Mathematics Branches, Topics, and Sub-Topics

A structured visual guide to the major mathematical areas and their relationships.

This page presents a hierarchical view of mathematics using the MSC2020 structure. It highlights the broad branches, the main topic classes, and the finer subtopics that organize modern mathematics.

Search by code, branch, topic, subtopic, or a keyword from the descriptions.

I. General and Foundational Areas

This part of mathematics collects the broad conceptual tools that frame the discipline: foundations, history, logic, and the study of mathematical language itself.

00 General and overarching topics; collections

Broad reference material, expository writing, and the organization of mathematical knowledge at a high level.

01 History and biography

Studies the development of mathematics across cultures and periods, including the lives of influential mathematicians and the historical context of major discoveries.

03 Mathematical logic and foundations

Investigates the formal rules governing mathematical reasoning, proof, and the limits of what can be proved.

II. Algebra and Discrete Structures

This part of mathematics studies discrete patterns, algebraic structures, and the combinatorial relationships that arise in finite or countable systems.

05 Combinatorics

Concerned with counting, arranging, and structuring finite objects, often revealing patterns, symmetries, and extremal behavior.

06 Order, lattices, ordered algebraic structures

Studies ordering relations and algebraic systems in which comparison and structure interact.

08 General algebraic systems

Provides a unifying framework for operations, identities, and general algebraic structures.

11 Number theory

Studies the arithmetic properties of integers, primes, congruences, and Diophantine equations.

12 Field theory and polynomials

Focuses on fields, polynomial equations, and algebraic extensions.

13 Commutative algebra

Studies commutative rings, ideals, modules, and their geometric significance.

14 Algebraic geometry

Studies geometric objects defined by polynomial equations and the links between algebra and geometry.

15 Linear and multilinear algebra; matrix theory

Examines vector spaces, matrices, eigenvalues, and linear transformations.

16 Associative rings and algebras

Generalizes familiar algebraic systems such as matrices and polynomial rings.

17 Nonassociative rings and algebras

Studies algebraic systems where the associative law may fail, including Lie and Jordan algebras.

18 Category theory; homological algebra

Formalizes structural patterns across mathematics and studies algebraic invariants through complexes and derived functors.

19 K-theory

Assigns algebraic invariants to spaces and rings to capture subtle structural information.

20 Group theory and generalizations

Studies symmetry through groups, permutations, and related algebraic structures.

22 Topological groups, Lie groups

Combines algebra with analysis by studying groups that also carry topological or differentiable structure.

III. Analysis and Differential Equations

This branch examines the behavior of functions, limits, continuity, and the mathematics of change and accumulation.

26 Real functions

Studies real-valued functions, limits, continuity, differentiation, and integration.

28 Measure and integration

Formalizes notions of size, probability, and integration in general settings.

30 Functions of a complex variable

Explores holomorphic functions, conformal maps, and the rich geometry of complex analysis.

31 Potential theory

Studies harmonic functions, capacity, and the behavior of fields generated by sources and boundaries.

32 Several complex variables and analytic spaces

Extends complex analysis to higher-dimensional settings and analytic spaces.

33 Special functions

Investigates functions that arise naturally in analysis, geometry, physics, and differential equations.

34 Ordinary differential equations

Studies equations describing how quantities evolve with respect to a single variable.

35 Partial differential equations

Studies equations involving several variables and their use in modeling physical and geometric systems.

37 Dynamical systems and ergodic theory

Studies long-term behavior under iteration and evolution over time.

39 Difference and functional equations

Studies equations involving shifts, recurrences, and functional identities that characterize families of functions.

40 Sequences, series, summability

Examines convergence, divergence, and summability methods for infinite sequences and series.

42 Harmonic analysis on Euclidean spaces

Analyzes functions via Fourier methods, singular integrals, and oscillatory behavior in Euclidean settings.

43 Abstract harmonic analysis

Extends harmonic analysis to topological groups and abstract algebraic structures.

44 Integral transforms, operational calculus

Studies transforms such as Laplace and Fourier and operator techniques for solving equations.

