Applied Mathematics

The Applied Mathematics Interdisciplinary Minor offers an introduction to the process of modeling natural or social phenomena by mathematical systems. The goal of the Interdisciplinary Minor is to foster skills in the development of an appropriate variety of mathematical tools, to acquire an appreciation for the limitations of a given mathematical model and for modeling as a dynamic process, and to experience this process within a specific domain of application. The applied mathematics interdisciplinary minor has two tracks (Social Science Emphasis & Natural Science Emphasis). Either track is open to all students (regardless of major).

The Applied Mathematics Interdisciplinary Minor is administered by the Applied Mathematics Advisory Committee. The faculty liaison is Prof. Donna K. Molinek domolinek@davidson.edu. A student must submit a written application to the Applied Mathematics Advisory Committee by the last day of class of the spring semester of the junior year. Earlier application increases the opportunity for coherence and flexibility in planning the applicant’s course of study. Appropriate progress toward satisfying the required portion of the Interdisciplinary Minor should be made by the end of the sophomore year. Certification of completion of all the requirements for the Interdisciplinary Minor is made by the Registrar upon the recommendation of the Applied Mathematics Advisory Committee.

Minor Requirements - Social Science Track

A student in the social science track whose major is mathematics must include at least one elective from a department other than mathematics.

One course selected from:

SOC 201 - Social Statistics

Two electives selected from:

Minor Requirements - Natural Science Track

One course selected from:

Linear Algebra

MAT 150 - Linear Algebra

Physics - Two Courses

Students may receive credit for PHY 125 OR PHY 130, but not both.

One course selected from:

One elective selected from:

Additional Information

The collection of elective courses an applicant plans to use to satisfy the Interdisciplinary Minor requirements may be amended subject to the approval of the Applied Mathematics Advisory Committee. A seminar or independent study involving substantive application of mathematical techniques may satisfy an elective requirement upon the consent of the Applied Mathematics Advisory Committee.

No more than two courses from those courses that constitute a student’s major may be applied toward the Interdisciplinary Minor in Applied Mathematics. With the approval of the Applied Mathematics Advisory Committee, a student may substitute an additional elective course for a required course in the student’s major.

At least one elective course must be taken during or after the spring semester of the junior year. A grade of “C” or higher is required in all courses applied toward the Interdisciplinary Minor.