Applied Mathematics Track      Applied Mathematics:     Applied mathematicians work on mathematical problems arising in science and industry. This often requires working closely with investigators in other fields. For this reason the ability to communicate mathematical ideas is important. Typical problems often involve modeling, parameter estimation, and model solution, simulation, or optimization. Computers are an essential tool. Some applied mathematicians primarily learn and apply existing techniques while others also develop new methods. At the more theoretical levels there is no real distinction between pure and applied mathematics.     Mathematics Minor with an Emphasis in Applied Mathematics:     Essential upper-division courses for an Applied Mathematics emphasis are Differential Equations (Math 341 or 342), Numerical Analysis (Math 370), and Probability Theory (Math 330). This sort of minor in Mathematics will typically support a major in Physics, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Geology, or Economics. For a major in the physical sciences, Complex Analysis (Math 312) would come next in importance. Operations Research (Math 372) or Mathematical Statistics (Math 332) would be of greatest value for a major in Biology or Economics. Someone interested in going to graduate school in Economics would benefit from Linear Spaces (Math 390). Differential Geometry (Math 362) would be a good choice for a student of theoretical Physics. All would find Mathematical Modeling (Math 496) valuable. Any science student intending to make serious use of mathematics should also gain as much computing experience as possible.     Mathematics Major with an Emphasis in Applied Mathematics:     Essential upper-division courses for a major with an Applied Mathematics emphasis are Differential Equations (Math 341 or 342), Numerical Analysis (Math 370), and Probability Theory (Math 330). Majors with this emphasis should also gain as much experience with computing as possible.     Additional courses should be selected on the basis of interest and eventual goals. Mathematical Statistics (Math 332) , Operations Research (Math 372), and Complex Analysis (Math 312) are all fundamental. A choice from Dynamical Systems (Math 343), Partial Differential Equations (Math 344), Differential Geometry (Math 362), and Chaos & Fractals (Math 494) is recommended for those with interests in differential equations. Mathematical Modeling (Math 496) is also strongly recommended. This course is especially important to those who have no immediate plans for graduate school. Independent study courses can address particular interests.     Graduate work in applied mathematics typically requires the same preparation as graduate work in pure mathematics. Essential courses are Real Analysis (Math 310), Complex Analysis (Math 312) and Algebra (Math 320). Linear Spaces (Math 390), Topology (Math 460), or Differential Geometry (Math 362) are also strongly recommended.     Majors interested in applied mathematics are encouraged to minor in a field which uses mathematics. Physics is traditional while Biology is a rapidly emerging source of applications.     Independent Study Courses: Members of the Mathematics Department with expertise in Applied Mathematics include Professors Buckmire, Knoerr, and Lengyel. Professors McDonald (Differential Equations) and Puckette (Probability Theory) also have expertise which is directly relevant to this emphasis. Students with particular interests in Applied Mathematics which are not addressed by the regular course offerings are encouraged to contact these faculty members.     In the past, Professor Knoerr has offered applied Independent Study courses in Optimization, Digital Signal Processing, and Signals & Systems.     Professor Lengyel has offered applied Independent Study projects in Operations Research.     If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Professor Alan Knoerr by e-mail or at (323) 259-2912.