Applied Mathematics at UC Davis: Bridging Theory and Real-World Innovation
Applied Mathematics is a discipline of extraordinary breadth and depth. As scientific fields evolve, they increasingly rely on advanced mathematics to frame and solve fundamental questions. At UC Davis, the Applied Mathematics program sits at the intersection of mathematical theory and scientific exploration, offering students and researchers the tools to engage with challenges across disciplines.
In the Physical Sciences
From modern statistical mechanics to quantum field theory, physical science research is rife with mathematical complexity. Topics such as phase transitions, stochastic dynamical systems, and knot theory in topology originate from pressing scientific inquiries. Research within the Graduate Group in Applied Mathematics (GGAM) tackles nonlinear differential equations that arise in chemical and engineering contexts—particularly those involving fluid dynamics, solution structures, and computational methods.
In the Biological Sciences
GGAM researchers are advancing mathematical models to describe biological systems at multiple scales—from cellular dynamics and metabolic networks to population-level behaviors. Tools such as differential equations, optimization, stochastic processes, and dynamical systems theory are used to study:
- Chaotic and periodic behavior in cells
- Regulation of ionic channels in excitable cells
- Water flow through fish mouths
- Osmotic effects on plant morphology
- Magnetic resonance-based medical imaging
- Population genetics, renewable resource management, and ecological dynamics
Driving Cross-Disciplinary Solutions
The GGAM is designed to foster research where mathematics informs scientific discovery. Whether modeling fluid behavior, optimizing biological processes, or managing ecosystems, Applied Mathematics serves as a powerful language for innovation.
At UC Davis, we don’t just study equations—we translate them into solutions. Explore how our program prepares students to solve problems that matter.