This one-year master's course provides training in the application of mathematics to a wide range of problems in science and technology. Emphasis is placed on the formulation of problems, on the analytical and numerical techniques for a solution and the computation of useful results.
By the end of the course students should be able to formulate a well posed problem in mathematical terms from a possibly sketchy verbal description, carry out appropriate mathematical analysis, select or develop an appropriate numerical method, write a computer program which gives sensible answers to the problem, and present and interpret these results for a possible client. Particular emphasis is placed on the need for all these parts in the problem solving process, and on the fact that they frequently interact and cannot be carried out sequentially.
The course consists of both taught courses and a dissertation. To complete the course you must complete 13 units.
There are four core courses which you must complete (one unit each), which each usually consist of 24 lectures, classes and an examination. There is one course on mathematical methods and one on numerical analysis in both Michaelmas term and Hilary term. Each course is assessed by written examination in Week 0 of the following term.
Additionally, you must choose at least least one special topic in the area of modelling and one in computation (one unit each). There are around twenty special topics to choose from, spread over all three academic terms, each usually consisting for 12 to 16 lectures and a mini project, which culminates in a written report of around 20 pages. Topics covered include mathematical biology, fluid mechanics, perturbation methods, numerical solution of differential equations and scientific programming.
You must also undertake at least one case study in modelling and one in scientific computing (one unit each), normally consisting of four weeks of group work, an oral presentation and a report delivered in Hilary term.
There is also a dissertation (four units) of around 50 pages, which does not necessarily need to represent original ideas. Since there is another MSc focussed on mathematical finance specifically, the MSc in Mathematical and Computational Finance, you are not permitted to undertake a dissertation in this field.
You will normally accumulate four units in core courses, three units in special topics, two units in case studies and four units in the dissertation. In addition, you will usually attend classes in mathematical modelling, practical numerical analysis and additional skills during Michaelmas term.
In the first term, students should expect their weekly schedule to consist of around seven hours of core course lectures and seven hours of modelling, practical numerical analysis and additional skills classes, then a further two hours of lectures for each special topic course followed. In addition there are about three hours of problem solving classes to go through core course exercises and students should expect to spend time working through the exercises then submitting them for marking prior to the class. There are slightly fewer contact hours in the second term, but students will spend more time working in groups on the case studies.
In the third term there are some special topic courses, including one week intensive computing courses, but the expectation is that students will spend most of the third term and long vacation working on their dissertations. During this time, students should expect to work hours that are equivalent to full-time working hours, although extra hours may occasionally be needed. Students are expected to write special topic and case study reports during the Christmas and Easter vacations, as well as revising for the core course written examinations.
The Master of Science in Mathematical Engineering is unique in Flanders and is supported by high quality research that has led to several spin-off companies.
The ever increasing computer capacity for treatment of data, storage of measurements and data, and computing models, offers solutions to important challenges in business and society. Often mathematical techniques are crucial. A few examples:
At first sight, these applications have little in common. However, for each of those, large amounts of data and various models are available. Mathematical techniques are crucial for the efficient treatment of these data and for fast and accurate simulation and optimisation.
The programme consists of a technical core education on advanced topics on mathematics, process control, system identification, numerical optimisation, numerical simulation of differential equations, scientific software, and a project where students solve a problem that requires a combination of knowledge and skills taught at the core education.
The students freely choose among the many elective courses. They are stimulated to select courses from different tracks in order to obtain a broad overview of techniques and applications of mathematics in engineering science.
The elective courses include technical courses on mathematical techniques, as well as courses that are taught in other Master’s programmes that focus on modelling and the use of these mathematical techniques.
The Erasmus+ programme gives you the opportunity to gain valuable international experience by completing (usually) one semester at a participating European university. Student exchange agreements are also in place with a number of Japanese and American universitiesThis arrangement does not lengthen the duration of your degree programme, nor does it result in a separate degree.
It is also possible to complete an internship at a company abroad. Ask the internship coordinator for more information.
These studying abroad opportunities and internships are complemented by the short courses offered via the Board of European Students of Technology (BEST) network. The Faculty of Engineering Science is also member of the international networks CESAER, CLUSTER and T.I.M.E.
You can find more information on this topic on the website of the Faculty.
The programme is generally perceived positively by alumni.
There are many elective courses, which gives freedom to develop an individual study programme tuned to the student’s interest. This fact is often mentioned by students and alumni as one of the strong points of the programme.
