Applied and Computational Mathematics, Master's, 2 years

The relevant problems are described mathematically in one or more equations through a modelling process. These equations are solved by using numerical tools, and the results are used to improve the understanding of the original problems.  

Another essential part of the field includes basic method development within applied mathematics, where one examines how different classes of mathematical problems can be represented and solved efficiently by using computers. 

This Master’s programme educates candidates who are highly sought after in industry, research, teaching and management.  

You can write your master thesis in ACM within one of the following specialisations:  

• applied analysis  
• image processing  
• fluid mechanics and ocean modelling  
• inverse problems  
• mechanics and dynamical systems  
• environmental mathematics 
• numerical mathematics 
• computational science  
• reservoir mathematics 

Academic life 

The Department of Mathematics is in the Science Building on the University’s city centre campus. Our social environment is friendly and informal, with students and staff from around the world. 

During the two years of the programme, you follow courses and write a thesis. Some of the courses are mandatory within the specialisations, while the other courses are chosen in agreement with your academic supervisor.  

The courses are usually based around lectures and groups, around 16 hours per week. Find more details on courses, schedules and literature on the specialisation pages.  

You can choose between a 30 ECTS thesis or a 60 ECTS thesis. 

Your master’s thesis is a piece of independent research, where you make use of appropriate methods and scientific working techniques in the research of relevant material.  

You will work closely with an academic supervisor whose expertise is in the field of your thesis topic. In agreement with your supervisor, you will choose a thesis topic and make a progression plan containing important milestones for your project.  

Career

This Master’s programme educates candidates who are highly sought after in industry, research, teaching and management.  

7 out of 10 of alumni with a degree from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences say that they have found relevant work within two years of graduating.   

A master’s degree is a qualification for continued research, for instance by pursuing a PhD.   

What will you learn? 

An education in Applied and Computational Mathematics enables you to solve practical problems within different applied areas by using mathematical modelling, analysis and numerical calculation.  

The programme teaches you the fundamental theory for understanding relevant academic literature and how to make use of new methods and results in applied work. 

Full list of learning outcomes.

Structure 

The Master programme in ACM covers two academic years (four semesters) and starts in the autumn and spring. Most students follow courses worth 60 ECTS and write a thesis worth 60 ECTS. Alternatively, you can follow courses worth 90 ECTS and write a 30 ECTS thesis. 

There are two mandatory courses, both offered in the spring semester: MAT252 Continuum Mechanics (10 ECTS) and MAT260 Scientific Computing 2 (10 ECTS).  

The rest of the courses are listed under each specialisation: 

Applied Analysis: involves developing of analytical and constructive methods for solving differential- and integral equations from several areas of application.  Recommended previous knowledge: MAT211, MAT213, MAT230.  Central courses: MAT211, MAT234. 

Image Processing: involves development and analysis of numerical methods for processing images from medical research, data technology and similar large simulation tasks. Recommended previous knowledge: STAT110, MAT213, MAT261.  Central courses: MAT234, MAT262, INF270. 

Fluid mechanics and ocean modelling: involves analytical and numerical studies of waves and flow on an industrial and geophysical scale. A backgound in physical oceanography is useful for studying ocean currents.  Recommended previous knowledge: MAT213, MAT230, MAT252.  Central courses: MAT234, MAT253. 

Inverse problems: involves estimations of magnitudes based on indirect measures, for instance dynamical reservoir characterization and monitoring.  Recommended previous knowledge: STAT110, MAT230.  Central courses: MAT234, MAT254, MAT265. 

Mechanics and Dynamical systems: involves modelling of physical and biological systems emphasizing correlations between processes on the microscopic and macroscopic level. Recommended previous knowledge: MAT213, MAT230.  Central course: MAT251. 

Environmental Mathematics: involves problems associated with intervention and management of the environment. Modelling and differential equations are central subjects.  Recommended previous knowledge: MAT213, MAT230, MAT260.  Central courses: MAT234, MAT254. 

Numerical Mathematics: involves development and discussion of numerical methods used in computational tasks.  Recommended previous knowledge: MAT213, MAT230, MAT260.  Central courses: MAT236, MAT261, MAT360. 

Computational Science: uses calculations/computations to seek insight in complex phenomenon not easily found by theoretical vurderinger and laboratory experiments alone. Modelling, simulation and visualization are used.  Recommended previous knowledge: MAT230, MAT260.  Central courses: MAT261, MAT360. 

Reservoir Mathematics: involves analytical and numerical studies of flow in oil reservoirs. These are problems encountered when extracting oil and gas.  Recommended previous knowledge: MAT213, MAT230, MAT260.  Central courses: MAT234, MAT254. 

Full course list, mathematics.  

Full course list, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.

Study period abroad 

You can plan study periods abroad in consultation with your supervisor.  

Admission requirements

In order to apply for the Master Programme in Applied and Computational Mathematics you need a bachelor degree in Applied Mathematics, Mathematics or the like. You must hold a minimum of 70 ECTS in relevant courses such as Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Functions of several Variables, Programming and at least one of Numerics/Analysis/Mechanics/Advanced Differential Equations/Statistics.

Your last Mathematics course should not be older than 10 years.

It is important to document the content and learning outcomes of the central mathematics subjects, either with attached course descriptions or with links to web pages where course descriptions can be found.

Bachelor degrees that qualify

• Usually, a Bachelor degree in Applied Mathematics/Mathematics is required for admission.
• Other bachelor degrees can qualify if you can document at least 70 ECTS relevant courses.

 Bachelor degrees that do not qualify

• Bachelor in Economics/administration/similar: the degree does not contain relevant courses. Courses named «Matematics for economy» etc do not correspond to Calculus courses.
• Engineering degrees will not qualify without additional courses from a Mathematics department. Engineering courses containing a mathematics component will not count as credits in Mathematics, only pure Mathematics courses within Calculus, Linear Algebra etc will qualify as part of the 70 ECTS relevant courses. 

How to apply 

Follow these links to find the general entry requirements and guidelines on how to apply:

• Citizens from outside the European Union/EEA/EFTA (application deadline 1 December)
• Citizens from within the European Union/EEA/EFTA (application deadline 1 March)
• Nordic citizens and applicants residing in Norway (application deadline 15 April)

You will also have to meet the programme specific entry requirements.

The programme has main admission in fall and supplementary admission in spring (application deadline 1 November), if not all spots have been filled in the fall admission. The spring admission does not apply for applicants from outside the European Union/EEA/EFTA.