New Delhi, August 11 A group of Indian mathematicians are trying to invent newer methods of teaching the subject and making it popular worldwide.

Under the banner of Mathematical Sciences Foundation (MSF), these mathematicians are going global by introducing a course called “Excel in Corporate Finance” for people all over the world.

MSF owes its existence to mathematicians from Delhi University, notably St Stephen’s College, and the Indian Institute of Technology. Professor Anil Wilson, former principal at St Stephen’s, was its first chairman.

A first, the makers of this course say any layman can master it without the need for any prior knowledge of finance and economics. “Through our methods we teach students how to come up with solutions using only numbers,” Amber Habib, former teacher of mathematics in Delhi University and a MSF member, said.

He said: “Suppose one has to choose between two houses. Thanks to our course, they will know how to make the right choice.”

Geetha Venkataraman, a member of the MSF, who is also completing her deputation at DU’s Institute of Lifelong Learning, said Indian mathematicians have tried to catch up with the rest of the world in the last three decades.

“The teaching system still lacks in terms of schooling the practicality of maths but overall, mathematics in India has really improved,” she said.

The new course, which started on August 4, claims to provide a “ready-made recipe” for a successful career in insurance companies, financial firms, banking sector, in areas such as investment education and counselling, project choice, portfolio management and risk analysis.

On being asked if the new course would draw foreign students, who already have better access to mathematics, Venkataraman said the MSF can only hope for the best. “The course has been framed after years of intense research and is one of the best on offer. We can only hope that it catches up,” she said.