The Ph.D. program in applied mathematical and computational sciences is autonomous, broadly based, and interdisciplinary. It is designed to help students achieve a command of theoretical and applied mathematics and obtain basic knowledge in another area (e.g., in physics, engineering, operations research, chemistry, computer science, economics, statistics, geography, or in the biological, medical, or social sciences). The program is flexible; students can concentrate on applied mathematics, such as differential equations and numerical analysis, or on other applicable techniques in mathematics. Scientific computing is an important part of applied mathematics, so it is often a part of student training and dissertation research. Prospective students should have a desire to apply mathematical techniques or theory to relevant problems in an outside area.
Learning Outcomes
Students will gain:
- proficiency in core applied mathematics subjects and broad knowledge in mathematics,
- proficiency in computer programming/scientific computing,
- excellent knowledge in at least one application area outside mathematics,
- ability to communicate knowledge and research work to various audiences, and
- ability to carry research/work independently at a professional level.
The Doctor of Philosophy program in applied mathematical and computational sciences (AMCS) requires a minimum of 72 s.h. of graduate credit.
Course of Study
Faculty members can help each student plan a course of study that is consistent with the student's background, interests, and goals.
These individual plans are designed to help students develop expertise in methods of applied mathematics and build a good foundation in related topics of mathematics. The individual plans also provide sufficient knowledge in an outside area to enable students to use mathematical techniques in that area.
Students may arrange their study plans to earn a master's degree from another department after they complete part of their plan. Students find suitable thesis problems and supervisors with the help of the faculty.
Required Courses in Core Areas
Students must successfully complete these three core course sequences in the first two years of graduate study.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| All of these: | ||
| MATH:5200 & MATH:5210 | Introduction to Analysis I-II | 8 |
| MATH:5600 & MATH:5700 | Nonlinear Dynamics with Numerical Methods - Introduction to Partial Differential Equations | 8 |
| MATH:5800 & MATH:5810 | Numerical Methods I-II | 8 |
Outside Area Courses
Students must take and pass Ph.D.-level courses in areas in which mathematics is applied: one preparation course in the first two years and then two advanced courses outside of mathematics at the 6000-level or above.
Advanced Mathematics Course Requirement
In order to establish a solid foundation in mathematics, students must successfully pass two more courses numbered MATH:5000 to MATH:5999 and complete at least 12 s.h. of graduate mathematics courses numbered MATH:6000 to MATH:7799, with the exception of seminar courses. The courses should be chosen to obtain mathematical breadth and must be approved by the AMCS chair.
Comprehensive Examination
Students complete a comprehensive examination that covers their outside research area within three-and-a-half years after beginning graduate study. The examination is typically based on the outside area courses and/or directed readings.
Applicants must carefully follow the applied mathematical and computational Sciences (AMCS) application procedures and they must meet the Graduate College Admission Requirements on the Iowa Graduate Admissions website. Those interested in applying may also view Admissions on the Graduate College website.
To be prepared for graduate-level coursework in applied mathematics, applicants should have a bachelor's or master's degree with a strong mathematics or computational component.
Applications for fall admission are due on January 15. For more information about the academic program, contact the chair of the Applied Mathematical and Computational Sciences Program. The Manual of Rules and Regulations on the Graduate College website also can provide additional information.
Financial support in the form of teaching assistantships is provided to every student admitted. Students may apply to various fellowships during their study. Research assistantships for qualified applicants also may be available from certain graduate advisors. Summer support is generally available to students.
Career opportunities for applied mathematicians include positions in colleges, universities, governmental laboratories, business, industry, and consulting firms.
Sample Plan of Study
Sample plans represent one way to complete a program of study. Actual course selection and sequence will vary and should be discussed with an academic advisor. For additional sample plans, see MyUI.
Applied Mathematical and Computational Sciences, Ph.D.
| Academic Career | ||
|---|---|---|
| Any Semester | Hours | |
| 72 s.h. must be graduate level coursework; graduate transfer credits allowed upon approval. More information is included in the General Catalog and on department website. a | ||
| Hours | 0 | |
| First Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| MATH:5200 | Introduction to Analysis I b | 4 |
| MATH:5600 | Nonlinear Dynamics with Numerical Methods b | 4 |
| MATH:5800 | Numerical Methods I b | 4 |
| MATH:5900 | First-Year Graduate Seminar | 1 |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Spring | ||
| AMCS:5900 | Seminar: Applied Mathematical and Computational Sciences | 1 |
| MATH:5210 | Introduction to Analysis II b | 4 |
| MATH:5700 | Introduction to Partial Differential Equations b | 4 |
| MATH:5810 | Numerical Methods II b | 4 |
| AMCS Lectures on Programming | ||
| Hours | 13 | |
| Summer | ||
| MATH:5950 | Qualifying Exam Preparation Seminars | 0 |
| PhD Qualifying Exam c | ||
| Hours | 0 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| MATH:6600 | Ordinary Differential Equations I d | 3 |
| MATH:6850 | Advanced Numerical Methods I d | 3 |
| Outside Area Preparation course e, f | 3 | |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| MATH:4820 | Optimization Techniques | 3 |
| MATH:6610 | Ordinary Differential Equations II d | 3 |
| MATH:6860 | Advanced Numerical Methods II d | 3 |
| AMCS Lectures on Programming | ||
| Hours | 9 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| AMCS:7990 | Reading and Research | 2 |
| MATH:5000 |
Abstract Algebra I d or Fundamental Groups and Covering Spaces or Mathematical Biology I |
4 |
| Outside Area course (numbered 6000 or above) e, f | 3 | |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| PhD Comprehensive Exam | ||
| AMCS:7990 | Reading and Research | 2 |
| MATH:5410 |
Introduction to Smooth Manifolds d or Mathematical Biology II or Abstract Algebra II |
4 |
| Outside Area course (numbered 6000 or above) e, f | 3 | |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| MATH:4610 | Continuous Mathematical Models | 3 |
| Hours | 3 | |
| Spring | ||
| MATH:4060 | Discrete Mathematical Models | 3 |
| Hours | 3 | |
| Fifth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| MATH:4840 | Mathematics of Machine Learning | 3 |
| Hours | 3 | |
| Spring | ||
| GRAD:6003 | Doctoral Final Registration | 1 |
| Final Exam g | ||
| Hours | 1 | |
| Total Hours | 72 | |
- a
- Students must complete specific requirements in the University of Iowa Graduate College after program admission. Refer to the Graduate College website and the Manual of Rules and Regulations for more information.
- b
- Students must pass (grade of B- or higher in each course) all three core course sequences (or be exempted) in the first two years of graduate study.
- c
- Taken in August.
- d
- Students must take and successfully pass two MATH courses numbered 5000-5999, and complete at least 12 s.h. of MATH courses numbered 6000-7799 with the exception of the seminars. Work with faculty advisor to determine appropriate graduate coursework and receive departmental approval.
- e
- Work with faculty advisor to determine appropriate graduate coursework and sequence.
- f
- Students must take and pass PhD level courses in areas in which mathematics is applied: one preparation course in the first two years and then two advanced courses outside of mathematics at the 6000 level or above.
- g
- Dissertation defense.