Applied Mathematics and Statistics

Baskin School of Engineering
335 Baskin Engineering Building
(831) 459-2158
http://www.soe.ucsc.edu

Program Description

Applied mathematics and statistics are branches of mathematics that are devoted to the use of mathematical methods and reasoning to solve real-world problems of a scientific or decision-making nature in a wide variety of subjects, principally (but not exclusively) in engineering, medicine, the physical and biological sciences, and the social sciences. Applied mathematical modeling often involves the use of systems of (partial) differential equations to describe and predict the behavior of complex real-world systems that unfold dynamically in time. Statistics, construed broadly, is the study of uncertainty: how to measure it (using ideas and methods in probability theory), and what to do about it (using concepts from statistical inference and decision theory).

Applied mathematics and statistics faculty offer courses under the sponsorship of the School of Engineering. Applied mathematics and statistics faculty also teach courses in collaboration with Mathematics, Economics, and other departments.

Graduate programs leading to M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in applied mathematics and statistics are currently under development and review. At present, students wishing to pursue graduate study in these subjects should apply for admission through the existing graduate programs in Computer Science, Environmental Studies, Ocean Sciences, or Physics, stating clearly in the application process that they are interested in graduate study in Applied Mathematics and Statistics.

Undergraduate Programs

Requirements for an Undergraduate Minor in Statistics

The statistics minor is available for students who wish to gain a quantitative  understanding of how to (a) measure uncertainty, and (b) make good decisions on the basis of incomplete or imperfect information, and to apply these skills to their interests in another field. This minor could also be combined with a major in mathematics as a preparation for a graduate degree in statistics or biostatistics.

Students are required to take a two-quarter basic calculus sequence:

Basic Calculus Sequence:

• AMS 11A-B or AMS 15 and 16 or Economics 11A-B or Math 11A-B or Math 19A-B or Math 20A-B

Plus one course from each of the following nine categories:

•     Statistical Concepts: AMS 5 or 7

•     Computer Programming: Bioinformatics 60 or Computer Science 12A or 60G or 60N

•     Linear Algebra: AMS 27 or Math 21

•     Multivariate Calculus: Math 22 or 23A

•     Probability: AMS 131 or Computer Engineering 107

•     Statistical Inference: AMS 162

•     Computational Methods: AMS 147

•     Bayesian Statistics: AMS 206

•     Statistical Elective: AMS 198, or AMS 205, or Bioinformatics 100, or Computer
      Engineering 108, or Economics 114, or Electrical Engineering 151, or Psychology 181,
      or Sociology 103A

At most two upper-level courses may be used to satisfy the requirements of another major or minor degree. With the permission of the AMS department, students may substitute any graduate-level AMS course for an upper-level requirement. Students planning graduate work in statistics are recommended to choose Math 21, Math 23A, and AMS 205, and also to take Math 23B and Math 105A-B.