The Applied Mathematical Sciences Major at UC Merced is
offered by the School of Natural Sciences. This major is for
students seeking a deep knowledge of the foundations of
applied mathematics: modeling, analysis and scientific
computation, and a broad experience in applying that knowledge
to solve real-world problems in the natural sciences, social
sciences and engineering.
Mathematics has been a central feature of humanity's
intellectual achievements over the past several centuries. It
is well established that mathematics provides the underlying
framework to develop theory in the physical sciences and
engineering. However, mathematics is becoming increasingly
more important in the development of new results in the social
sciences and life sciences. These new application areas for
applied mathematical sciences are undergoing remarkable
growth.
Applied Mathematical Sciences students at UC Merced experience
a genuine applied mathematics education. They take a core of
courses to study the construction, analysis, and evaluation of
mathematical models of real-world problems. In addition, they
choose an emphasis track in which they learn to apply these
fundamental tools in developing a quantitative understanding
of an application area. Some examples of emphasis tracks
include computational biology, economics, physics, engineering
mechanics and computer science among others.
You should consider majoring in Applied Mathematical Sciences
if you want to develop a deep understanding of the methods of
applied mathematics and a broad understanding of how that
knowledge is useful for making contributions to science and
engineering.
The Applied Mathematical Sciences major provides a
comprehensive core in modeling, analysis and scientific
computing. This major also provides flexibility through its
emphasis tracks that encourage exploration in other areas of
natural sciences, engineering and social. In addition to the
core and emphasis tracks, this major allows for additional
study in other areas through development of a minor and
through several choices for electives.
A Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Mathematical Sciences
gives students a broad variety of options. It prepares its
students with fundamental skills needed for modeling,
analytical reasoning, problem solving and scientific
computing. These skills are essential for solving a broad
spectrum of problems across several disciplines. Hence, these
skills are marketable to a wide variety of
employers. Moreover, applied mathematical sciences students
trained in application areas such as economics, engineering,
biology, and physics, for example, are well suited for many
specialized positions. Finally, these students have
opportunities to continue onto graduate school in Applied
Mathematical Sciences or in their application area of
expertise