Applied Mathematics with Scientific Computing and Scientific Machine Learning
Apply your human expertise to artificial intelligence
Learn how to use artificial intelligence techniques and numerical methods to tackle real-world scientific and engineering challenges for a future increasingly reliant on AI.
This new major focuses on the mathematical and computational tools and techniques that underlie the application of machine learning models to problems in science, medicine, and technology.
Scientific machine learning models learn from data while incorporating the rules of physics, biology, and engineering. This makes them more accurate, interpretable, and efficient for solving real-world problems. You’ll work with experienced, award-winning professors who will help you understand the power of mathematical modelling, scientific computing, and data-driven prediction.
You’ll gain the skills to model and analyze complex systems in science, medicine, and technology using machine learning and scientific computing along with practical expertise that can open doors to careers in research, tech, engineering, finance, and beyond.
What courses will you take?
First-year courses
You'll mostly take a mix of math and computer science courses to give you the foundations for your upper-year classes.
In first and second year, you may also select advanced-stream courses for algebra, calculus, and computer science if you meet the requirements. Details will be sent to new students during course selection in June.
After first year
In second year, you'll continue to take foundational courses in calculus, linear algebra, statistics, and computer science. You'll also take courses in computational mathematics, optimization, and differential equations that will lay the foundations for applying machine learning to science and engineering.
In third and fourth year, you'll be able to take a broad set of specialized courses in scientific machine learning, neural networks, statistical learning, and data-driven mathematical modelling, as well as applied mathematics courses that provide a mathematical and computational introduction to topics from the sciences and engineering. With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas at Waterloo.
View all the courses required for your degree.
You can add additional areas of expertise by including one of the minors available to all Waterloo students.
Once you're a student, advisors can help you explore which minors or specializations may fit into your plans.
Faculty:
Faculty of Mathematics
Degree:
Bachelor of Mathematics in Applied Mathematics with Scientific Computing and Scientific Machine Learning
Available as a co-op program?
Yes
Available as a regular program?
Yes
Available as a minor?
No
Partnerships with Waterloo.AI, the Centre for Computational Mathematics, the Institute for Quantum Computing, and the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics provide unique academic and career opportunities available exclusively to students in this major.
Two years of work experience. Opt for co-op and get 24 months of paid, on-the-job experience with research and tech organizations.
Co-op = relevant paid work experience
In the world's leading co-op program, you'll explore potential careers, learn to interview for jobs, graduate with up to two years of valuable experience — and make money!
Sample co-op job titles
- Machine learning research engineer
- Data analyst
- STEM software developer
Starting in second year, you'll normally alternate between school and work every four months, integrating your classroom learning with real-world experience. You can return to the same employer for a couple of work terms to gain greater knowledge and responsibility or work for different employers to get a broad range of experience.
Your first work term will be after first year (May to August 2027).
| Year | September to December (Fall) | January to April (Winter) | May to August (Spring) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | Study | Study | Co-op |
| Second | Study | Co-op | Study |
| Third | Co-op | Study | Co-op |
| Fourth | Study | Co-op | Co-op |
| Fifth | Study | Study |
What can you do with a degree in this subject?
This major is ideal preparation for high-end technology jobs developing machine learning models for increasingly broad application areas in industry, tech companies, and government. Career options include positions such as machine learning engineer, data scientist, AI research scientist, and LLM data scientist.
The major is also a great preparation for master's and PhD programs in domains that rely increasingly on mathematical/computational modelling and machine learning, including graduate studies in applied mathematics, computer science, data science, and other areas of science and engineering.
Sample graduates
- Computational scientist – Augmenta AI
- Data scientist – The Hospital for Sick Children
- Operation research consultant – American Airlines
- Software engineer – Google
- Senior machine learning scientist – Amazon
- Principal software engineering manager – Microsoft
- Software developer – IBM Canada
Learn about the future of careers in math, coding, and data.
Student life in mathematics and computer science
MathSoc
Math Society (MathSoc) is run by students for students and provides a wide range of clubs, services, and social and academic events to make your experience as a Waterloo math student the best it can be.
Hack the North
Meet students from around the world by participating in competitions such as Hack the North, Canada'a largest hack-a-thon. It's hosted annually at Waterloo.
Women in Mathematics
The Women in Mathematics (WiM) community encourages and advocates for women of all ages who are interested in studying math and pursuing a career in a related area.
WiM strives for all genders to be well-represented in mathematics and welcomes people with under-represented gender identities.
Women in Computer Science
Women in Computer Science (WiCS) promotes gender equity for students interested in studying computer science.
WiCS is very active and offers events such as the Big CSters mentoring program, workshops, a speaker series, and panels about diversity in computer science and STEM.
Campus-wide activities
Our campus is packed with opportunities to get involved, no matter how unique your interests. Between clubs supported by the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association, sports and recreation, and an incredible range of events, there's something for everyone at Waterloo!
Did you know?
Waterloo's degree completion rate for Mathematics programs is 86% compared to 79% for similar programs across Ontario.
Admission requirements
Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including
- Advanced Functions
- Calculus and Vectors
- Any 4U English
- One other 4U course
Recommended course: Grade 11 U Introduction to Computer Science
Admission averages: Individual selection from the mid-80s
How to apply?
Apply to Mathematics. You'll choose Applied Mathematics with Scientific Computing and Scientific Machine Learning as your major at the end of first year. There are supplementary information forms, including the Admission Information Form, which are required for admission. We'll email you detailed instructions once we receive your application.
We strongly encourage you to participate in the Canadian Senior Mathematics Contest and/or the Euclid Mathematics Contest to enhance your admissions status.
To be considered for entrance scholarships in the Faculty of Mathematics, you must write one or both of the contests. If you complete both contests, we'll use the results of the contest in which you performed best.
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Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?
Please contact the Faculty of Mathematics recruitment team who can answer any questions you have.