What is it like to study mathematical logic in the MAST programme?
Mathematical logic is one of the areas of pure mathematics in the MAST programme. Students who choose the mathematical logic study track are required to take several master's-level logic courses to build a strong foundation for their master's thesis.
The programme includes one mandatory course, Mathematical Logic, which is offered annually. Additionally, there is a set of three courses taught every second year, of which students must take at least one. Beyond these, the programme offers several optional courses that delve deeper into various subfields of logic. Examples of these subfields include logic in computer science, model theory, and set theory.
Who should consider these studies?
Our students have diverse interests, ranging from set theory and the foundations of mathematics to theoretical computer science. Some of our courses could also be taught in the Computer Science Department, but we offer them within our programme due to the strong connections between logic and computer science.
Moreover, for those interested in pursuing a research career, mathematical logic provides highly attractive opportunities for academic work.
What kind of career paths does studies in mathematical logic open up?
Many of our students who transition to the private sector pursue careers in IT or insurance. Others choose to continue their studies, earning a PhD in logic and eventually becoming researchers or professors. This diversity highlights the wide range of possibilities available.
In general, the mathematical training provided by our programme equips students with the ability to adapt and learn new skills. For instance, if you find yourself in a job requiring knowledge beyond what you studied at university, the strong foundation you’ve gained allows you to become qualified in many new areas.
Ultimately, mathematical training opens doors to numerous career paths and provides an excellent foundation for lifelong learning.
What do you find most interesting about this research field? For instance, why did you specialize in mathematical logic, and what is your favorite course?
My research focuses on the connections between logic and theoretical computer science, as well as newly defined logics for dependence and independence. It’s fascinating to explore the many ways in which logic interacts with theoretical computer science. Additionally, the logics for dependence and independence have intriguing connections to database theory and statistics.
The multidisciplinary nature of logic makes this area especially appealing for both teaching and research. Among the courses I teach now, Finite Model Theory and Dependence Logic are likely my favorites as they align closely with my own research interests.