Applied & Computational Mathematics
The Department of Mathematics is excited to introduce one of the greatest additions we’ve experienced here in the world of BYU math. Beginning Fall semester of 2013, a new mathematics emphasis will be available to undergraduates. This new emphasis, titled Applied and Computational Mathematics, will enable students to be better prepared to use their math skills in a way that can be applied to real-world problems.
The new major will offer students a tightly integrated combination of coursework and computer labs, along with a capstone project and close mentoring with faculty. Students will be admitted into the two-year core curriculum at the beginning of their junior year, so interested undergraduates are encouraged to prepare early by taking all the required prerequisites during their freshman or sophomore year (Math 290, 313, 334, & 341).
The new curriculum consists of 8 credits per semester of advanced undergraduate coursework in mathematics, statistics, and computation. In addition, students will fulfill an emphasis requirement in one of several areas in the pure and applied sciences; examples include economics, finance, operations research, actuarial science, physics, chemistry, computer science, geoscience, business analytics, biostatistics, and several areas in engineering.
One of the greatest advantages that the Applied and Computational Mathematics emphasis will offer students is the ability to expand their skillset. Students will learn computer programming, relational databases, numerical simulation, and scientific visualization. These skills are invaluable in the current industry and, as a result, we expect the program to have exceptional placements.
Enrollment for the Applied and Computational Mathematics emphasis is essentially first come, first serve. Again, students are encouraged to take the prerequisites as early as possible since acceptance occurs only once a year.
The Math Department expects great things from this new emphasis. Stay tuned for more information.
