For more information about this major at Bluffton University, please visit the mathematics, computer science and technology department's Web page: www.bluffton.edu/mcst
Mathematics is one of the oldest and most basic sciences. Mathematicians create new mathematical theories and techniques involving the latest technology and solve economic, scientific, engineering and business problems using mathematical knowledge and computational tools. Mathematical work falls into two broad classes: theoretical (pure) mathematics and applied mathematics. However, these classes are not sharply defined and often overlap. Theoretical mathematicians advance mathematical science by developing new principles and new relationships between existing principles of mathematics. Although they seek to increase basic knowledge without necessarily considering its practical use, this pure and abstract knowledge had been instrumental in producing or furthering many scientific and engineering achievements. Applied mathematicians use theories and techniques, such as mathematical modeling and computational methods, to formulate and solve practical problems in business, government, engineering and the physical, life and social sciences. Applied mathematicians working in industrial research and development may develop or enhance mathematical methods when confronted with difficult problems. Some mathematicians, called cryptoanalysts, analyze and decipher encryption systems designed to transmit national security-related information.
American Mathematical Society
P.O. Box 6248
Providence, Rhode Island 02940-6248
www.ams.org
Conference Board of the Mathematical Sciences
1529 18th Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
www.maa.org/cbms/cbms.html
Mathematical Association of America
1529 18th Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
www.maa.org/
Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics
3600 University City Science Center
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-2688
www.siam.org/
Ohio Council of Teachers of Mathematics
www.ohioctm.org
Mathematicians working for government agencies or private firms usually have structured work schedules. They may work alone, in a small group of mathematicians or as an integral part of a team that includes engineers, computer scientists, physicists, technicians and others. Deadlines, overtime work, special requests for information or analysis, and travel to attend seminars or conferences may be part of their jobs.
|
|
