Applied and Computational Mathematics Option (ACM)

The undergraduate option in applied and computational mathematics within the Computing & Mathematical Sciences department seeks to address the interests of those students who want to combine their basic studies in mathematics with considerable involvement in applications. This program is designed to give students a thorough training in fundamental computational and applied mathematics and to develop their research ability in a specific application field. The fields of application include a wide range of areas such as fluid mechanics, materials science, and mathematical biology, engineering applications, image processing, and mathematical finance. The training essential for future careers in applied mathematics in academia, national laboratories, or in industry is provided, especially when combined with graduate work, by successful completion of the requirements for an undergraduate degree in applied and computational mathematics. Complete programs will be worked out with faculty advisers.

ACM Double Majors

Students interested in simultaneously pursuing a degree in a second option must fulfill all the requirements of the ACM option. Classes cannot be counted towards both options unless specifically required by both. To enroll in the program, the student should meet and discuss their plans with the option representative. In general, approval is contingent on good academic performance by the student and demonstrated ability for handling the heavier course load.

1. Mathematical Fundamentals: Ma 2; Ma 3; Ma 6 ab or Ma 121 ab; Ma 6 c or CS 21; Ma 108 ab. Taking the analytical tracks of Ma 1 bc is strongly encouraged.
2. Programming Fundamentals: CS 1 or CS 1x; and basic numerical algorithms: ACM 11.
3. Communication Fundamentals: SEC 10; one of SEC 11-13.
4. Core Classes:
   a. Introductory Methods: ACM 95 ab.
   b. Linear Algebra: ACM 104 or ACM 107a.
   c. Probability: ACM 116 or CMS/ACM 117.
   d. Mathematical Methods: ACM 101 ab.
   e. Numerical Analysis: ACM 106 ab.
5. ACM Electives: In addition to all of the above requirements, 27 units of 100+ ACM courses approved by the adviser; up to 9 units of ACM 80 abc or ACM 81 abc can be counted towards this requirement with adviser approval.
6. Sequence: In addition to all of the above requirements, one 27-unit 100+ sequence in science engineering, or social sciences approved by the option representative.
7. Scientific Fundamentals: In addition to all of the above requirements, 18 units selected from BE/Bi 25, Bi 8, Bi 9, Ch 21 abc, Ch 41 abc, ME 11 abc, ME 12 abc, Ph 2 abc, or Ph 12 abc.
8. Passing grades must be obtained in a total of 486 units, including the courses listed above. Courses satisfying option requirements must be taken for grades (except when courses are only available P/F) and passed with a grade of C‐ or higher.

Examples of choices for Requirement 5 by subject area include:

• Probability & Statistics: ACM 117, ACM 216, IDS/ACM 157, Ec/ACM 112, Ma/ACM 140
• Analysis & PDEs: ACM 107a, Ma/ACM 142 ab, AM/ACM 127, ACM 210
• Mathematical Modeling: ACM 154, ACM 180 ab

Requirement 6 is designed to give the ACM student some depth in an application area. Example sequences include, but are not limited to:

• Learning & Vision: CS156ab, CS 155, CS 159, EE 148, CNS 186, CNS 187, etc.
• Graphics: CS 171, CS 177, CS 179, etc.
• Robotics & Engineering: ME 115 ab, ME 134, EE 148, etc.
• Environmental Science: ESE 102, ESE 103, ESE 144, etc.
• Business & Finance: BEM 102, 103, 104, etc.
• Mechanics: Ae/AM/CE/ME 102abc, Ae/APh/CE/ME 101abc, Ae/Ge/ME 160ab, APh/MS/ME 105abc, etc.