department aims for graduates of high quality and competence, capable not only of processing and applying their knowledge but also of recognizing its applicability. The primary objective is to promote mathematics through research and pedagogy, providing graduates with a comprehensive understanding and the tools to appreciate the practical relevance of mathematics in natural, technological, economic, and social sciences. Foundational courses cover a broad spectrum of mathematical knowledge, while specialized courses in Theoretical Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Statistics, Pedagogy, Physics, and Economics familiarize graduates with contemporary dimensions of the discipline.

Degree Award

Requirements for Completion

240 ECTS credits
36 courses
4 years of study

The duration of studies for the Mathematics Degree is four years. A student earns the degree upon accumulating at least 240 ECTS within their period of study, successfully attending and passing 36 courses as follows:

19

Nineteen (19) core courses contributing a total of 138 ECTS.

17

Seventeen (17) elective courses contributing a total of 102 ECTS, enabling the student to complete at least one (1) of the five (5) compulsory department tracks.

The degree certifies successful completion and includes a grade calculated on a ten-point scale, accurate to two decimal places. Grades are classified as: “Satisfactory” 5–6.49, “Good” 6.50–8.49, and “Excellent” 8.50–10. The degree is issued by the Department following the general format of the University of Patras. The degree date is the same for all students graduating in the same examination period, corresponding to the finalization of all course grades by the Secretariat.