academic catalogue

2023-2024 Catalogue

Applied Mathematical Science

Applied Mathematical Science is a major program for students who are interested in mathematics, but whose interests lie primarily with the practical application of mathematics to problems in the physical sciences, life sciences, economics, engineering, and other fields, rather than in the formal areas of abstract mathematics. Applied mathematics seeks to apply existing mathematical methods across a range of practical problems, as well as to develop novel computational and predictive methods and models for specific real-world phenomena. The Applied Mathematical Science major prepares students for graduate work and careers in such diverse areas as physics, astrophysics, geology, climatology, atmospheric science, genomics, neuroscience, economics, finance, energy management, and the diverse applications of engineering.

The student learning goals for students majoring in Applied Mathematical Science are:

I. to develop a sound understanding of calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations;
II. to successfully write computer programs that solve mathematical problems;
III. to build theoretical and methodological foundations in the central, quantitative, laboratory-based physical sciences;
IV. to learn to recognize phenomena that may be represented and modeled using computational, analytical, and predictive mathematical techniques; and
V. to be able to apply mathematical techniques to a diverse range of problems in the natural and social sciences.

Major requirements: Applied Mathematical Science: The major program requires a minimum of 50 hours of course work, including the following:

I. Required Mathematics and Computer Science Courses (21 hours):
MAT 205 Calculus I 3 hours
MAT 206 Calculus II 3 hours
MAT 207 Calculus III 3 hours
MAT 208 Calculus IV 3 hours
MAT 210 Linear Algebra 3 hours
MAT 300 Ordinary Differential Equations 3 hours
CSC 216 Programming I 3 hours

II. Required Natural Science Courses (16 hours):
CHM 101 General Chemistry I 4 hours
PHY 121 General Physics I 4 hours
PHY 122 General Physics II 4 hours
PHY 205 Periodic Motion and Waves 4 hours

III. Elective Courses (10-12 hours; at least one 300-level course):
CHM 320 Inorganic Chemistry 3 hours
CHM/PHY 361 Thermodynamics 3 hours
CHM/PHY 362 Quantum Chemistry 4 hours
ECO 202 Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory 3 hours
ECO 204 Intermediate Microeconomic Theory 3 hours
PHY 212 Modern Physics 4 hours
PHY 305 Classical Dynamics 3 hours
PHY 350 Quantum Mechanics 3 hours
*CHM 396 Special Topics in Chemistry 3 or 4 hours
*ECO 396 Special Topics in Economics 3 or 4 hours
*MAT 396 Special Topics in Mathematics 3 or 4 hours
*PHY 396 Special Topics in Physics 3 or 4 hours
*must be an approved special topics course

IV. Senior Capstone Course (3 hours):
MAT 405 Mathematical Modeling 3 hours
MAT 419 Probability and Statistics 3 hours

Professional Development: Throughout her Wesleyan education each student is given opportunities to explore professional and career choices, and to develop and demonstrate the knowledge and skills essential for professional success. Each student will complete PDE 400 Professional Development Experience and PDE 401 Professional Practice Seminar.

Recommended Course Sequence. The major in Applied Mathematical Science may be completed in four years by students lacking specific college preparatory experience in mathematics and physical science.

Recommended Course Sequence for Applied Mathematical Science:
First Year: Fall
WIS 101, MAT 205, two general education courses
First-Year: Spring
Writing Competency Course, MAT 206, three general education courses

Sophomore Year: Fall
MAT 207, CSC 216, PHY 121, two general education courses
Sophomore Year: Spring
MAT 208, PHY 122, two general education courses

Junior Year: Fall
PHY 205
MAT 210, elective/MAT 419, elective/general education, two general education courses
Junior Year: Spring
MAT 300, elective/MAT 405, elective/general education, two general education courses

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