7. UC/14-PhD, MSc, BSc(Hons)/3
UNIVERSITY OF CANTERBURY
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha
Template 2: Qualification Change -2014
Proposal Description
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Purpose of the proposal
The purpose of this proposal is to rename CAMS from ‘Computational and Applied Mathematics’ to ‘Computational and
Applied Mathematical Sciences’.
Justification
Te proposal seeks to change the name of CAMS to better reflect the programme content. The revised title of ‘Applied
Mathematical Sciences’ rather than ‘Applied Mathematics’ indicates a slightly broader pathway.
Applied Mathematics has a long history as a sub-discipline of mathematics. The name is derived from the fact that
practical applications are the motivating factor for the development of mathematical theories rather than development
for its own sake as in pure mathematics. Despite this motivation traditional applied mathematics is still about the
development of mathematical theory. It usually involves studying formal subjects such as analysis, approximation
theory, representations, asymptotic and variational methods and the theory of differential equations often with only
little reference to the "real" world. Similarly Computational Mathematics is associated with the development of theories
to allow computers to implement mathematical methods.
We believe the term Computational and Applied Mathematical Sciences is more representative of the CAMS degree
path which is intended to encourage students to study computational and applied sciences under the broader term
“mathematical sciences” (e.g Mathematics, Computer Science, Statistics, Physics). This name change better reflects the
pathway for transdisciplinary students who are not only able to apply mathematics to a range of science subjects but
can also implement their ideas computationally.
Qualification
The BSc Honours, MSc and PhD programmes offer CAMS as a subject.
Acceptability of the programme and consultation
The College of Science, College of Engineering, and Department of Computer Science & Software Engineering have been
consulted about the name change. Heads from related schools/departments at other NZ Universities have been
contacted for comment.
Treaty of Waitangi
When the programme was set up in 1999 it would attract Maori and non-Maori students. This aspect of the programme
is not being changed.
Goals of the programme
When the programme was set up it was to provide a coherent introduction to the range of problem quantitative
techniques used in much of today’s scientific, engineering and commercial enterprises. The proposal involved the
focusing of a package of existing courses from this and other departments, which in total represent the tool-box of the
modern applied mathematical scientists (computational and analytical methods, discrete mathematics, statistics,
computer science and general modelling of non-mathematical phenomena). The programme is even more relevant
today with the interest in big data, data-science, and analytics.
Outcome statement
When the programme was set up the outcome was stated that a range of modern computational and applied
mathematical science techniques, application, and theoretical development. The programme outcomes are not
changing.
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7. UC/14-PhD, MSc, BSc(Hons)/3
Graduate profile
Personal attributes:
 An appreciation of the style of thinking of mathematical science in the context of applications;
 Knowledge of analytical techniques in continuous and discrete contexts. This includes a strong theoretical basis
from which later learning skills will readily develop;
 Awareness of computational techniques and their implementation in numerical algorithms;
 Experience in the modelling process of formulation, solution and interpretation right through to the process of
“decision-support” – gained through case-studies;
 Well-developed inter-disciplinary knowledge as to how mathematical science relates to other problem areas.
Interactive attributes:
 Good communication skills and ability to relate to non-mathematical contexts;
 Team-working skills, including the ability to work effectively in teams.
Programme overview
The programme will continue to run in line with the Computational and Applied Mathematics BSc(Hons), MSc and PhD
requirements.
Proposed teaching/delivery methods
Teaching methods follow current procedures in existing courses. These consist of a combination of lectures and small
class tutorials together with computing laboratory requirements as appropriate. The latter will rely heavily on modern
software packages such as Matlab, R and SAS.
Prescriptions for courses
The current course prescriptions are listed in the UC Calendar:
Assessment and moderation procedures
Assessment follows current procedures in existing courses. These consist of a mixture of tests, assignments, tutorial
work and computing requirements appropriate to each course.
Resources
The host department, together with other contributing departments have the expertise, library, teaching and computing
facilities to run the programme. This is an existing programme and there will be no new administration support needed.
Plans for monitoring programme quality
The programme quality are monitored by the established procedures of the School of Mathematics and Statistics in
association with collaborating departments.
In particular, the School’s existing procedure for monitoring its Honours and Masters programmes will be applied. The
University’s requirements for external examiners will continue to be met.
Review of the programme
The programme fits into the university’s regular review cycle as before as only the name of the programme is being
altered.
Individual courses are part of the UC monitoring system, including CEM surveys, and the within School quality assurance
processes.
Proposed new regulations and prescriptions (use the Calendar Form at the end of Section A)
Calendar Form
Qualification Regulations
UC Calendar 2014
Pages: 11, 36, 38, 406, 408, 423, 428, 454, 473, 547 and 859.
Replace: ‘Computational and Applied Mathematics’ with: ‘Computational and Applied Mathematical Sciences’
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