Crunching the big problems.
Computational Modelling formulates and models real-world problems, then uses computing to develop solutions.
You could help create a new product – a pacemaker, a refrigerator, or perhaps part of a satellite – to see whether it works at a theoretical level before a company commits time and money to building the real thing. You might model the survival of an endangered species, plan how to map the wave patterns of the ocean from space, or optimise the layout of components in a new type of dishwasher.
Why study Computational Modelling?
Being able to formulate a real-world problem, develop the model and then use computers to find a theoretical solution is a powerful and rewarding skill set. Computational Modelling has relevance to a huge variety of fields, and people with these skills are highly sought after.
Computational Modelling is being increasingly recognised and valued as applicable in a growing number of sectors.
Career opportunities
Career prospects in Computational Modelling are excellent. Opportunities abound in all areas of product development, financial modelling and business, physical and health science, animal and plant science, process engineering, food technology, design, telecommunications, software development, and information technology.
Chances are you’ll begin your career by joining an existing firm. You could work for a large company, helping them with the development of their own products.
Consultancy is one of the fastest growing career options for many scientific disciplines. Consultancy work is project based, with plenty of variety and opportunities for travel.
Your skills will also make you a valuable asset to any engineering firm, and with your advanced programming abilities, there will also be plenty of scope to work in the computer industry. With the business knowledge you gained during your degree, and some industry experience under your belt, you’ll be well qualified to become your own boss, if you want to start your own innovative business venture.
Background required
Because of its substantial mathematical content, high school students will need a good pass in Year-13 Maths. Experience or familiarity with computing and/or physics also helps, but it is not essential.
Qualifications
Explore your study options further. Refer to enrolment information found on the following qualification pages.
- Bachelor of Applied Science* (BAppSc)
- Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc)
- Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc)
*It is a requirement that every Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc) normally includes an approved minor subject or an approved second major subject. Usually such a minor or second major subject must be selected from the approved combinations of major subjects with minor or second major subjects. Some exceptions may apply. For details see:
Full list of available approved minor and second major subject areas
Programme requirements
Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc) majoring in Computational Modelling
| Year | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | COMO 101 Computational Mathematics MATH 130 Fundamentals of Modern Mathematics 1 MATH 140 Fundamentals of Modern Mathematics 2 One of: | 18 18 18 18 |
| 200-level | COMO 204 Differential Equations MATH 202 Linear Algebra MATH 203 Calculus of Several Variables | 18 18 18 |
| 300-level | COMO 303 Numerical Methods MATH 304 Partial Differential Equations At least two further COSC, MATH or STAT papers | 18 18 36 |
162 further points, including either requirements for an approved minor or approved second major subject or other approved papers | 162 | |
| Total | 360 |
Bachelor of Applied Science with Honours (BAppSc(Hons)) in Computational Modelling
No new enrolments are currently being accepted for this subject.
| Papers |
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Master of Applied Science (MAppSc) in Computational Modelling
No new enrolments are currently being accepted for this subject.
| Papers |
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Master of Science (MSc) in Computational Modelling
No new enrolments are currently being accepted for this subject.
| Papers and Thesis |
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Minor subject requirements
Computational Modelling as a minor subject for a BA, MusB, BPA, BTheol, BSc, BAppSc, BCom, BHealSc, BACom, BASc or BComSc degree
Available as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Music (MusB), Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA), Bachelor of Theology (BTheol), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Health Science (BHealSc), Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom), Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) or Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc) degree
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | COMO 101 Modelling and Computation MATH 140 Fundamentals of Modern Mathematics 2 One of: | 18 18 18 |
| 200-level | COMO 204 Differential Equations MATH 202 Linear Algebra | 18 18 |
| 300-level | COMO 303 Numerical Methods | 18 |
| Total | 108 |
Papers
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a selection of on-campus papers will be made available via distance and online learning for eligible students.
Find out which papers are available and how to apply on our COVID-19 website
| Paper code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COMO101 | 2023 | Modelling and Computation | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| COMO204 | 2023 | Differential Equations | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| COMO303 | 2023 | Numerical Methods | 18 points | Not offered in 2023 |
| COMO480 | 2023 | Research Project | 40 points | Not offered in 2023 |
Key information for future students
Contact us
Associate Professor David Bryant
Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Tel +64 3 479 7889
Email david.bryant@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/sciences/study/applied-science
