Recommended Options for Applied Math Majors

In order to fulfill their degree requirements, Applied Mathematics majors are required to take 24 credits in engineering or approved courses with significant mathematical content in A&S or Business courses, with at least 6 credits in courses numbered 3000 or above and at least 15 credits in courses numbered 2000 or above. Here are several possible options. It should be stressed that the listed courses and options are suggestions and not requirements. Final course selection should be made in consultation with an Applied Math advisor.

  • Aerospace Engineering Sciences
    • Sophomore Year:
      • Fall Semester: ASEN 2001 (Aero 1: Intro to Statics, Structures & Materials – 4 cr.)
      • Spring Semester: ASEN 2003 (Aero 3: Intro to Dynamics & Systems – 5 cr.)
    • Junior Year:
      • Fall Semester: ASEN 2002 (Aero 2: Intro to Thermodynamics & Aerodynamics – 4 cr.)
      • Spring Semester: ASEN 2004 (Aero 4: Intro to Vehicle Design & Performance – 5 cr.)
    • Senior Year: take at least two more ASEN courses at the 3000 level or above.
    • Advising Note: Alternatively ASEN 2001 and ASEN 2002 can be taken together as can ASEN 2003 and ASEN 2004. Students wishing to enroll in ASEN courses must register through an Aerospace advisor.
  • Chemical Engineering Option
    • CHEN 1211 (Gen. Chemistry for Eng. – 3 cr.) & CHEM 1221 (Eng. Gen. Chem Lab – 2 cr.)
    • Recommended courses (total of 25 credits):
      • CHEN 2120 (Material & Energy Balances – 3 cr.)
      • CHEN 3200 (Fluid Mechanics – 3 cr.)
      • CHEN 3210 (Heat Transfer – 3 cr.)
      • CHEN 3220 (Separations and Mass Transfer – 3 cr.)
      • CHEN 3320 (Thermodynamics – 3 cr.)
      • CHEM 4511 (Physical Chemistry 1 – 3 cr.)
      • CHEN 4330 (Reaction Kinetics – 3 cr.)
      • CHEM 3311 (Organic Chemistry 1 - 4 cr.)
    • Students choosing this option are advised to take GEEN 1300 as part of their Applied Math major. GEEN 1300 is a prerequisite for CHEN 2120.
  • Computer Science Option
    • Required Course (total of 4 credits):
      • CSCI 2270 (Data Structures – 4 cr.) (Note: CSCI 1300 is a prerequisite)
    • Additional courses to bring the total number of credits to 24; at least two of these must be at the 3000 level. Possible choices include:
      • CSCI 3104 (Algorithms – 4 cr.) has APPM 3170 or CSCI 2824 as a prerequisite
      • CSCI 3155 (Principles of Programming Languages – 4 cr.)
      • CSCI 3287 (Database and Information Systems – 3 cr.)
      • CSCI 3753 (Operating Systems – 4 cr.)
    •     Advising Note: Students completing the computer science option should have a minor in computer science. Check with the Computer Science Department.
  • Gaming and Simulation Option
    • Required Courses
      • APPM 1710 (Tools and Methods for Engineering Computing – 3 cr.)
      • CSCI 2270 (Data Structures – 4 cr.) (Note: CSCI 1300 is a prerequisite for CSCI 2270)
      • CSCI 3104 (Algorithms – 4 cr.)
      • CSCI 4229 (Computer Graphics – 3 cr.)
      • CSCI 4448 (Object Orientated Analysis and Design – 3 cr.)
    • Recommended additional courses to bring the total to at least 24 credits:
      • CSCI 3202 (Intro to Artificial Intelligence – 3 cr.)
      • CSCI 4202 (Artificial Intelligence 2 – 3 cr.)
      • Students are advised to take APPM 3570, 4560, and 4660 as part of their Applied Math coursework.
      • Students are advised to take ATLS courses such as ATLS 2000 (The Meaning of Information Technology) and ATLS 3010 (Digital Media 1) as their schedule and interests allow.
    •     Advising Note: Students with little or no programming background should take APPM 1710 in their first semester and CSCI 1300 in their second semester.
  • Electrical & Computer Engineering Option
    • The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers two separate minor programs:
      • Students interested in this option should consult with an advisor as several areas are available (computer engineering, electrical engineering, signals and systems, and electrical renewable energy systems.) A minimum of 24 credits is required.
      • Student choosing this option should plan on taking CSCI 1300 and CSCI 2270.
    •     Advising Note: Students interested in the ECE Option should contact the ECE department and visit the engineering website.
  • Engineering Physics / Physics Option
    • Recommended courses after first-year Physics (23 or 24 credits):
      • PHYS 2130 or 2170 (Foundations of Modern Physics – 3 cr.)
      • PHYS 2150 (Experimental Physics – 1 cr.)
      • PHYS 2210 (Classical Mechanics and Mathematical Methods 1 – 3 cr.)
      • PHYS 3210 (Classical Mechanics and Mathematical Methods 2 – 3 cr.)
      • PHYS 3220 (Quantum Mechanics & Atomic Physics 1 – 3 cr.)
      • PHYS 3310 (Principles of Electricity & Magnetism 1 – 3 cr.)
      • PHYS 3320 (Principles of Electricity & Magnetism 2 – 3 cr.)
      • PHYS 3330 (Electronics for the Physical Sciences – 2 cr.) OR
      • PHYS 4230 (Thermodynamics & Statistical Mechanics – 3 cr.)
      • Additional physics courses to total at least 24 credits.
    • Students choosing this option are advised to take APPM 3570 (Applied Probability – 3 cr.) AND MATH 3140 (Abstract Algebra 1 – 3 cr.) as part of their Applied Math major.
    • Advising Notes: Students completing the Physics Option should have a minor in Physics. Check with the Physics Department.
  • Mechanical Engineering Option
    • Recommended courses:
      • MCEN 2023 (Statics & Structures – 3 cr.)
      • MCEN 2063 (Mechanics of Solids – 3 cr.)
      • MCEN 3012 (Thermodynamics – 3 cr.)
      • MCEN 3021 (Fluid Mech. – 3 cr.)
      • MCEN 3022 (Heat Transfer – 3 cr.)
      • MCEN 3025 (Component Design – 3 cr.)
      • MCEN 3043 (Dynamics – 3 cr.)
      • MCEN 4043 (System Dynamics – 3 cr.)
    • Students choosing this option are advised to take APPM 4570 (Statistical Methods – 3 cr.) or APPM 3570 (Applied Probability) and APPM 4520 (Introduction to Math Statistics) as part of their Applied Math major.
    • Students wishing to enroll in MCEN courses must do so through the MCEN advisor.
  • Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering Option
    • Recommended basic courses (total of 12 credits):
      • CVEN 2121 (Analytical Mechanics 1 – 3 cr.)
      • AREN 2110 (Thermodynamics – 3 cr.)
      • CVEN 3161 (Mechanics of Materials 1 – 3 cr.)
      • CVEN 3313 (Theoretical Fluid Mechanics – 3 cr.)
    • Students also take 2 courses from any one of the following groups plus additional courses to bring the total credits to 24:
      • CVEN 3414 (Fundamentals of Environmental Eng. – 3 cr.) and

