The global trend in applied research necessitates the use of mathematical approaches. The Ph.D. Applied Mathematics in UPLB, the first doctorate degree program in applied mathematics in the Philippines, is an interdisciplinary program that focuses on the study and creation of mathematical and computational methods to solve complex problems in various fields and industries. The goal is to produce graduates who are innovative problem solvers, combining advanced-level mathematical science and domain knowledge to help address local and global issues and challenges. This program seeks to contribute to the existing pool of experts in the field of Mathematics who are competent not only in theory but also in the use of these theories in obtaining predictions and quantitative prescriptions for complex problems.
Research Focus
The Ph.D. program seeks to address specific present and future needs of science, technology, and society, to wit:
- Biomathematics to formulate quantitative solutions to the problems in biology, agriculture, biotechnology, environmental science, and medicine with the aid of data science;
- Complex Systems Modeling to analyze interactions and trends in dynamic, physical, and social systems at different scales;
- Financial Mathematics to manage the risks in human societies, businesses, natural environment, and agricultural economy;
- Data Science and Numerical Mathematics to approximate solutions to the problems in the natural, social, and engineering sciences using modern technologies and algorithms in machine learning and artificial intelligence;
- Partial Differential Equations to model properties of composite materials, and the evolution of the dynamics in spatio-temporal systems; and
- Quantitative Management and Decision Science to optimize the use of natural resources and design efficient processes and operations in various industries.
Ph.D. Applied Mathematics graduates can work in academic and research institutions as educators or researchers in colleges and universities. They can also be employed as scientists in government laboratories, research institutions, knowledge management agencies, and consulting firms. With growing interests in data mining and analytics, graduates of this program can also be data scientists working in e-commerce, business intelligence, bioinformatics and genomics, or management engineering. Financial service and investment management firms can also hire Ph.D. Applied Mathematics graduates as financial analysts who will use sophisticated math models and computational methods to support investment decisions, manage risks, develop and price new securities, and optimize operations. Engineering (computer, electronics, chemical, electrical, industrial) research organizations will also be interested in the modeling and computational strengths of Ph.D. Applied Mathematics graduates to rationalize the design and analysis of existing and new materials in fields like electronics and nanotechnology. With the emergence of ecological and environmental problems affecting the whole population, those who have the modeling and numerical knowledge can be tapped to apply quantitative techniques in the management of ocean fisheries, insect population growth, and spread of infection under various immunization protocols. Computer information and software firms can also employ graduates of Ph.D. Applied Mathematics program as analysts or head of R&D operations. Transportation and communication service providers can also take in Ph.D. Applied Mathematics graduates as consultants for efficient and effective delivery of services. Social enterprises can also hire these graduates to study social networks affecting their success or failure, and to simulate the dynamics and behavior of communities.