45 Integral equations

Investigates equations where unknown functions appear under integral operators.

47 Operator theory

Studies linear and nonlinear operators on function spaces and their spectral properties.

49 Calculus of variations and optimal control; optimization

Develops methods for extremizing functionals and controlling dynamic systems under constraints.

IV. Geometry and Topology

This area explores spaces, shapes, continuity, and the geometric structure of mathematical objects.

41 Approximations and expansions

Studies approximation methods, series, and expansions of functions.

46 Functional analysis

Studies vector spaces of functions and operators acting on them.

52 Convex and discrete geometry

Studies convex bodies, polytopes, and geometric combinatorics in discrete and continuous settings.

51 Geometry

Examines geometric structures, transformations, and spatial relationships.

53 Differential geometry

Studies curves, surfaces, and manifolds through calculus and geometric structure.

54 General topology

Studies continuity, compactness, connectedness, and abstract topological spaces.

55 Algebraic topology

Uses algebraic methods to study topological spaces and their invariants.

57 Manifolds and cell complexes

Studies higher-dimensional spaces built from local Euclidean pieces.

58 Global analysis, analysis on manifolds

Combines analysis and geometry on manifolds, including differential operators and global invariants.

V. Probability, Statistics, and Applied Mathematics

This area develops models for randomness, inference, optimization, and the mathematical treatment of data and uncertainty.

60 Probability theory and stochastic processes

Formalizes randomness and the evolution of uncertain systems over time.

62 Statistics

Develops methods for collecting, summarizing, and drawing inference from data.

65 Numerical analysis

Studies algorithms and approximations for solving mathematical problems computationally.

68 Computer science

Studies the mathematical foundations of computation, algorithms, and information processing.

70 Mechanics of particles and systems

Models motion and interactions of mechanical systems using differential equations and variational principles.

74 Mechanics of deformable solids

Studies elasticity, plasticity, and continuum models for solid materials under stress.

76 Fluid mechanics

Analyzes fluids in motion and at rest, including flow stability and conservation laws.

78 Optics, electromagnetic theory

Applies mathematical models to wave propagation, optics, and electromagnetic fields.

80 Classical thermodynamics, heat transfer

Studies energy, entropy, diffusion, and mathematical models of thermal processes.

81 Quantum theory

Provides mathematical frameworks for quantum states, observables, and dynamics.

82 Statistical mechanics, structure of matter

Connects microscopic interactions with macroscopic behavior through probabilistic models.

83 Relativity and gravitational theory

Studies spacetime geometry and gravitational phenomena using geometric and analytic methods.

85 Astronomy and astrophysics

Applies mathematics to celestial dynamics, radiation processes, and large-scale cosmic systems.

86 Geophysics

Models Earth systems such as seismic waves, fluid interiors, and geodynamic processes.

90 Operations research, mathematical programming

Applies mathematics to optimization, planning, and decision-making.

91 Game theory, economics, social and behavioral sciences

Uses mathematical models to analyze strategic interaction and decision-making.

92 Biology and other natural sciences

Applies mathematics to biological systems and scientific modeling.

93 Systems theory; control

Studies the behavior and control of dynamic systems.

94 Information and communication, circuits

Applies mathematical methods to communication systems and circuit design.

97 Mathematics education

Studies teaching, learning, curriculum, and assessment in mathematics across educational settings.

VI. Representative Subtopics

This continuation highlights five representative subtopics that sit beneath the broader topic classes already listed.

00Axx General and miscellaneous specific topics

Collects foundational notes on the philosophy, methodology, and broad applications of mathematics.

01Axx History of mathematics and mathematicians

Surveys historical developments, biographies, and the cultural context of key mathematical ideas.

03Bxx General logic

Focuses on formal systems, proof structures, and the basic machinery of logical reasoning.

05Axx Enumerative combinatorics

Deals with counting, arranging, and classifying finite objects in structured ways.

06Axx Ordered sets

Explores partial orders, total orders, and hierarchies that underpin many mathematical structures.