Mathematics/Applied Science BS

Overview

The Mathematics/Applied Science major is designed for students with a substantial interest in mathematics and its applications to a particular field. It is an individual major in that students, in consultation with a faculty adviser, design their own program. They may also select one of the established programs: mathematics/history of science plan or medical and life sciences plan. In the past, Mathematics/Applied Science majors have combined the study of mathematics with fields such as atmospheric and oceanic sciences, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, economics, geography, physics, psychology, and statistics.

Students interested in designing an individual program should meet with the undergraduate adviser, 6356 Mathematical Sciences, during their sophomore year. A proposed program is drawn up, then forwarded to the mathematics/applied science curriculum committee for approval. All programs must include the following preparation for the major and major courses.

Learning Outcomes

Strong mathematical content knowledge of single and multivariate differential and integral calculus, and differential equations

Familiarity with linear algebra, techniques of proof, and foundations of real analysis

Ability to synthesize material, solve problems, and think abstractly

Ability to perform basic computer programming, especially in C++

Familiarity with basic statistical analysis including probability distributions, random variables, survey sampling, testing, data summary, sums of squares principle, testing general linear hypothesis in regression, and inference procedures

Requirements

Admission

Current UCLA students need to apply for the Mathematics/Applied Science major by filing a petition with the Student Services Office in 6356 Mathematical Sciences. All students are identified as Mathematics/Applied Science premajors until they satisfy the following minimum requirements for the major: (1) achieve grades of C or better in all premajor mathematics sequenced courses (Mathematics 31A or 31AL, 31B, 32A, 32B, 33A, 33B), (2) achieve a minimum 2.5 grade-point average in the calculus sequence with no more than two repeats, (3) complete one 12-unit term in residence in regular session at UCLA, (4) be enrolled in UCLA regular session at the time of application, and (5) file a petition to declare the major before completing 160 quarter units.

Premajor

Preparation for the Major

Preparation for the Major Policies

Each course must be taken for a letter grade. The mathematics sequenced courses (Mathematics 31A or 31AL, 31B, 32A, 32B, 33A, 33B) are calculated separately from the other preparation for the major courses and must be completed with a minimum overall 2.5 grade-point average and a grade of C or better in each course. The other preparation courses must be completed with a minimum overall 2.0 grade-point average and a grade of C- or better in each course.

Repetition of more than two mathematics sequenced courses or of any mathematics sequenced course more than once results in automatic dismissal from the major.

First-Year Students

Transfer Students

Transfer applicants to the Mathematics/Applied Science major with 90 or more units must complete as many of the following introductory courses as possible prior to admission to UCLA: two years of calculus for majors and one C++ programming course. Additional courses are required for each concentration plan.

Refer to the UCLA transfer admission guide for up-to-date information regarding transfer selection for admission.

After satisfying the preparation for the major requirements, students need to petition to enter the major at the Student Services Office after completing one 12-unit term in residence in regular session at UCLA, and while enrolled in UCLA regular session at the time of application.

The Major

Required: Fourteen courses, seven in the Mathematics Department selected from Mathematics 106 through 199 and seven upper-division courses in a related field selected from one or two other departments.

Mathematics 115A is required of all majors and is intended to be the first upper-division course taken. It is strongly advised that students take Mathematics 115A as soon as the major is declared, if not earlier.

The Major Policies

Each course must be taken for a letter grade. The seven Mathematics Department courses must be completed with a minimum overall grade-point average of 2.0, with grades of C- or better in Mathematics 115A and 131A, as must the seven courses outside mathematics.

At least five of the courses from the related discipline must be taken after the program has been approved. Students are not admitted to the major if they have 135 or more units by the end of the term in which they plan to enter the program.

Computing Specialization

Majors may select a specialization in Computing by (1) satisfying all the requirements for a bachelor’s degree in the specified major and (2) completing Mathematics 61 or 180, Program in Computing 10A, 10B, two courses from 10C, 15, 16A, 20A, 40A, and at least two courses from Mathematics 149 through 159, with a minimum grade of C– in each course and a combined grade-point average of at least 2.0. Students must petition for admission to this program and are advised to do so after they complete Program in Computing 10B (petitions should be filed in the Student Services Office). Students graduate with a bachelor’s degree in their major and a specialization in Computing.