Mathematics is the common language of modern science, engineering, and business. Techniques of mathematical modeling and data analysis are key instruments in the tool kit of modern practitioners and researchers in a wide array of disciplines. ACMS is an interdisciplinary program in the mathematical sciences that provides sound training in mathematical modeling, scientific computation, mathematical reasoning, and statistical analysis. The program is jointly administered by the Departments of Applied Mathematics, Computer Science and Engineering, Mathematics, and Statistics, offering students access to their combined resources. An ACMS major is an excellent stepping stone to a career in engineering and the physical, life, and management sciences.
The Applied and Computational Mathematical Sciences (ACMS) program is a multidisciplinary Bachelor of Science degree program in the College of Arts and Sciences, offered jointly by the Departments of Applied Mathematics, Computer Science & Engineering, Mathematics, and Statistics. It is designed for students interested in the application of mathematical and computational concepts and tools to problems in research or in the business world.
Suggested First- and Second-Year College Courses: MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126, PHYS 121, PHYS 122, PHYS 123, CSE 142, CSE 143
Admission to all programs is capacity constrained. Completion of minimum requirements described below does not guarantee admission. All applicants have the right to petition and appeal the unit's admission decision. The application and additional information are available at the department website.
Applicants are considered in two groups: Currently Enrolled UW Students and Entering Transfers.
Transfer applicants must submit a departmental application for the same quarter they submit an application to the University. Applicants must meet the following requirements:
All students must make satisfactory academic progress in the major. Failure to do so results in probation, which can lead to dismissal from the major. For the complete continuation policy, contact the departmental adviser or refer to the department website.
Applied and Computational Math Sciences: Biological and Life Sciences In recent years, the application of mathematical modeling and computation has paved the way for great strides in our understanding of basic biological phenomena. A solid training in mathematics is rapidly becoming essential for modern research in a wide variety of biological and medical disciplines, including developmental biology, genetics and genomics, biostatistics, ecological modeling, physiology, and biomechanics. This Option focuses on basic techniques of mathematical modeling and computation that are employed in the life sciences.
90 credits
See adviser for additional information on program options, for possible substitutions, and for approval of elective choices noted below.
Option specific credits: 47 credits to include option core (27 credits): PHYS 121, PHYS 122, PHYS 123 or BIOL 101 and BIOL 102 or BIOL 180 and BIOL 200; MATH 324, AMATH 353, AMATH 422, AMATH 423; and option electives (20 credits): outside area (12 credits or double major/double degree; see adviser for options) and 8 credits of approved courses at the 300 level or above, chosen from the four participating departments.
Applied and Computational Math Sciences: Data Sciences and Statistics The ACMS Data Sciences and Statistics option is designed with strong Statistics and Modeling components. The track incorporates coursework in Computation, Statistics and Machine Learning, Databases and Data Visualization, as well as topics related to science and society. This option is unique in its double emphasis on Statistics and Modeling & Scientific Computing. Our graduates will have a unique blend of skills to build models for data, use them efficiently, and interpret them statistically.
90 credits
See adviser for additional information on program options, for possible substitutions, and for approval of elective choices noted below.
Option specific credits: 46-47 credits to include program core (29 or 30 credits): PHYS 121, PHYS 122, PHYS 123, AMATH 301 or STAT 302, STAT 395/MATH 395, STAT 391, CSE 414; and option electives (17 credits): at least 6 credits from List A and 6 credits from List B. Remaining credits from approved courses (List C) at the 300 level or above, chosen from the four participating departments. See adviser for approved lists.
Applied and Computational Math Sciences: Discrete Math and Algorithms This Option gives students a broad background in mathematics and computation with special emphasis on discrete mathematics and its application to optimization and algorithm design. It is particularly well suited for students interested in mathematical aspects of Computer Science, or who wish to pursue a double major in this direction.
90 credits
See adviser for additional information on program options, for possible substitutions, and for approval of elective choices noted below.
Option specific credits: 47 credits to include option core and option electives. Option core: 33 credits for non-Computer Science and Engineering majors - PHYS 121, PHYS 122, PHYS 123, MATH 300, MATH 394/STAT 394, CSE 373, CSE 417, and two of CSE 374, CSE 410, CSE 413, CSE 415; 9 credits for Computer Science/Computer Science and Engineering double major/double degree - MATH 394/STAT 394, CSE 421, CSE 431. Option electives: 14 credits for non-Computer Science and Engineering majors, 23 credits for Computer Science/Computer Science and Engineering double majors, to include 9 credits from MATH 407, MATH 408, MATH 409, MATH 461, MATH 462, or one of AMATH 481, AMATH 482, or AMATH 483. Remaining 15 credits from approved courses at the 300 level or above from the four participating departments.
