Applied Math for the Life and Social Sciences (Complex Adaptive Sys Science), PhD

Program Overview

The program emphasizes transdisciplinary research, quantitative analysis, and complex adaptive systems science approaches. Graduates pursue careers in fields such as bioinformatics, ecology, mathematical epidemiology, and social science research.

Program Outline

• Produces quantitative scientists and applied mathematicians who conduct high-level transdisciplinary research.
• Addresses global challenges in health, environment, and natural resources.

Outline:

• Requires 84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, a prospectus, and a dissertation.
• Coursework includes:
• Required Core (6 credits):
• AML 610 Topics in Applied Mathematics for the Life and Social Sciences (3 credits)
• AML 612 Applied Mathematics for the Life and Social Sciences Modeling Seminar (3 credits)
• Concentration Courses (6 credits):
• ASM 570 Fundamentals of CAS Science (3 credits) or BIO 570 Fundamentals of CAS Science (3 credits)
• A course on complex adaptive systems science approaches (3 credits)
• Restricted Electives (12 credits):
• A biostatistics course (3 credits)
• A numerical analysis course (3 credits)
• 6 credits in life sciences and social sciences
• Electives (36 credits):
• 36 credits of elective coursework
• Research (12 credits):
• AML 592/792 Research (12 credits)
• Culminating Experience (12 credits):
• AML 799 Dissertation (12 credits)

Assessment:

• Includes a written comprehensive exam, a prospectus, and a dissertation.
• Dissertation is publicly defended before a faculty committee.
• Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.20 in their coursework.

Teaching:

• Faculty includes mathematicians, statisticians, theoretical biologists, and social scientists with expertise in complex adaptive systems science.
• Utilizes a combination of lectures, seminars, and hands-on research experiences.
• Provides opportunities for students to collaborate with faculty and participate in ongoing research projects.

Careers:

• Graduates can pursue careers in various fields, including:
• Bioinformatics
• Computational sciences
• Ecology
• Genomics
• Mathematical analysis
• Mathematical epidemiology
• Nonlinear dynamics
• Population dynamics
• Social science fields
• Graduates are well-equipped with quantitative, scientific, and analytical skills highly sought after in these fields.

Other:

• The program is open to students with bachelors' or master's degrees in mathematics, statistics, life sciences, social sciences, or related fields.
• Students entering without a master's degree must complete 30 additional hours of coursework and present a research portfolio.
• The program is STEM-OPT eligible for international students on F-1 visas.

Note:

• This program also offers a complex adaptive systems science concentration, which trains students in advanced concepts and methods for studying complex phenomena in the social and life sciences.
• The program emphasizes the value of a complex adaptive perspective for solving critical issues facing society.