Computational Mathematics

Industry has always used mathematical models to solve problems. Today, various sectors of industry face increasingly larger scale problems that can be solved only by people who have specialized knowledge and skills in computer modelling of mathematical problems. To meet this need, Waterloo is pleased to introduce Computational Mathematics, a hybrid program that sits at the intersection of mathematics and computer science. This new program in the Faculty of Mathematics teaches students to exploit the increasing power of computers for solving industrial-size mathematical problems. Students who have strengths in both mathematics and computing will find this program particularly interesting.

Mathematical models arise in a wide variety of fields, including business, economics, engineering, finance, medicine, and science. The application of computer methods to simulate such models was traditionally called "scientific computation," though the practice has spread far beyond its roots in science to encompass problems arising in all areas of society. The results of such simulations are numerical answers, formulae, data sets, plots, charts, and images that help us to understand the nature of the world around us and allow us to predict and influence the future.

Developing and analyzing such models involves more than classical mathematics and elementary computer science. It includes issues such as the implications of finite precision arithmetic, the efficiency, accuracy and stability of numerical computations, the development and maintenance of mathematical software, and the effects of modern developments in computer architectures and networks. There is a significant demand for people educated in the field of computational mathematics; that is, those who are able to deploy effectively a wide range of mathematical and computational techniques in areas of application.

Focus your studies

Choose one of the following options in which to focus your studies after first year:

Computational Mathematics/Bio-Medical Option
Computational Mathematics/Data-Mining Option
Computational Mathematics/Earth and Space Option
Computational Mathematics/Economics Option

System of study

Co-op or regular
Choose your system when you apply

Apply to

Computational Mathematics — co-op or regular — WCM

Co-op students at work

Ice Model Research Assistant, Data Assimilation, Environment Canada
Jr. Business Analyst Intern, Clear-to-Close Solutions, Denville, NJ, USA
Quality Assurance Technicians, Farm Business Consultants

Grads at work

Network Manager, Canada Institute of Linguistics
Process & Technology Officer, Canadian National Railway Co.
Development Analyst, Network-Centric Prod & Technologies, IBM
Senior Structural Designer, Zefer Corporation
Security Analyst, 724 Solutions Inc.

Visit the University of Waterloo Undergraduate Calendar for a list of courses and degree requirements for this program.

More information is available from the Computational Mathematics homepage.