Applied and Computational Math Sciences: Engineering and Physical Sciences Applied and computational mathematics are heavily used in the physical sciences and engineering. Mathematical models form the basis for much of our understanding of the physical world, and can be used to predict and analyze complex phenomena. Differential equations are particularly important since they are essential in modeling mechanical systems, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and wave motion of all kinds (electromagnetic, sound, seismic, water waves, etc.). Statistical analysis, computational techniques, linear algebra, Fourier analysis, and other mathematical techniques are also critical in many fields. This Option is an excellent choice for students with an interest in the physical world and classical areas of applied mathematics. It is also ideal as a second major for students in engineering or a physical science who want to obtain a firm foundation in applied mathematics.
90 credits
See adviser for additional information on program options, for possible substitutions, and for approval of elective choices noted below.
Option specific credits: 47 credits to include option core (27 credits): PHYS 121, PHYS 122, PHYS 123; AMATH 401, AMATH 402, AMATH 403; and option electives (20 credits): outside area (14 credits or double major/double degree at the 300-level or above; see adviser for options) and 6 credits of approved courses at the 300-level or above, chosen from the four participating departments.
Applied and Computational Math Sciences: Mathematical Economics and Quantitative Finance In the business and financial world, mathematical and statistical models are becoming increasingly important as tools for prediction and analysis. Students in this Option will obtain a firm foundation in applied and computational mathematics as well as a basic grounding in economic theory. It is also ideal as a second major for students in Economics who want more mathematical training, especially those preparing for graduate school since the academic field of Economics relies heavily on mathematical models.
90 credits
See adviser for additional information on program options, for possible substitutions, and for approval of elective choices noted below.
Option specific credits: 47 credits to include option core and electives. Option core (27 credits): PHYS 121, PHYS 122, PHYS 123 or ECON 200, ECON 201, ECON 300; MATH 300, MATH 327, MATH 407; and either MATH 408 or STAT 423. Option electives: Either (1) or (2), below. (1) 20 credits including at least 15 credits from CFRM 405, CFRM 410, CFRM 415, CFRM 420, CFRM 425, ECON 301, ECON 400, ECON 401, ECON 404, ECON 421, ECON 422, ECON 424, ECON 426, ECON 435, ECON 472, ECON 482, ECON 483, ECON 485, ECON 486 (only one of CFRM 420 and ECON 424 may be counted toward the major); at least 5 additional credits at the 300 level or above from AMATH, CSE, MATH, STAT, or from the Department of Economics (taken from ECON courses listed above). (2) Complete a double major with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics.
Applied and Computational Math Sciences: Scientific Computing and Numerical Analysis Computer simulation is heavily used in science and engineering as a tool in analysis, visualization, and design. Complex mathematical models can give very accurate prediction of real-world phenomena, but typically lead to equations that can only be solved with the aid of a computer. This Option focuses on the design, mathematical analysis, and efficient implementation of numerical algorithms for such problems.
90 credits
See adviser for additional information on program options, for possible substitutions, and for approval of elective choices noted below.
Option specific credits: 47 credits to include option core (27 credits): PHYS 121, PHYS 122, PHYS 123, MATH 300, MATH 327, two of MATH 464, MATH 465 AMATH 481, AMATH 482, or AMATH 483; and option electives (20 credits), to include 11 credits from the following: AMATH 301; AMATH 353 or MATH 309; CSE 373 or CSE 326; CSE 410; AMATH 401, AMATH 402, AMATH 403; MATH 407, MATH 408, MATH 409; MATH 427, MATH 428; remaining 9 credits from approved courses at the 300 level or above from the four participating departments.
Applied and Computational Math Sciences: Social and Behavioral Sciences Mathematical models and statistical analysis are becoming increasingly important in many social and behavioral sciences. Solving complex problems requires sophisticated approaches to gathering and analyzing large amounts of data. Creating mathematical models useful in prediction and analysis can require a broad range of mathematical techniques including graph theoretical analysis, Markov chains and other stochastic processes, or differential equations. This Option provides a foundation in commonly-used statistical and computational techniques followed by flexibility in pursuing different sets of advanced courses. It is also ideal as a second major for students in social sciences who want to obtain more background in quantitative methods and mathematical techniques.
90 credits
See adviser for additional information on program options, for possible substitutions, and for approval of elective choices noted below.
Option specific credits: 47 credits to include option core (31 credits): PHYS 121, PHYS 122, PHYS 123, STAT 340, STAT 341, STAT 342, STAT 423; and option electives (16 credits): outside area (10 credits or double major/double degree; see adviser for options) and 6 credits of approved courses at the 300 level or above, chosen from the four participating departments.
Student Outcomes and Opportunities