Computational Science Concentration

Undergraduate Concentration

The enormous progress in computational technology has generated a new methodology for learning and advancing the traditional sciences such as physics, chemistry and biology. Computational science combines the application of numerical methods, models and algorithms in the context of solving problems that are intractable by traditional methods. It is distinct from computer science, which is the study of computers and computation and it is different from theory and experiment, the traditional forms of science, in that it seeks to gain understanding principally by the analysis of mathematical models.

The goal of the computational science concentration is to provide an opportunity for students to learn about the interplay between science and computation. The concentration is especially suitable for undergraduate students majoring in the sciences, mathematics or computer science, but students in other majors will be considered on an individualized basis. Students completing the computational science concentration would be able to enter graduate programs in their majors or newly created interdisciplinary graduate programs in computational science, and would be well prepared to go into industry.

Program Faculty

Jerry Breecher, Ph.D.
Daeg Brenner, Ph.D.
Harvey Gould, Ph.D.
Frederic Green, Ph.D.
Li Han, Ph.D.
David Hibbett, Ph.D.
Shuanghong Huo, Ph.D.
Todd Livdahl, Ph.D.
Natalia Sternberg, Ph.D.

Courses

• BIOL 101 - Introduction to Biology I
• BIOL 254 - Molecular Ecology of Forest Fungi
• CHEM 101 - Introductory Chemistry I
• CHEM 242 - Nuclear Science
• CHEM 270 - Quantum Chemistry
• CSCI 120 - Introduction to Computing
• CSCI 121 - Data Structures
• CSCI 160 - Algorithms
• CSCI 210 - Artificial Intelligence
• MATH 114 - Discrete Mathematics
• MATH 120 - Calculus I
• MATH 121 - Calculus II
• MATH 124 - Honors Calculus I
• MATH 125 - Honors Calculus II
• MATH 212 - Numerical Analysis
• MATH 217 - Probability and Statistics
• PHYS 110 - Introductory Physics - Part I
• PHYS 111 - Introductory Physics - Part II
• PHYS 120 - Introductory Physics - Part I
• PHYS 121 - Introductory Physics – Part II
• PHYS 127 - Computer Simulation Laboratory/ Discussion, Laboratory

Research Project

A minimum of a one-semester or summer research project with a member of the program faculty.

Program Requirements

Because of the sequential nature of many of the requirements and the relatively large number of major requirements for students in the concentration, students are encouraged to plan early and carefully. A student’s choice of advanced courses must be approved by the concentration faculty. The requirements vary depending on the student’s major and interests, but all students are required to complete the following (or equivalent):