Computational and Applied Mathematics
Study the application of mathematical and computational techniques to model, solve, and understand problems in a wide variety of fields and contexts.
Overview
Bachelor of Science in the field of Computational and Applied Mathematics
In the 21st century, we find ourselves living in a complex and modern world that requires thoughtful and well-reasoned analytical, mathematical, and computational tools and methods in order to solve the burning problems and answer the critical questions that we are being faced with. These span a variety of fields including the physical, biological, and social sciences as well as within commerce, business, and finance.
The undergraduate Computational and Applied Mathematics curriculum will teach you these applied mathematical problem-solving skills as well as develop the use of computational methods and the implementation of algorithms on computers as a key component of problem-solving. You will take courses where the focus is on modeling and solving problems from a variety of areas including business, engineering, and science, and using mechanics, optimisation, differential equations, and scientific computing skills in order to achieve the intended outcomes. Through this course, you will also develop skills in critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and effective scientific communication.
As an applied mathematician, you will find yourself straddling different fields because you are working on understanding very interdisciplinary problems. As such, being a student who is majoring in applied mathematics places you in a unique position of being enrolled in a semi-flexible curriculum that has a wide and diverse variety of options giving you the opportunity to tailor-make a suite of course choices that are aligned to your own interests, and career aspirations and goals. These courses may be chosen from: physics, chemistry, computer science, biology, astrophysics, geology, philosophy, economics, finance, and accounting. In general, these additional courses should be ones that broaden your skills and have multifaceted value.
Applied mathematicians working in the School as well as in industry are involved in making meaning of and understanding the world that we live in, and working on real-world problems with real consequences for real people living in the real world. Applied Mathematics has thus become a very powerful and practical tool in many disciplines and professions. The specialised task of finding practical solutions to real-life problems by means of mathematical invention and computational expertise is the objective of researchers in the School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics at Wits.
Career Opportunities
Analytics (Data, Quantitative, Risk, Supply Chain), Forecasting, Consulting, Investment Banking, Finance and Financial Services, Operations Research, Data Scientist, Systems and Modelling Engineer, Programmer, Developer, Research and Academia, Teaching.
Curriculum
Year of Study 1
Computational and Applied Mathematics I:
- Mathematical Methods and Modelling I (APPM1026A)
- Mechanics I (APPM1028A)
- Scientific Computing I (APPM1030A)
AND
Mathematics I (Major):
- Algebra I (MATH1034A)
- Calculus I (MATH1036A)
AND
Any 2 other level I major courses
Recommended courses:
Computer Science I:
- Basic Computer Organisation I (COMS1015A)
- Discrete Computational Structures I (COMS1016A)
- Introduction to Algorithms and Programming I (COMS1018A)
- Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithms I (COMS1017A)
OR
Physics I (Major) (PHYS1000A)
Year of Study 2
Computational and Applied Mathematics II:
- Mathematical Methods and Modelling II (APPM2021A)
- Mechanics II (APPM2023A)
- Scientific Computing II (APPM2025A)
AND
Mathematics II (Major):
- Basic Analysis II (MATH2001A)
- Multivariable Calculus II (MATH2007A)
- Abstract Mathematics II (MATH2015A)
- Linear Algebra II (MATH2019A)
- Advanced Analysis II (MATH2016A)
- Introduction to Mathematical Statistics II (STAT2012A)
AND
Any other level II major course
Year of Study 3
Computational and Applied Mathematics III:
- Mathematical Methods and Modelling III (APPM3038A)
- Mechanics III (APPM3039A)
- Scientific Computing III (APPM3040A)
AND
Any other level III major course
Entry Requirements
APS 44+
English Home Language OR First Additional Language Level 5
Mathematics Level 6
Wait-listing
Applicants with 41-43 points may be wait-listed, subject to place availability.
National Benchmark Test
All Faculty of Science applicants must write the National Benchmark Tests (NBT) before being considered for admission. There are two tests. The Academic and Quantitative Literacy Test and the Mathematics Test. Your test results are used in addition to your Grade 12 results to identify students who may need additional support during their studies.
University Application Process
- The Student Enrolment Centre at Wits handles all student applications.
- Please click here for an overview of the application process.
- Check the admission requirements for your degree. Check if any additional selection requirements apply.
- Submit your application, required documentation and application fee before the closing date.
- Once you have applied, an admissions consultant will be assigned to your application.
- Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal.
- If you are an international applicant and/or have a foreign qualification, please click here.
Compliance with the minimum requirements does not guarantee a place at the University. The University has a specific number of places for first year undergraduates, approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.
University Fees and Funding
Click here to see the current average tuition fees for the first year of study. The Fees website also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal.
The Financial Aid and Scholarships Office provides information on student funding and scholarships. University-funded Scholarships include Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships, University Entrance Scholarships, Equality Scholarships, Sports Scholarships and National Olympiad winner awards. For information about NSFAS funding, please visit the NSFAS website. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.