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Applied and Computational Mathematics
The doctor of philosophy (PhD) in applied and computational mathematics is a program intended for those who wish to develop advanced independent research skills. Candidates pursue a research-intensive program leading to a substantial contribution to knowledge in a particular area of applied or computational mathematics.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the University admission requirements as stated in Graduate General Regulations 1.3 in the SFU Calendar. Applicants with backgrounds in areas other than mathematics (for example, a master's degree or its equivalent in a related discipline such as statistics, engineering or physics) may be considered suitably prepared for this program. Applicants are normally expected to have completed previous graduate-level course work that is equivalent to the APMA MSc breadth requirement.
Program Requirements
This program consists of course work, an oral candidacy examination, and a thesis for a minimum of 26 units.
Students must complete
a minimum of eight units in mathematics or a related discipline, chosen in consultation with the supervisory committee and the departmental graduate studies committee
and an oral candidacy exam
An open oral candidacy exam given by the supervisory committee. The exam consists of a proposed thesis topic defence by the student and supervisory committee questions about related proposed research topics. The exam follows submission of a written PhD research proposal. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Students who fail will either successfully complete a second exam within six months or withdraw from the program. Prerequisite: Applied Mathematics PhD stream students only. Must be completed within first six terms of the program.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| G100 | TBD |
and a thesis
Students who are admitted to the PhD program without having previously taken at least four graduate-level courses equivalent to the APMA MSc breadth requirement may be required to complete additional graduate course work.
Program Length
Students are expected to complete the program requirements in four years.
Other Information
Candidacy Examination
Students pass an oral candidacy exam administered by the supervisory committee before the end of the sixth term. The oral exam consists of a defence of a proposed thesis topic and the supervisory committee poses questions related to the proposed research. The oral exam is held following submission of a written PhD research proposal and is graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis. Students who receive 'Unsatisfactory' will complete a second exam within six months. A student who cannot obtain 'Satisfactory' after two attempts will normally be required to withdraw from the program.
Thesis
This program requires the student to complete a thesis based on their original work that embodies a significant contribution to mathematical knowledge. The completed thesis is assessed by the student's examining committee at an oral examination as per GGR 1.10.
Academic Requirements within the Graduate General Regulations
All graduate students must satisfy the academic requirements that are specified in the Graduate General Regulations, as well as the specific requirements for the program in which they are enrolled.