What Else Is There? Emerging Fields to Consider
Computational Biology and Genomics
By now, we've all heard of terms like "genetic sequencing" and "human
genome". The mapping of the human genome depended on the use of sophisticated
mathematical and computational tools. Now that sequencing is complete,
the next challenge is to understand how genes interact, how they are switched
on or off, and how they differ from individual to individual. The need
for newer and better mathematical and computational tools will create
new career opportunities in technology, medicine, and drug development
and design.
Data Mining
If you're looking for a broad mathematical area with lots of applications,
look no further-data mining is the answer. Data mining involves the discovery
of patterns and previously unknown information in large data sets. Emerging
career opportunities will be found in applications of data mining in,
for example, security, forensics, e-commerce, and sciences, such as genomics,
astrophysics, and chemical engineering.
Neuroscience
As described by organizers at the Mathematical Biosciences Institute
(MBI), beginning with "the discovery of the fundamental Hodgkin-Huxley
equations, which model electrical impulses and oscillations in neurons,
mathematicians have been involved in developing models and computational
schemes for systems of neurons." This mathematical and computational research
provides tools for the study of the brain, the progression of neurological
diseases, and the emerging treatments for such diseases.
Materials Science
Materials science is the study of the properties, processing and production
of a broad range of existing and new materials, including metallic alloys,
composites, liquid crystals, biological materials, and thin films. The
rational design and analysis of materials depends on mathematical models
and computational tools. Career opportunities abound in science, manufacturing,
and materials design for applications in fields such as aerospace, engineering,
electronics and biology.
Computer Animation and Digital Imaging
To get an idea of what this field entails, consider the following description
from the Fields Institute in Toronto. "Computer Animation is an eclectic
science that uniquely combines mathematics, computer science, fine art,
classical animation, physics, biomechanics, and anatomy, to name but a
few fields. Algorithms for computer animation rely heavily on techniques
from scientific computation, statistics, signal processing, linear algebra,
control theory, and computational geometry." With a diverse and exciting
set of applications to such areas as entertainment (movies, video games),
medical diagnostics, and fine arts (dancing, sculpture, painting), there
are many avenues to explore.