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Applied Mathematics
Teaching and research related to Applied Mathematics
Applied mathematics focuses on the creation and study of
mathematical and computational tools broadly applicable in science and
engineering, and on their use in solving challenging problems in these
and related fields.
From ecological modeling to electromagnetic theory, from robotics to meteorology, areas of investigation are diverse.
The interdisciplinary setting at Harvard provides an ideal environment for applied mathematics, with activities occurring both within and at the boundaries of many different fields, using a variety of mathematical and computational tools.
"I look for extremes, far-out behaviors, because they potentially can illuminate general principles about how many different things work."
- L. Mahadevan, Lola England de Valpine Professor of Applied Mathematics
Research and educational activities have particularly close links to Harvard's efforts in Mathematics, Economics, Computer Science, and Statistics.
Researchers aim to:
- understand the mathematical concepts and techniques used to analyze, explain, or predict information (whether it relates to scientific and engineering measurements or the less precise data that describe certain aspects of our social, economic or ecological environment);
- study
relations between models and observations; and
- examine the mathematical foundations and limitations of models and techniques and develop extensions.
Research
Research in applied mathematics covers everything from ecological modeling to electromagnetic theory, from robotics to meteorology.
- Computational Science
- Control Theory and Communications
- Mathematical Biology
- Mathematical Geophysics
- Physical and Engineering Mathematics
- Theoretical Computer Science
People
Teaching
- Information for current and prospective students
- Courses in Applied Mathematics
- Courses in all of SEAS