Concentration Requirements
For students majoring in mathematics or physics, the Departments of Mathematics and Physics offer a coordinated sequence of courses that prepare students for careers in the rapidly expanding field of computer modeling of complex systems. This program is structured so that students can earn a major in one department and a minor in the other. Students need not decide on a major field until their junior year.
The computational sciences concentration will prepare students to design and use computer models in any of those areas in which applied mathematics is used to understand complex systems (meteorology, astronomy, geology/geophysics, oceanography, physics, etc.). The preparation is appropriate for both those students who plan to enter the work force after graduation and those who plan to enter graduate school in applied mathematics, physics, or one of the other fields mentioned above.
Students should complete the following courses during the first two years of the program:
During their junior and senior years, students will normally complete the necessary course work for their major and minor. Mathematics majors will take PHYS 340 . Mechanics, and MATH/PHYS 365, Introduction to Computational Fluid Mechanics, counted as a physics course to complete their physics minor. Physics majors will take MATH/PHYS 365 counted as a mathematics course and either MATH 337 . Methods of Applied Calculus, or MATH 440 . Fourier Analysis and Partial Differential Equation, to complete their mathematics minor. Seniors in either major must complete at least one topics or independent study/research course that involves computer modeling.
Credit by Examination
The Department of Mathematics offers credit by examination for some of the courses taught in the department. Students who want to take an examination must apply to the department head. Upon application students will receive details regarding approval to take the examination.
