Computational Science

Computational science is the application of computer analysis to the solving of problems in the natural sciences. It covers the formulation and analysis of problems, the use of software packages and programs to solve these problems computationally, simulations and modelling, mathematical and numerical analysis, high-performance supercomputing, graphics, visualisation, and programming.

If you major in computational science you can include a wide range of computationally oriented electives to suit your interests.

What do Computational Scientists do?

Computational scientists write computer codes and implement models describing a wide variety of systems. They observe scenarios and determine solutions for clients. They have very strong skills in problem-solving, analysis, numerical methods and programming. These skills have made computational scientists highly sought after in the areas of scientific and financial research, in delivering industry and corporate it solutions and assisting with policy development in government departments. They may work in large corporate consultancies, hospitals, universities or government.

What will you study?

Computational science (COSC) is an interdisciplinary major comprising units of study offered by several schools and departments in the faculties of science and engineering. To get started, you can enrol in the first year units that introduce the subject using Matlab and the C programming language. In your senior year, core units covering the theory and practice of scientific computation are taught by the departments of physics and mathematics. Electives can be taken from the areas of biochemistry, biology, bioinformatics, geosciences, mathematics, multimedia, physics and statistics.