Computational Mathematics

INTRODUCTION
Computational mathematics involves mathematical research in areas of science where computing plays a central and essential role. It involves algorithms, numerical methods, and symbolic methods. In engineering and science today, there is a trend towards the use of modern, sophisticated mathematical techniques of both computational and theoretical types.

However, a career in computational mathematics is not just about numbers. Those who are keen on a career involving mathematics should realise that it is a job that allows you to solve problems in an environment of your choice.

You will also realise that many who utilize mathematical techniques in their jobs are rarely called a mathematician. The outlook of a career in mathematics has evolved and diversified. Today, mathematical experts are engineers, computer scientists, physicists, economists and researchers.

JOB DESCRIPTION
The environment or industry you choose can vary greatly, as with your job title, but one thing that remains the same is the nature of your job, that is, problem solving abilities.

Examples of what you may be required to do are: finding the most efficient way to organise a database so that it delivers information quickly; creating a model that simulates complex systems found in science, medicine, engineering, and economics; recommending the balance for a risk/reward trade-off in the financial investment sector; data mining; weather forecasting; and many more.

Those with skills in computational mathematics can also consider emerging fields such as Computational Biology and Genomics, Neuroscience, Materials Science, Computer Animation and Digital Imaging.

Employment and places of work
As mentioned earlier, places of work is varied and a lot depends on which industry drives your interest to parlay your mathematical savvy. As such, employees of mathematicians range from governmental research organizations to independent consultants.

xamples of industries that employ people qualified in computational mathematics include government agencies; engineering research organizations; computer service and software companies; electronics and computer manufacturers; financial services firms; chemical or pharmaceutical companies; research organisations; and independent consultants.

Areas Covered by Programmes
A degree in mathematics or science that majors in computational mathematics will prepare you with mathematical knowledge-tools like differential equations, probability and statistics, matrices, calculus, and computational geometry. Equally important are central skills like the art of abstraction, good communication skills, business and management skills, and the ability to programme computers.

It is also important to prepare yourself by getting experience in using these ideas in real applications and finding the general patterns among specific problems in engineering, science, finance, medicine, and many other areas.

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