Master of Mathematics in Applied Mathematics - Scientific Computing in Waterloo Canada | University of Waterloo

Over the last ten years, high-performance computing has emerged as a dominant tool for innovation and problem-solving across nearly every scientific and technological discipline. The field of Numerical Analysis and Scientific Computing sits at the heart of this transformation, creating computational techniques for sophisticated simulations in diverse domains spanning physics, engineering, life sciences, and information technology.

The department maintains strong expertise in classical Scientific Computing research areas like partial differential equation solutions and computational linear algebra. Investigators also explore other computational mathematics domains including ordinary differential equations, inverse problem solving, and optimization techniques. Scientific Computing research encompasses diverse approaches, from theoretical analysis of numerical methods to high-performance implementations on parallel computing architectures and graphics processing units.
Contemporary civilization has evolved through centuries of reciprocal influence between Mathematics and the Sciences. Continuing this legacy, the Department of Applied Mathematics provides graduate students with research opportunities in Control Theory, Dynamical Systems, Fluid Dynamics, Mathematical Biology and Medicine, Theoretical Physics, and Computational Science. Student research projects apply advanced mathematical concepts to both fundamental and practical challenges across multiple disciplines. Examples include optimizing cancer treatments, controlling smart materials, processing fractal images, developing quantum computers, and modeling climate patterns, cosmic inflation, and nanoscale phenomena. As part of Waterloo's Faculty of Mathematics - ranked 20th globally in the 2015 QS rankings - our department collaborates closely with Science and Engineering faculties, plus specialized institutes focusing on mathematical medicine, theoretical neuroscience, quantum physics, nanotechnology, water resources, and industrial mathematics. We provide both Master's and doctoral degree programs. Our research-intensive Master of Mathematics typically requires two years, with graduates either continuing to PhD studies or securing positions in industry and government. The PhD program generally spans four years, preparing students primarily for academic research careers, though some graduates pursue R&D roles in corporate or public sector organizations.