Applied Mathematical Science, BA

Applied Mathematical Science is a major program for students who are interested in mathematics, but whose interests lie primarily with the practical application of mathematics to problems in the physical sciences, life sciences, economics, engineering, and other fields, rather than in the formal areas of abstract mathematics. Applied mathematics seeks to apply existing mathematical methods across a range of practical problems, as well as to develop novel computational and predictive methods and models for specific real-world phenomena. The Applied Mathematical Science major prepares students for graduate work and careers in such diverse areas as physics, astrophysics, geology, climatology, atmospheric science, genomics, neuroscience, economics, finance, energy management, and the diverse applications of engineering.

The student learning goals for students majoring in Applied Mathematical Science are:

1. to develop a sound understanding of calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations;
2. to successfully write computer programs that solve mathematical problems;
3. to build theoretical and methodological foundations in the central, quantitative, laboratory-based physical sciences;
4. to learn to recognize phenomena that may be represented and modeled using computational, analytical, and predictive mathematical techniques; and
5. to be able to apply mathematical techniques to a diverse range of problems in the natural and social sciences.