Statement of Purpose

Statement of Purpose
I choose to study mathematics in graduate school because I am fascinated by not only the
mathematical theories, but also the sophisticated connections between them which might shed light on
the essence of some theory from a new perspective. Initially as a freshman, I was admitted in the
School of Management and Economics. After spending my first year studying economics, I found my
keen interest in the mathematical theory underlying the economic phenomenon – I longed to find out
under what conditions a specific PDE has a solution, rather than how the option prices fluctuate. For
this reason, I transferred to the math programme. I did not have any big picture of math in mind until I
took the course Advanced Linear Algebra lectured by Professor Daniel Kayue Wong in 2019. The
notion of general and special linear groups offered me a trip into the algebraic structures of linear
transformations. It was an unmatched experience of studying group actions by using linear
representations and seeing how the theory of linear groups are applied to physics. The experience also
led me further to representation theory which told me more upon the connection between algebra and
geometry. This is when I started to appreciate mathematics in a structural way and decided to continue
my graduate study in mathematics.
Although the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen has a strong research group of specialists
in PDE, the insufficiency of experts in other fields limits the choices of advanced coursework,
especially those in algebra for which I have particular passion. As a result, I have been hungry for a
deeper study in an institute with a broad range of research groups and a particular strength in algebra.
Therefore, the maths programme in Uppsala University meets my expectations because of the broad
expertise in the department of mathematics and a strong research group in algebra which concerns the
connections between algebra, geometry, and physics. Furthermore, the wide range of elective courses
enables me to gain a strong theoretical foundation not only in mathematics but also in other
disciplines, which is helpful for me to customise my individual study plan. It is also an irresistible
attraction to study in a place where there is the Centre for Interdisciplinary Mathematics, because
mathematical researchers are active and interdisciplinary research is encouraged. These reasons make
the programme desirable for me.
Throughout my college life, I have acquired basic knowledge for higher level study and the
competence to handle stress and stay determined despite difficulty. For the foundation of analysis, I
have been trained through six courses, including Calculus, Mathematical analysis, and Real Analysis
that focuses on Lebesgue Theory; three courses concerning linear algebra and abstract algebra have
provided me with familiarities with fundamental algebraic concepts. The English-taught
undergraduate programme has equipped me with the capability to communicate mathematical ideas
efficiently. What appear invaluable to me are the patience I gained by tackling problems and the
determination to do mathematics in spite of some poor performance due to lack of technicalities in
exam.
I plan to touch more advanced topics in algebra such as commutative algebra and homological algebra
through the programme and determine what to eventually specialise in, as well as to keep cultivating
the mathematical maturity by learning other related subjects like differential topology and
Riemannian geometry. I am eager to get myself well-prepared for a doctoral programme, after which I
may be capable to find a position in university and carry out independent research. As all these goals
set in mind, it is a natural choice to apply for the mathematics programme in Uppsala University, and
I believe it is at the moment the best choice for me.
Thank you for your time and consideration upon my application. It will be my honour if I may have a
chance to study in the programme.

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