What is Applied Mathematics?
The Department of Applied Mathematics in the College of Arts and Sciences offers courses and degree programs for undergraduates and graduate students. The Department of Applied Mathematics currently has 16 full-time faculty, several instructors and post-doctoral associates and maintains an active Visitor Program with researchers from around the world. Courses range from calculus to seminars in computation, discrete mathematics, probability and statistics, nonlinear phenomena, mathematical biology, and physical applied mathematics.
The undergraduate program in AMEN prepares graduates to practice effectively in the field of mathematics, or to further their careers through advanced study. The principle focus of a major in applied math is to improve a student’s mathematical, computational, and communication skills. The focus is on modeling problems from a variety of areas including business, engineering and science.
A Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Mathematics is available to students in the College of Engineering. CU students wishing to obtain a BS in Applied Mathematics and who are not in the College of Engineering must apply to Engineering through an Intra-University Transfer (IUT). A minor in Applied Mathematics is available to any undergraduate CU student who satisfies the requirements.
The undergraduate curriculum in Applied Mathematics is designed to give training in the applications of mathematics in engineering and science. The use of computational methods and implementation of algorithms on computers is central. Required technical electives should be selected after consultation with an Applied Mathematics advisor. They may be chosen from: mathematics, engineering, physics, chemistry, computer science, biology, astrophysics, geology, economics, finance and accounting. In general, non-technical electives should be broadening and have multicultural value. Students interested in research are encouraged to study a foreign language as early as possible. French, German and Russian are recommended languages.
The undergraduate degree in applied mathematics emphasizes knowledge and awareness of:
* Differential and integral calculus in one and several variables;
* Vector spaces and matrix algebra;
* Ordinary and partial differential equations;
* At least one programming language;
* At least one application software package in either mathematics or statistics;
* Methods of complex variables as used in applications; and
* Numerical solutions of linear and nonlinear problems.
In addition, students completing a degree in applied mathematics acquire:
* An in-depth knowledge of an area of application (an engineering discipline or a natural science field or one of the quantitative areas of business and economics);
* Knowledge of problem-formulation, problem-solving, and modeling techniques and strategies central to applications;
* The ability to clearly and concisely, and in oral and written forms, communicate analytic arguments.