Learn how to solve practical problems with mathematics
The Master's degree programme in Applied mathematics focuses on using advanced mathematics to formulate, model, analyse and solve complex practical problems. The programme combines mathematics, statistics and computer science, and elective courses and project topics allow you to specialise in a research area of your choice.
In the Applied mathematics programme, you will learn to model and solve problems by using advanced mathematical methods. Aside from the basic mathematical principles, the Applied mathematics programme will acquaint you with mathematical modelling, for example formulating complex problems in applications as mathematical problems, in order to analyse them and perform calculations digitally.
Applied mathematics is not a particular kind of mathematics, but a way to work with mathematics. It is impossible to say whether a mathematical subject is applied or not. Most of the mathematics considered “pure” mathematics was developed in order to solve practical problems.
A specific example of the opposite case, which still has a great practical potential, is the French lawyer and government official, Pierre de Fermat, who worked with mathematics solely to satisfy his own curiosity. After more than 350 years, it was recently proven that his famous equation: xn+yn=zn, where x, y, z and n are positive, natural numbers, has no solution with n=2 (because n=2 makes 3, 4 and 5 one of an infinite number of solutions).
Fermat had no ambition for his work in numbers theory to be practically utilised. Nonetheless, his work is fundamental in the code theory (cryptology) used every time we make transactions and do banking online.
In short, you could say that an applied mathematician is often motivated by a problem outside the realm of mathematics. An applied mathematician masters and is capable of developing the mathematical tools which have helped create the modern society of industry and information.
Read more about your future prospects.
Why you should study Applied mathematics at SDU
- SDU is the only university in Denmark that offers a full degree programme in Applied mathematics
- Already as a student, you will get the opportunity to work with challenging research issues and collaborate with industry
- The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science hosts the SDU eScience Centre, which gives researchers and students access to one of Denmark's high-performance computer clusters
- The teachers are close to the students and are always open to questions and discussion
