• Introduction
  
• Program of Study
• Department
• Curriculum
• Concentrations

Introduction

The interdisciplinary B.S. program in Computational and Data Sciences represents a new direction for integrated science at George Mason University based on the combination of applied mathematics, real world computer science skills, data acquisition and analysis, and scientific modeling. Graduates of the B.S. program in Computational and Data Sciences will possess the mathematical, scientific, and computational skills necessary to participate effectively as members of the interdisciplinary scientific simulation and analysis groups that are becoming more and more common in both the public and private sectors, particularly in northern Virginia. Graduates will also be qualified to pursue graduate education in the sciences. Any student who meets the University’s general eligibility requirements may apply to the B.S. program in Computational and Data Sciences.

Program of Study

In addition to satisfying the university-wide general education requirements for the B.S. degree, students must complete a total of 18 credits in computational and data sciences core courses, 15 credits in computer science, 23 credits in mathematics, 6 credits in statistics, 21-25 credits in a science concentration, and 3-9 credits in computational and data sciences electives with a minimum GPA of 2.00. Students are encouraged to undertake an optional research project that allows them to gain useful experience in the development of simulations and other aspects of computational science.

Curriculum Requirementss

Through the course work listed below, Computational and Data Sciences majors satisfy the university-wide requirements in natural science and quantitative reasoning.

• Six required core computational and data sciences courses (18 credits): CDS 101, 301, 302, 401, 410, and 411
• Six required computer science courses (15 credits): CS 105, 112, 211, 261, 367, and 483
• Seven required mathematics courses (23 credits): MATH 113, 114, 125, 203, 213, 214, and 446
• Two required statistics courses (6 credits): STAT 344 and 354
• Science concentration (21-25 credits)
• Computational and data sciences electives (3-9 credits)
  

In meeting the above requirements, students choose a concentration in physics, chemistry, or biology. The courses required for each concentration are listed below. Students should plan a program of study in consultation with their advisor as appropriate for their selected concentration.

Concentration in Physics

This concentration is designed for students who wish to pursue a career or graduate education that applies computational techniques to the simulation of physical problems. To complete this concentration, students should take the following courses: PHYS 160, 161, 260, 261, 262, 263 and three of PHYS 303, 305, 306, 307, 308, 328.

Concentration in Chemistry

This concentration is intended for students who wish to pursue a career or graduate education that applies computers to the simulation of chemical processes and systems. To complete this concentration, students should take the following courses: PHYS 243, 244, 245, 246, and CHEM 211, 212 plus either CHEM 313/315 or CHEM 331/336.

Concentration in Biology

This concentration is appropriate for students who wish to pursue a career or graduate education that applies computational techniques to the simulation of biological processes and systems. To complete this concentration, students should take the following courses: CHEM 211, 212, 313, 315, and BIOL 213, 305, 306, and 311.

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