Mathematics - The Field

Mathematics is the language of the sciences, providing a bridge between experimental observation and scientific theory. Modern mathematics encompasses a wide variety of fields, from the formulation of mathematical models of complicated physical and biological systems to the study of abstract objects.

As our technology improves, it becomes more reliant on powerful mathematics, while simultaneously driving mathematics forward. Modern algebra is closely connected to theoretical physics; number theory is increasingly applied to computer and communications security; geometry and analysis are applied to many problems of science and engineering; and ordinary, partial, and stochastic differential equations are central to many branches of engineering research. Contemporary applications of sophisticated mathematics include aircraft design, properties of materials, weather prediction, understanding the spread of disease, oil well simulation, image processing, communication, economics, genomics and many others. In addition, mathematics is increasingly applied in other fields such as biology, medicine, ecology, and sociology.

Students interested in majoring or minoring in mathematics should contact the Chief Undergraduate Advisor, tel. (413) 545-2282, Lederle Graduate Research Tower (LGRT) 1625.