Scientific Computing, Minor

Overview

Scientific Computing is a multi-disciplinary program designed for science majors who wish to explore the application of computing within the natural sciences. It is intended primarily for students majoring in one of the natural sciences or engineering. The program of study brings together courses from Computer Science, Mathematics, and disciplines in the natural sciences. Each student takes the required core courses in computer science and calculus. After the core, two advanced-level courses selected from five options further hone quantitative skills needed for scientific computing. Students should work with their advisers to identify courses that are most appropriate for their backgrounds and goals. Finally, students bring their computation skills to their major by selecting one upper-level course from a list of approved disciplinary courses that make use of computation. Note: These disciplinary courses have several prerequisites that are not listed among the requirements for a minor in Scientific Computing-students majoring in a discipline among the natural sciences will have already fulfilled these prerequisites as part of their major.

Requirements for the minor

A minor in Scientific Computing will consist of a total of 19 to 20 credit hours, depending on the upper-level course selected in the major. The minor must include at least nine hours of upper-division courses in mathematics or science. The requirements for a minor in Scientific Computing are as follows:

The Core (9 hours)

I. Computation

CSCI - 1320 Principles of Computer Science I Credits: 3
CSCI - 2323 Scientific Computing Credits: 3

II. Calculus

MATH - 1311 Calculus I Credits: 3

III. Advanced Quantitative Skills (6 hours) Take two of the following five courses:

MATH - 3327 Probabilistic Models in Life Sciences Credits: 3
MATH - 3320 Probability and Statistics for Engineers And Scientists Credits: 3
MATH - 3328 Mathematical Models in Life Sciences Credits: 3
MATH - 3338 Mathematical Modeling Credits: 3

IV. Disciplinary Practice (4-5 hours depending on the chosen elective)

A.

SCOM - 3199 Scientific Computing Project (Must be taken in conjunction with one of the courses listed below.)

B. And one of the following courses:

BIOL - 3420 Animal Behavior Credits: 4
BIOL - 3434 Ecology Credits: 4
BIOL - 3464 Immunobiology Credits: 4
CHEM - 3334 Physical Chemistry I Credits: 3
MATH - 4394 Senior Project Credits: 3 *
PHYS - 3321 Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics Credits: 3
PHYS - 3322 Classical Mechanics Dynamics Credits: 3
PHYS - 3325 Waves and Optics Credits: 3
PHYS - 3336 Advanced Topics in Physics and Astronomy Credits: 3
PHYS - 4343 Quantum Mechanics II Credits: 3
PHYS - 4346 Condensed Matter Physics Credits: 3
PSYC - 3411 Sensation and Perception Credits: 4
PSYC - 3431 Memory and Cognition Credits: 4

Note:

* This course requires completion of a 3000-level course in Biology or Psychology.

Admission to Major

How to apply

Students interested in a Scientific Computing minor will submit an application to the chair of the Committee, who will assign a faculty adviser to the student. Completion of this program will be indicated on the student’s transcript with the notation “Minor in Scientific Computing.”

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