Description of Major
Computational Science is the emerging discipline that provides the tools necessary to solve natural and social science and engineering problems on computers, much the same as mathematics provides the underpinning for theoretical solutions. Graduates of the Computational Science program will be prepared for employment in industry and government laboratories as well as for entry into graduate schools. The skill and knowledge sets acquired by students in this program compliment those of scientists and engineers so that, as part of interdisciplinary teams, those students are ideally positioned to help solve science and engineering problems using computers.
Note to prospective transfer students: Prospective transfer students should contact
Prerequisite Coursework
The following are proposed as common program prerequisites:
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MAC 2311 (4) Calculus I
MAC 2312 (4) Calculus II
ISC 3313 (3) Introduction to Scientific Computing or COP XXXX (3) Introductory programming (in C or C++, JAVA or equivalent language; COP 3014 Programming I at FSU) or other approved programming course.
Science with lab (4) A laboratory-based science course designed for science majors (BSC, CHM, GLY, MET, or PHY).
Note: State-wide common prerequisites are always under review. For the most current information and for acceptable alternative courses, visit the “Common Prerequisites Manual.” This is available from the “Student Services” section of http://www.flvc.org
Requirements
Requirements for graduation in the College of Arts and Sciences include:
The College of Arts and Science requires proficiency in a foreign language through the intermediate (2220 or equivalent) level or sign language through the advanced (2614 or equivalent) level.
Requirements for Progression to the Upper-Division Major:
Students must also have completed a minimum of 52 hours of credit and at least half the required hours in General Education including the required two English and two mathematics courses, or an A.A degree
Departmental Policy on Grades and Continuation in the Major:
A grade of C minus or better is required in all courses required for the BS Degree in Computational Science. A student who has received more than five unsatisfactory grades (U, F, D-, D+) in computational science, any of the sciences, mathematics, statistics, computer science, or engineering courses taken at Florida State University or elsewhere, including repeated unsatisfactory grades in the same required course, will not be permitted to graduate with a degree in computational science.
Major Program of Studies at FSU (54 hours)
All of the following (30 hours)
ISC 3222 (3) Symbolic and Numerical Computations ISC 4304 (4) Programming for Scientific Applications ISC 4220 (4) Continuous Algorithms for Science Applications ISC 4221 (4) Discrete Algorithms for Science Applications ISC 4223 (4) Computational Methods for Discrete Problems ISC 4232 (4) Computational Methods for Continuous Problems MAS 3105 (4) Applied Linear Algebra I Approved statistics course designed for statistics majors: STA 3XXX (3) or STA 4XXX (3)Seminar Classes (3 hours)
Three seminars are required: specialized topics and/or new developments in computational sciences.
ISC 4931r (1,1) Junior Seminar in Computational Science ISC 4932r (1) Senior Seminar in Computational SciencePracticum (3 hours)
ISC 4943 (3) Practicum in Computational ScienceElectives (18 hours)
9 hours of computational science courses selected from an approved list.
9 hours of additional electives from the Department of Scientific Computing or other appropriate department at the 3000/4000 level or from approved list. Students should consult the academic advisor regarding the selection of electives.
Collateral Courses: (26 hours)
The following courses are required. These may also be used to satisfy prerequisites, General Education or minor requirements.
ISC 3313 (3) Introduction to Scientific Computing or COP XXXX (3) Programming course MAC 2311 (4) Calculus I MAC 2312 (4) Calculus II Two laboratory-based science courses (8 hrs) designed for science majors: BSC, CHM, GLY, MET, or PHY.Minor: (0-12+ hours beyond other requirements)
A minor is required. If not also used to meet the General Education mathematics requirement, the required collateral courses MAC 2311, MAC 2312, and MAS 3105 will satisfy the requirements for a minor in mathematics. The student may select another minor in consultation with the program advisor.
Computer Skills Competency: (0 hours beyond other requirements)
ISC 3313 Introduction to Scientific Computing or COP 3014 Programming I fulfill this requirement for the major.
Oral Communication Competency: (0-3 credits hours)
Students must demonstrate the ability to orally transmit ideas and information clearly. This requirement may be met with an approved college-level course.
Minimum Program Requirements Summary
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Total Hrs. Required 120
General Education 36*
Prerequisite Coursework 15* (also count for collateral coursework)
Major Coursework 54
Collateral Coursework 26*
Minor Coursework 0-12 or more*
Foreign Language 0-12 (depending on placement)
Computer Skills 0-3 beyond major
Oral Communication Competency 0-3
Electives to bring total hours to 120
*Note: Some prerequisite and/or collateral coursework may also be applied to General Education requirements in math and science or the minor.
Mapping
Mapping is FSU’s academic advising and monitoring system. Academic progress is monitored each Fall and Spring semester to ensure that students are on course to earn their degree in a timely fashion. Transfer students must meet mapping guidelines to be accepted into their majors. You may view the map for this major at www.academic-guide.fsu.edu/
Remarks
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A minimum of 45 hours at the 3000 level or above, 30 of which must be taken at this University.
Half of the major course semester hours must be completed in residence at this University.
The final 30 hours must be completed in residence at this University.
Employment Information
Salary Information: National Association of Colleges and Employers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
Representative Job Titles Related to this Major: Baccalaureate level-computational scientist, computer center consultant, graduate student, programmer, computer modeler. Master of Science level-computational scientist, computer center consultant, Ph.D student, programmer, software engineer, computer modeler. With Ph.D-computational scientist, professor, postdoctoral associate, research scientist, research associate, computer modeler, research group leader.
Representative Employers: Universities and college computer centers, government and private research laboratories, manufacturing and service businesses, industry, state and federal government agencies.