CVEN 4333 (Engineering Hydrology – 3 cr.)

CVEN 3525 (Structural Analysis 1 – 3 cr.)

  •  CVEN 3708 (Geotechnical Engineering 1 – 3 cr.) 

CVEN 4545/4555 (Steel Design/Reinforced Concrete Design – 3 cr.)

  •  AREN 2406 (Introduction to Building Construction – 3 cr.) 

AREN 3010 (Mechanical Systems for Buildings – 3 cr.)

AREN 3540 (Illumination 1 – 3 cr.)

Double degree APPM-CVEN: As an exceptional opportunity for talented students who are interested in analytical and computational methods related to civil engineering and general engineering science, the Applied Mathematics and Civil Engineering departments offer a streamlined dual-degree track by which a student can earn a baccalaureate degree from both programs, with a minimum of 15 extra credits instead of 30. Consult APPM-CVEN double degree program faculty advisors in Applied Mathematics and Civil Engineering for information and admission.

Students wishing to enroll in CVEN courses that are restricted to majors only must do so through the CVEN advisor.

  • Actuarial Option
    • The following courses should be taken:
      • BCOR 2000 (Accounting and Financial Analysis I – 4 cr.)
      • BCOR 2200*+ (formerly BCOR 2100) (Introductory Finance – 3 cr.)
      • ECON 2010** (Principles of Microeconomics – 4 cr.)
      • ECONT 2020** (Principles of Macroeconomics - 4 cr.)
      • ECON 3070+ (Intermediate Microeconomic Theory – 3 cr.)
      • ECON 3080+ (Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory – 3 cr.)
      • ECON 4070 (Topics in Microeconomics – 3 cr.)
      • FNCE 3010+ (Corporate Finance – 3 cr.)

* BCOR 1020, Business Statistics, is a prerequisite for BCOR 2200. Students are advised to substitute an Applied Math prob/stats course for this prerequisite.
** ECON 2010 and 2020 may not count toward the 24 credits of the option requirement; however, they can be used to meet the 18 credit social science/humanities requirement of the College of Engineering.
+ The Society of Actuaries requires students to take certain college courses which will earn the Validation by Educational Experiences (VEE) credit. Courses marked with a + satisfy this requirement, provided a grade of B- or better is obtained.