Since September 2014, the EC (Educational Committee) can rely on the expertise of the Industrial Advisory Board.
The programme is organised by the departments of computer science and electrical engineering. The students can use the computer infrastructure of both departments. The students become familiar with different fields of research which broadens their view.
This is an initial Master's programme and can be followed on a full-time or part-time basis.
Many small, dynamic, young companies are active in the field of mathematical engineering. But even big players in materials, chemistry, automotive, aerospace, biomedical industries, as well as finance, are increasingly interested in mathematical engineering thanks to the ever increasing complexity of mathematical models and more stringent environmental standards and comfort expectations. Many of our young graduates start their careers in the R&D departments of high-tech companies or matriculate into one of the university’s PhD programmes.
Mathematical models are fundamental to how we understand, analyse and design transportation systems, but these models face challenges from the rapidly changing nature of mobility.
Innovative technologies are being harnessed to deliver new approaches to transport services, and huge volumes of data create new opportunities to examine how patterns of movement are evolving.
If you’re a highly numerate graduate with a desire to apply your quantitative skills to the real world, or a practitioner working in the sector, this course will take you to the next level and prepare you for a career as a transport modelling specialist.
97% of our graduates find employment in a professional or managerial role, or continue with further studies.*
Experience a course designed in collaboration with employers, learning skills the industry desperately needs to unlock the full potential of big data.
Learn to think creatively, beyond the standard application of established solutions, and use your technical expertise across multiple scenarios.
Develop and apply mathematical models to analyse and improve the performance of transportation networks and flows:
And experience what it is like to be part of a project team working across disciplinary boundaries within the transport sector. Through this, gain insights into how modelling, environmental science, planning, economics and engineering can work together to develop sustainable solutions to global challenges. This industry-inspired approach will enable you to apply your knowledge to real-world issues in the field.
Your colleagues will be among the best and brightest from the UK and across the globe. Together you will learn mathematical modelling skills that can be applied to design smarter transport solutions founded on robust methods.
With a strong focus on industry needs, our degrees will prepare you for employment in your chosen field. They will also address the multi-disciplinary nature of transport – enabling you to make effective decisions for clients, employers and society.
Other Study Options
This programme is available part time, allowing you to combine study with other commitments. You can work to fund your studies, or gain a new qualification without giving up an existing job. We aim to be flexible in helping you to put together a part-time course structure that meets your academic goals while recognising the constraints on your study time.
You can also study this subject at Postgraduate Diploma level, part time or full time, or at Postgraduate Certificate level with our PGCert in Transport Studies.
Alongside specialist modules, study common modules that will address key issues currently facing transport industry professionals. These provide you with a holistic overview of transport problems and approaches to policy formulation.
Our new Transport Integrated Project module enables you to employ project management scenario-based learning. You will cover a range of transport disciplines and be supervised by experts in the field. Join forces with a project team of other students from our other degrees to develop a solution to a ‘real-world’ transport problem, identifying how your own interests need to interact effectively with others to achieve an effective solution.
You will learn about the methods and models used in transport analysis and the software packages that implement them. You will be trained to think creatively, beyond the standard application of established ‘solutions’ and learn how to use your technical expertise as a mathematical modeller in interdisciplinary teams. Being equipped with these skills will open up a range of future career paths, whether in government, consultancy, academia or going on to further study.
The core of the programme includes the following compulsory modules, which have been designed together to enhance the learning potential of this programme:
Compulsory modules
The programme involves a range of teaching methods, supported by independent learning. In addition to the traditional lecture and seminar formats, students experience a blend encompassing workshops, computer exercises, practical sessions, directed reading, reflective journal, student-led discussions and tutorials.
Assessment is equally varied and will include coursework essays, case-study reports, group assignments, posters, presentations and exams.
Links with Industry
This programme was developed in consultation with practitioners in the transport modelling sector, to ensure that its graduates will be highly employable. Many consultancies, local authority planning departments and other organizations in the transport industry have expressed interest in this new programme.
Jacobs, one of the world's leading professional services firms, has pledged their support for this new course by offering two prizes for academic excellence, a commitment to engage with students through lectures and workshops, and an invitation to students on the course to attend the Summer Placements they run each year around the UK.
Many of Jacobs' current Directors and Senior Professionals are ITS Alumni and this year it made offers to six of our Transport Masters students.
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Sustainability, Earth and Atmospheric Science Masters Degrees - School of Earth and Environment
