The Scientific Computing Program at Whittier College is designed to help prepare students majoring in one of the sciences for advanced computing work in their own fields and for work in the computer industry.
The minor begins with computer programming and interfacing of computers to apparatus at the introductory level, and then continues with a range of advanced courses that allow students to focus on particular topics in scientific computing and/or broaden their computing skills. Most students will complete a research project with a significant computing component as part of the minor.
To be awarded a minor in scientific computing, students must complete six (6) credits of required core courses and twelve (12) credits from the list of optional courses, for a total of at least 18 credits. At least six credits of the 18 must be at the 300-level or higher.
The content on this page is for informational purposes only. Official degree requirements can be found in the Whittier College Catalog.
Core Courses
- COSC 120 Programming I (3 credits)
- PHYS 205* Intro Electronics & Computer Interfacing (3 credits)
Optional Courses
- COSC 220* Programming II (3 credits)
- MATH 220 Discrete Mathematics (3 credits)
- PHYS 250* Computational Oscillations and Waves (3 credits)
- MATH 350* Numerical Analysis (3 credits)
- MATH 354* Mathematical Modeling (3 credits)
- Research** (1-3 credits)
Other courses with significant computing components can be considered for credit toward the scientific computing minor.
*Not offered every year.
** Projects in biology, chemistry, Earth sciences, mathematics, and physics that involve significant scientific computing. The research advisor must certify that the project involves significant computing in order for the project to count toward the minor.
For more information about the Scientific Computing minor, please contact the program director.
Program Directors
Jeffrey Lutgen
Professor of Mathematics
Science 108A
562.907.4200, ext. 4459
[email protected]
Seamus Lagan
Professor of Physics
Science 105C
562.907.4200, ext. 4458
[email protected]
Participating Mathematics Faculty
Mark Kozek
Associate Professor
Bill Kronholm
Assistant Professor
Fred Park
Assistant Professor
Participating Physics & Astronomy Faculty
Glenn Piner
Associate Professor
Serkan Zorba
Associate Professor
