- What is Applied Mathematics?
- Why should I pursue an education in Applied Math?
- What is the difference between Applied Math and Pure Math?
- What can I expect in my first year?
- What are the admission requirements for Applied Math?
- Am I eligible for scholarships/bursaries?
- What types of careers can I pursue after studying Applied Math?
1. What is Applied Mathematics?
Applied
Mathematics
involves
using
mathematics
to
solve
real
world
problems,
in
particular,
problems
in
scientific
research
and
in
the
development
of
new
technology.
Applied
Mathematics
also
involves
the
development
of
new
mathematical
and
computational
tools.
More
informaiton
on
Applied
Math
2. Why should I pursue an education in Applied Math?
In
studying
Applied
Mathematics
you
will
learn
how
to
use
a
variety
of
mathematical
and
computational
tools
to
solve
problems
in
diverse
fields,
ranging
from
physics
and
engineering,
to
biology
and
medicine.
You
will
develop
the
intellectual
discipline
and
reasoning
abilities
needed
to
think
through
complex
problems
and
develop
sound
practical
solutions.
A
person
with
an
education
in
Applied
Mathematics
is
thus
versatile
and
effective
in
meeting
challenges
in
the workplace or
in graduate
school.
More
information
on
careers
in
Applied
Math
3. What is the difference between Applied Math and Pure Math?
Some people enjoy mathematics for its own sake. They appreciate the logical foundations, the precise formulation of the concepts and the rigorous justification of the results (proofs). They see beauty in the abstract structure of mathematics. Such people will enjoy Pure Mathematics.
On the other hand, some people enjoy seeing how math can be used to solve problems in the real world. They are attracted by the challenge of determining what mathematical tools are appropriate for a particular application and possibly inventing new tools. They appreciate seeing how diverse physical phenomena can have a similar mathematical description. Such people will enjoy Applied Mathematics.
These differences do not mean that there will be no mention of applications in PMATH courses, or that you won't see any proofs in AMATH courses! The difference lies in the extent to which applications and proofs are emphasized.
So
in
a
nutshell
the
answer
to
the
question:
"What
is
the
difference
between
Applied
Math
and
Pure
Math?"
is
"In
Applied
Math
there
are
more
applications
and
fewer
proofs."
But in the Math Faculty at the University of Waterloo you can have the best of both worlds! If you are attracted to both Applied Math and Pure Math, you can enroll in a double honours Applied Math/Pure Math plan and have two majors.
4. What can I expect in my first year?
In
your
first
year
at
the
Faculty
of
Mathematics
you
will
take
the
core
math
courses
that
every
math
student
takes.
These
include
Algebra,
Calculus,
and
Computer
Science,
together
with
Physics
for
those
students
interested
in
Applied
Mathematics.
Find
out
more
about
first
year
courses.
5. What are the admission requirements for Applied Math?
The admission requirements for Applied Mathematics are the same as those for the Faculty of Mathematics if you are enrolling in first year. See the Faculty of Mathematics admission requirements.
If you are a UW student and are thinking of switching to the Applied Mathematics program please contact your Academic Advisor for more information.
6. Am I eligible for scholarships/bursaries?
To learn more and find out whether you can apply for scholarships/bursaries please visit:
7. What types of careers can I pursue after studying Applied Math?
Applied Mathematics graduates enjoy many different types of interesting careers all over the world. Visit careers to see examples of companies that employ AMATH graduates and to see the profiles of some Applied Math Alumni.