If you enjoy studying Mathematics for the Leaving Certificate, Applied & Computational Mathematics at UCD will train you in the essential mathematical and computational skills in modelling, analysis and simulation needed to solve problems arising throughout the physical and life sciences, engineering, business and finance sectors. 

Today’s challenges faced by science and engineering are so complex that they can be analysed and solved only through mathematical and computational modelling. Mathematical models create representations of complex real-world phenomena in a precise, quantitative way. Fundamental insights can then be obtained by analysing these models through a combination of mathematical analysis and computational simulation. Outside the traditional spheres of science and engineering, mathematical modelling and simulation techniques are increasingly used in the social sciences, communication, business and finance sectors.

Applied & Computational Mathematics is one of the degree subjects available through the Mathematics stream in the common entry Science course.

Students study similar modules for all degree subjects in the Mathematics stream in first year and will study modules for a minimum of two degree subjects in second year. At the end of second year, students choose their degree major. This is a sample set of modules that an Applied & Computational Mathematics student could study each year in UCD.

First Year

• Scientific Enquiry
• Introduction to Applied & Computational Mathematics
• Calculus in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences
• Applications of Differential Equations
• Linear Algebra in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences
• Statistical Modelling
• Mathematical Analysis
• Numbers & Functions
• Mathematical Analysis
• Optional Modules
• Elective Module

Second Year

• Computational Science
• Classical Mechanics
• Calculus of Several Variables
• Introduction to Probability
• Oscillations & Waves
• Vector Calculus
• + modules for 1 other Subject
• Elective Modules

Third Year

• Advanced Computational Science
• Advanced Mathematical Methods
• Complex Analysis
• Partial Differential Equations
• Mathematical Biology
• Metric Spaces
• Numerical Methods
• Dynamical Systems
• Option Modules
• Elective modules

Fourth Year

• Research Project
• Mathematics of Complex Networks
• Mathematics of Machine Learning
• General Relativity & Black Holes
• Mathematical Fluid Dynamics
• Option Modules

Timetables & Assessment

Each student will have their own timetable based on their individual module selection. This is a full time course and classes may include lectures, practicals and tutorials, depending on the subjects. Students will also be expected to study independently (autonomous student learning). Assessment varies with each module but may comprise continuous assessment of practicals, written exams and online learning activities.

For detailed information on subject content click here

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Students may apply to study abroad for a trimester in third year in partner institutions internationally.

Graduates with training in Applied & Computational Mathematics work in fields as diverse as:

• Analytics and Forecasting
• Meteorology
• Energy Systems
• Electronics
• Biomedical applications and bio-information
• Finance
• Pharmaceutical industry
• Environmental agencies and companies
• Computing in business, technology, research and academia

• Level 5/6 QQI-FET
  
• Open Learning Entry Route
• Mature Entry Route
• DARE Entry Route
  
• HEAR Entry Route
  
• University Access
  

Dr. James Herterich
UCD School of Mathematics and Statistics
Belfield, Dublin 4

Email: askscience@ucd.ie