Scientific Computing Minor

NSM Peak

The study of computing requires a creative imagination and develops analytical and problem-solving skills that are applicable in a wide range of academic and professional careers. The Scientific Computing minor provides students with the academic background in mathematics, statistics, and computer science necessary to understand the applications of computing and information theory in solving scientific problems, both everyday and professional.  In keeping with the interdisciplinary spirit of the field, minors in scientific computing complete coursework in the natural sciences, mathematics, and computer science. Students should recognize that an ability to acquire and use mathematical tools is an essential part of this minor.

The Scientific Computing minor is an excellent complement to majors not always thought of as allied to computer science, such as political economy, business, or psychology, since these fields are increasingly concerned with very large sets of data.

Minor Requirements

16 credits

Foundations of Programming (3 credits)

CSC-150Comp Sci I: Intro to Comp Sci and Prog

3 credits

Mathematics (6-7 credits)

Complete any two of the three options: 1) MAT-212; 2) MAT-252, and 3) any of MAT-150, MAT-175, and MAT-275 .

MAT-212Multiple Regression Analysis

3 credits

-
or

MAT-252Discrete Mathematics

3 credits

-
or one course from:

MAT-150Applied Calculus: A Modeling Approach

4 credits

MAT-175Single Variable Calculus

4 credits

MAT-275Multivariable Calculus

4 credits

Additional Computer Science (3-4 credits)

Complete one of the following.

CSC-152Computer Science II: Data Structures

4 credits

CSC-270Applied Databases

3 credits

CSC-285Data Manipulation and Visualization

3 credits

Science (4 credits)

Complete one of the following science courses and the associated lab.

BIO-102Biology of Human Disease

3 credits

BIO-102LBiology of Human Disease Lab

1 credit

BIO-140Idaho Natural History

3 credits

BIO-140LIdaho Natural History Lab

1 credit

BIO-201Molecules to Cells

3 credits

BIO-201LMolecules to Cells Lab

1 credit

CHE-141General Chemistry I

3 credits

CHE-141LGeneral Chemistry Laboratory I

1 credit

ENV-161Environmental Systems Science

3 credits

ENV-161LEnvironmental Systems Science Lab

1 credit

HHP-110Introduction to Exercise Science

3 credits

HHP-110LIntroduction to Exercise Science Lab

1 credit

PHY-231General Physics I

3 credits

PHY-231LGeneral Physics I Lab

1 credit

PHY-271Analytical Physics I

3 credits

PHY-271LAnalytical Physics I Lab

1 credit

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this minor, students will be able to:

1)  Design, implement, and evaluate computational solutions for problems arising in various scientific contexts;

2)  Formulate and apply appropriate mathematical or statistical models to analyze data;

3)  Demonstrate knowledge of contemporary social and ethical issues related to data science and computation; and

4)  Apply scientific reasoning to develop and test scientific questions.