Computational Engineering and Science Program at the University of Utah

Abstract

We describe a new graduate program at the Univesity of Utah that we consider a first step towards the modernization of the University's curriculum in what we call "Computational Engineering and Science" (CES). Our goal is to provide a mechanism by which a graduate student can obtain integrated expertise and skills in all areas that are required for the solution of a particular computational problem. Computational Engineering and Science ProgramThe grand computational challenges in engineering and science require for their resolution a new scientific approach. As one report points out, "The use of modern computers in scientific and engineering research and development over the last three decades has led to the inescapable conclusion that a third branch of scientific methodology has been created. It is now widely acknowledged that, along with traditional experimental and theoretical methodologies, advanced work in all areas of science and technology has come to rely critically on the computational approach." This methodology represents a new intellectual paradigm for scientific exploration and visualization of scientific phenomena. It permits a new approach to the solution of problems that were previously inaccessible.At present, too few researchers have the training and expertise necessary to utilize fully the opportunities presented by this new methodology; and, more importantly, traditional educational programs do not adequately prepare students to take advantage of these opportunities.Too often we have highly trained computer scientists whose knowledge about engineering and sciences is at the college sophomore, or lower, level. Traditional educational programs in each of these areas stop at the sophomore level -or earlier -in the other area. Also, education tends to be ad hoc, on the job and self-taught." This situation has arisen because the proper utilization of the new methodology requires expertise and skills in several areas that are considered disparate in traditional educational programs. The obvious remedy is to create new programs that do provide integrated training in the relevant areas of science, mathematics, technology, and algorithms. The obvious obstacles are territorial nature of established academic units, entrenched academic curricula, and a lack of resources.At the University of Utah the School of Computing (located in the College of Engineering), with the Departments of Mathematics and Physics (located in the College of Science) have established a graduate program that we consider a first step towards the modernization of the University's curriculum in what we call "Computational Engineering and Science" (CES). Our goal is to provide a mechanism by which a graduate student can obtain integrated expertise and skills in all areas that are required for the solution of a particular problem via the computational methodology.We have built upon an established certificate program and recently created an M.S. CES degree program. If the M.S. CES program is successfel, we will consider expandi...