Applied Mathematics, Bachelor of Science College of Letters & Science

Mathematics is the study of abstract structures, space, change, and the interrelations of these concepts. It also is the language of the exact sciences.

The Program

After completing basic introductory courses such as calculus and linear algebra, students plan an upper division program in consultation with a faculty advisor. Upper division courses include real analysis, probability, modern algebra, as well as a variety of other courses that allow students to further mathematical knowledge and skills that feature their research or career interests. This individualized program can lead to graduate study in pure or applied mathematics, elementary or secondary level teaching, or to other professional goals. It can also reflect a special interest such as computational and applied mathematics, computer science, or statistics, or may be combined with a major in some other field.

Career Alternatives

A degree in mathematics provides entry to many careers in industry in addition to teaching. For instance, operations research, data analysis, systems analysis, computing, actuarial work, insurance, and financial services are only a few such careers. Mathematics is also a sound basis for graduate work in a variety of fields, such as law, engineering, and economics.

Major Advisors

For a current list of faculty and staff advisors, see Math Department Advising or contact the Student Services office.

Mathematics Placement Requirement

Students who wish to enroll in MAT 012, MAT 017A, MAT 019AMAT 021A, MAT 021AH, and MAT 021M must satisfy the mathematics placement requirement by taking an online exam. Students who do not satisfy the requirement will be administratively dropped from these courses. For more information, including preparation tips and how to access the online exam, please see Math Placement Requirement (MPR), well in advance of enrolling.

Department Honors

Students who meet the minimum GPA requirement for honors at graduation from the College of Letters & Science and who complete a senior project as part of MAT 194 or MAT 199 units in consultation with their faculty advisor may also be recommended by the department for graduation with High Honors or Highest Honors. Recommendations will be based on evaluations of students' academic achievements in their major and the quality of their senior project. For complete details, see Honors & Awards.

Graduate Study

The Department offers programs of study and research leading to M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in Mathematics. Information regarding graduate study may be obtained by consulting Graduate Information, and by email.

The major requirements below are in addition to meeting University Requirements & College Requirements; unless otherwise noted. The minimum number of units required for the Applied Mathematics Bachelor of Science major is 91.

Preparatory Subject Matter
Calculus
MAT 021ACalculus4
MAT 021BCalculus4
MAT 021CCalculus4
MAT 021DVector Analysis4
Linear Algebra & Proof-Writing
Choose one option:4-8
(a)
Linear Algebra
Introduction to Abstract Mathematics
(b)
Linear Algebra with Applications to Biology
Introduction to Abstract Mathematics
(c)
Modern Linear Algebra
MATLAB 11
Linear Algebra Computer Laboratory
Equivalent MATLAB knowledge.
Differential Equations
MAT/BIS 027BDifferential Equations with Applications to Biology3-4
or MAT 022B Differential Equations
Programming
ECS 032AIntroduction to Programming4
or ECS 032AV Introduction to Programming
ENG 006Engineering Problem Solving4
Choose one two-quarter sequence:8-10
Physics
Classical Physics
and Classical Physics
Biological Science
Introduction to Biology: Essentials of Life on Earth
and Introduction to Biology: Principles of Ecology & Evolution
Chemistry
General Chemistry
and General Chemistry
Economics
Principles of Microeconomics
Principles of Microeconomics
Principles of Microeconomics
AND
Principles of Macroeconomics
Principles of Macroeconomics
Statistics
Gateway to Statistical Data Science
and Applied Statistics for Biological Sciences
or Other applied preparatory courses approved by your advisor.
Preparatory Subject Matter Subtotal40-47
Depth Subject Matter
A. Core Courses
MAT 119AOrdinary Differential Equations4
MAT 127AReal Analysis4
MAT 127BReal Analysis4
MAT 127CReal Analysis4
MAT 135AProbability4
MAT 150AModern Algebra4
MAT 185AComplex Analysis 4
Choose two:8
Numerical Analysis
Numerical Analysis in Solution of Equations
Numerical Analysis in Differential Equations
B. Enrichment Courses
1. Choose two:8
MAT 111-MAT 185B; excluding MAT 180, core courses, & courses being used as a capstone.
2. Choose one approved upper division course outside the Department of Mathematics with extensive use of mathematics. Please consult with a math advisor before selecting a course.4
Atmospheric Thermodynamics & Cloud Physics
Atmospheric Dynamics
Atmospheric Dynamics
Radiation & Satellite Meteorology
Econometric Theory & Applications
Physical Chemistry: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
Physical Chemistry: Properties of Atoms & Molecules
Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics, Equilibria & Kinetics
Electromagnetics I
Introductory Electromagnetics II
Mathematical Methods in Biochemical & Chemical Engineering
Probabilistic Systems Analysis for Civil & Environmental Engineers
Deterministic Optimization & Design
Theory of Games & Strategic Behavior
Econometrics
Theory of Computation
Algorithm Design & Analysis
Cryptography
Introduction to Numerical Analysis & Methods
Physical & Chemical Oceanography
Population & Quantitative Genetics
Physical & Chemical Oceanography
Computational Linguistics
Introduction to Mathematical Methods in Physics
Computational Methods of Mathematical Physics
Intermediate Methods of Mathematical Physics
Classical Mechanics
Analytical Mechanics
Optics
Electricity & Magnetism
Electricity & Magnetism
Electricity & Magnetism
Thermodynamics & Statistical Mechanics
Foundation of Quantum Mechanics
Applications of Quantum Mechanics
Electronic Instrumentation
Electronic Instrumentation
Statistical Analysis of Psychological Data
Statistical Analysis of Psychological Data
Introduction to Mathematical Statistics
Introduction to Mathematical Statistics
Fundamentals of Statistical Data Science
Data & Web Technologies for Data Analysis
Big Data & High Performance Statistical Computing
C. Capstone Courses
Choose one:3-4
Number Theory
Partial Differential Equations: Eigenfunction Expansions
Ordinary Differential Equations
Stochastic Processes
Algebraic Combinatorics
Modern Algebra
Modern Algebra
Special Topics
Complex Analysis
Advanced Problem Solving
Internship in Applied Mathematics (Must take 3 units.)
Undergraduate Thesis
Depth Subject Matter Subtotal51-52
Total Units91-99
1

Note: Basic knowledge of MATLAB is required for both MAT 022A and MAT 067. Students can learn it on their own, enroll in ENG 006, or in the 1 unit course MAT 022AL (can be taken concurrently).