Applied Mathematics at UC Davis: Bridging Theory and Real-World Innovation
Applied Mathematics is a field of remarkable breadth and impact. As scientific and technological domains advance, they increasingly depend on sophisticated mathematical frameworks to address complex, foundational problems. At UC Davis, the Graduate Group in Applied Mathematics (GGAM) stands at the crossroads of rigorous theory and dynamic scientific inquiry—empowering students and researchers to tackle challenges across disciplines.
Unlike traditional department-based programs, Applied Mathematics at UC Davis is offered through an interdisciplinary graduate group. This structure provides exceptional flexibility, allowing you to pursue your interests across diverse fields, engage in collaborative research, and expand your intellectual horizons. Graduate groups bring together faculty and students from a wide array of disciplines, fostering a vibrant academic community where you can both contribute your expertise and learn from others.
Students in the GGAM program benefit from the freedom to take courses, conduct research, and explore methodologies beyond conventional departmental boundaries—opening doors to innovative thinking and transformative discoveries.
VISIT GGAM WEBSITE
In the Physical Sciences
From modern statistical mechanics to quantum field theory, physical science research is rife with mathematical complexity. Topics such as phase transitions, stochastic dynamical systems, and knot theory in topology originate from pressing scientific inquiries. Research within the GGAM tackles nonlinear differential equations that arise in chemical and engineering contexts—particularly those involving fluid dynamics, solution structures, and computational methods.
In the Biological Sciences
GGAM researchers are advancing mathematical models to describe biological systems at multiple scales—from cellular dynamics and metabolic networks to population-level behaviors. Tools such as differential equations, optimization, stochastic processes, and dynamical systems theory are used to study:
- Chaotic and periodic behavior in cells
- Regulation of ionic channels in excitable cells
- Water flow through fish mouths
- Osmotic effects on plant morphology
- Magnetic resonance-based medical imaging
- Population genetics, renewable resource management, and ecological dynamics
Driving Cross-Disciplinary Solutions
The GGAM is designed to foster research where mathematics informs scientific discovery. Whether modeling fluid behavior, optimizing biological processes, or managing ecosystems, Applied Mathematics serves as a powerful language for innovation.
At UC Davis, we don’t just study equations—we translate them into solutions. Explore how our program prepares students to solve problems that matter.