Applied Mathematics
Established by the Arizona Board of Regents: MS, PhD 1977
The Graduate Interdisciplinary Program in Applied Mathematics is an interdisciplinary research and teaching program which is ranked as one of the top Applied Mathematics programs in the country. The Program provides an environment for studies leading to M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in which dissertation topics are drawn from many areas of the physical, biological, and engineering sciences where mathematics and modeling play a fundamental role. The goal of the Program is to produce active and creative researchers who will work at the forefront of both their application area and the mathematics relevant to that application. The course work leading to the degree is flexible and students are encouraged to begin supervised research projects at an early stage. The Program sponsors a wide range of activities including, seminars, colloquia, special lecture series, research tutorial groups, and a multidisciplinary biomathematics program.
Faculty Membership
Participating Colleges & Departments
Program Bylaws
1. Program Membership
The Program is always pleased to recruit new members who could become research advisors to Program students and participants in other Program activities. University of Arizona faculty interested in joining the Program should submit an application directly to the Steering Committee. The application should consist of a detailed resume and a letter stating (i) how their research and training interests relate to those of the Program and (ii) ways in which they may have already interacted with the Program (e.g. given Applied Mathematics seminars, sat on a student's committee, or supervised an independent study of an Applied Mathematics student). Involvement in Program activities prior to a formal application for membership is not required, but is strongly encouraged. Potential applicants are also encouraged to discuss their application with Steering Committee members. University faculty can join the Program as either "Members" or "Affiliate Members" according to the criteria given below. Non University faculty may be eligible to become "Professional Affiliates". In most case University faculty join the Program as Affiliate Members but in some cases they may have fulfilled the criteria necessary to be Members. The guiding principles of the membership structure are:- The separation into Members and Affiliate Members is not one of first and second-class citizenship, but a means of honestly identifying an individual's current level of involvement in the Program.
- Affiliate Membership is intended to identify faculty who have, as approved by the Steering Committee, a strong interest in applied mathematics and are qualified to be research advisors or co-advisors for students in the Program.
- The designation as a Member is intended to recognize periods of substantial faculty involvement in the Program. Only Program Members may vote on Program issues when a matter requiring a vote arises.
- The distinction between Members and Affiliate Members is carefully explained to all Program students to ensure that they understand that faculty in either category are potential research advisors.
- Every opportunity will be given to Affiliate Members (as well as Members) to have access to Program students through the appropriate Program activities.
- The membership criteria will be explained to all Deans and Department Heads as needed. It will be emphasized that that the category of Member identifies (their) faculty as being substantially involved in the Applied Mathematics Program, and that their efforts should be rewarded as such.
- The Program fully recognizes that its faculty will have different levels of involvement in the Program at different times. Faculty affiliation is reviewed periodically by the Steering Committee and appropriate adjustments to Program member's listed designation are made.
- They have a demonstrable record, and strong interest, in applied mathematics.
- Are qualified to advise or co-advise a Program student's dissertation research.
- Have engaged in some level of Program activity, e.g. given Applied Mathematics seminars, sat on a student's committee, or supervised an independent study of an Applied Mathematics student.
- Currently advising a PhD student. Here "advising" means the committed direction of research as embodied by the faculty officially chairing or co-chairing of the student's dissertation committee.
- Has graduated a PhD student in the last three years.
- Taught a core course in the last three years.
- Puts a research grant through the Program.
- Has a 'partnered-hire' or 'buy-out' position in the Program.
- Serves on the various Graduate Working Groups overseeing Recruitment, Examinations, and Curriculum.
- Serves on the Steering Committee.
- Official co-advising of Program students in keeping with Graduate College policy.
- Supporting Program students through research grants, scholarships, and fellowships.
- A proven record of significant ongoing research collaborations with Program faculty.
- Approve Affiliate Membership or Membership of new applicants to the Program.
- Grant Professional Affiliate status to non-University members.
- Periodically review the affiliation of all Program faculty and to make appropriate adjustments to their membership status as either Members or Affiliate Members.
- Both Members and Affiliate Members may serve on the Steering Committee.
- The Steering Committee will consist of eight members in addition to the Head.
- Faculty will serve a four-year term. Terms can be renewed, but no more than two consecutive terms can be served. In some cases, circumstances (e.g. a sabbatical leave) may permit a three-year term.
- Committee membership will be rotated at the rate of up to two members a year.
- When vacancies on the Committee appear the entire Program membership will be solicited for recommendations for new members. The slate of possible candidates will be considered by the current Steering Committee who will then pass on their recommendations to the Dean of the Graduate College.
- On request the Program will provide its faculty, or an official University Committee or person assessing that faculty member, with this information.
- On request the Program Head will provide a letter describing the level of a faculty member's activity in, and value to, the Program to whichever administrative person or committee is relevant to the case at hand.
- On request the Program Head will meet with whichever administrative person or committee is relevant to the case at hand to detail the faculty member's contributions to the Program.