  • Some (or all) of the following courses should be taken:
    • FNCE 3020 (Financial Markets and Institutions – 3 cr.)
    • FNCE 4040 (Derivative Securities – 3 cr.)
    • ECON 4818 (Intro. to Econometrics - 3 cr.)
  • Students are advised to take as many of the following courses as possible, as part of their Applied Math requirements: APPM 3570, APPM 4520+, APPM 4540+ and APPM 4560.
  • Additional courses that may be useful include ACCT 3220 and 3230, and BCOR 3000. These courses can only be taken if space is available on the first day of the semester.
  •     Advising Notes:
    • The first actuarial examination, Exam P/1, can be taken after completing APPM 3570.
    • The second actuarial examination, Exam FM/2, can be taken after completing ECON 1000, ECON 3070, ECON 3080, FNCE 3010 and self study in interest theory.
    • The third actuarial examination, Exam M/3, can be taken after completing APPM 4560 and independent study.
    • The fourth actuarial examination, Exam C/4, can be taken after completing: APPM 4520, APPM 4540 and self study.
    • Students wishing to take courses in the College of Business cannot register until the first day of classes. Students may also take BCOR/FNCE courses in summer sessions. Alternatively, students can apply for admittance to the Actuarial Studies and Quantitative Finance Certificate Program which requires grades of B+ or better in their three semesters of Calculus. Students accepted into this program receive preferential treatment with respect to other non-business students when registering for business courses. For more information, please see your Applied Math advisor and visit http://www.colorado.edu/asqf
    • Students desiring to sign up for an actuarial exam should visit: http://www.soa.org/

 

  • Finance Option
    • The following courses should be taken as part of the 24 credits required in the option:
      • BCOR 2000 (Accounting & Financial Analysis I – 4 cr.)
      • BCOR 2200* (formerly BCOR 2100) (Introductory Finance – 3 cr.)
      • FNCE 3010 (Corporate Finance – 3 cr.)
      • ECON 2010**, 2020**, 3070, and 3080
      • ECON 4818 (Econometrics - 3 cr.)

* BCOR 1020, Business Statistics, is a prerequisite for BCOR 2200. Students are advised to substitute an Applied Math prob/stats course for this prerequisite.
** ECON 2010,2020 may not count toward the 24 credits of the option requirement; however, they can be used to meet the 18 credit social science/humanities requirement of the College of Engineering.

  • A minimum of two of the following courses must be taken in order to meet the 24 credit requirements of the option. All of them must be taken to complete the requirements of the Quantitative Finance Certificate Program:
    • ACCT 3220 (Corporate Financial Reporting 1 - 3 cr.)
    • FNCE 4030 (Investment and Portfolio Management - 3 cr.)
    • FNCE 4040 (Derivative Securities – 3 cr.)
    • FNCE 4820 (Topics in Finance – 3 cr.)
    • FNCE 4070 (Financial Markets & Institutions - 3 cr.)
  • Students are required to take APPM 3570 and APPM 4520 for the Finance Option. Students are advised to take APPM 4560 and APPM 4540 if time permits.
  • Additional courses that may be taken as time permits:
    • ACCT 3230 (Corporate Financial Reporting 2 - 3 cr.)
    • FNCE 4000 (Financial Institutions Management – 3 cr.)
    • FNCE 4020 (Applied Business Finance – 3 cr.)
    • FNCE 4050 (Capital Investment Analysis – 3 cr.)
    • FNCE 4060 (Special Topics in Finance - variable credit)

    Advising Note: Students wishing to take College of Business courses cannot register until the first day of classes. However, students can register for BCOR/FNCE courses in summer sessions. Alternatively, students can apply for admittance to the Actuarial Studies and Quantitative Finance Certificate Program. Students accepted into this program receive preferential treatment with respect to other non-business students when registering for business courses. For more information, please see your Applied Math advisor and visit http://www.colorado.edu/asqf

  • Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Option
    • The following concentration of selected courses from computer science, biology, and chemistry provide the foundation for work in mathematical biology, computational biology, and/or bioinformatics.
    • Required courses
      • CSCI 2270 (Data Structures – 4 cr.) (Note: CSCI 1300 is a prerequisite for CSCI 2270)
      • CHEM 3311 & 3321 (Organic Chemistry 1 and Lab – 5 cr.)
      • MCDB 1150 & 1151 (Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology and Lab – 4 cr.)
      • MCDB 2150 & 2151 (Principles of Genetics and Lab – 4 cr.)
      • MCDB 3135 & 3140 (Molecular Cell Biology and Lab – 5 cr.)
      • CSCI 4314 (Algorithms for Molecular Biology – 3 cr.)

    Advising Note: Students selecting this option are advised to take APPM 3570, 4520, 4540, and 4390 as part of their Applied Math coursework. Other recommended courses include CSCI 3104 (Algorithms) and CSCI 3287 (Database and Information Systems).