Study overview Applied Mathematics

Source: https://www.utwente.nl/en/education/bachelor/programmes/applied-mathematics/study-programme/ Parent: https://www.utwente.nl/en/education/bachelor/programmes/applied-mathematics/

Applied Mathematics is a solid academic programme in which you explore the very character, or the art, of mathematics in depth.

From day one, you’ll explore the abstract and formal sides of mathematics, always with an eye on real‑world application. You’ll be introduced to areas such as calculus, linear algebra and probability theory. At the same time, you’ll learn how to apply theory, for example through modelling: you strip complex problems down to their core, express them in mathematical terms and use analysis to arrive at solutions.

The skills you need for this are developed step by step through the different learning lines that run throughout the programme. These include learning lines in abstract mathematics, mathematical modelling and practical skills such as programming, collaboration and presenting.

You will become a mathematician who has mastered to perfection the cycle of abstraction, analysis and solution, and who can easily participate in interdisciplinary teams. This means you will be able to make a substantial contribution to solving tough societal problems.

Modules Applied Mathematics

During this three-year Bachelor's in Applied Mathematics, you will follow twelve modules: four modules per year. Each module covers a theme and brings together all the main aspects of your studies: theory and practice, research and solution design, self-study and teamwork.

Year 1EC
Module 1 | Structures & Models15

In Analysis1, you will learn the fundamental properties of functions, limits, derivatives and integrals. What does an infinite sum of numbers mean, such as 1-1/2+1/3-1/4…? And what are real numbers?

From high school math, you already know that 2(a+b) equals 2a+2b. You also know that the derivative of f+g is equal to the sum of the derivatives, f'+g'. So “doubling” and “derivative” are similar in that sense. In Linear Structures1, we study these types of structures. By formulating these structures abstractly, we can make general statements about them that all special cases (and there are a lot of them) satisfy. These subjects will give you a strong mathematical foundation on which the following modules will build.

In addition to these subjects, you will learn the Python programming language and the skill of modeling. How can you best translate a practical problem into a mathematical problem? In a project team you then solve a practical problem with mathematical models.

Module 1 is fundamental for the rest of the programme. - Module 2 | Structures & Systems15

In this module you expand your knowledge of the abstract foundation of mathematics that you learned in module 1 in the courses Analysis 2 andLinear Structures 2. You immediately apply your newly acquired abstract knowledge on Systems Theory. Systems Theory involves the control of systems. For example: how can you distribute power over the different rotors of a drone to make it perform a task, while it also maintains its balance?

Module 2 is fundamental for the rest of the programme. - Module 3 | Signals & Uncertainty15

In modelling, uncertainty plays a huge part. Think of predictions, such as the weather forecast, or deviations in a certain process. A solid foundation in probabilityand statistics is essential if you want to be able to make sensible predictions. Many of the phenomena we would like to understand or predict can be described as functions of time. Think, for example, of the range of temperatures over 24 hours, the water level in certain places, or stock prices. In this module you will learn to recognise regularity, or periodicity, in data. Sometimes, graphs describe more than one periodicity at a time. The mathematics of Signals and Transforms will help you unravel them. Combined with modelling, this expertise will give you an important mathematical tool for solving many complex problems. Computers are vital here, which is why also this module continues with teaching you programming and modelling. - Module 4 | Numerical Mathematics and Differential Equations15

Mathematical models often involve dynamics, like in predator-prey systems or masses moving in a potential field. These models involve differential equations and are called dynamic, because they show the relationship between the variables and their changes over time, whereas so-called static models only represent the variables. In this module you will study dynamic models using Differential Equations. If no closed form solution to a mathematical problem exists or if solving the problem by hand is cumbersome or even impossible, you turn to Numerical Mathematics. Consider, for instance, the simulation of an airflow around a formula one car or the fitting of large data sets. Numerically solving such real-life applications introduces several errors: modelling errors, data errors, truncation errors, and rounding errors. In the modelling project you will apply the knowledge of theoretical parts of this module. - Year 2EC
Module 5 | Statistics & Analysis15

In this module, you will explore mathematical statistics and advanced analysis. In Mathematical Statistics 1, you will learn how to apply statistical techniques such as hypothesis testing and regression to analyze data and make informed decisions, and apply these to real-world data. In Analysis 3, you will also deepen your understanding of the principles and techniques of advanced analysis, such as integrals over vector fields and functions in metric spaces. Next to this, in Reflection 1you will learn more about the historical development of mathematics. - Module 6 | Statistics & Optimisation15

You are introduced to Linear Optimisation, which appears quite often in real life. Which location to choose, what to decide, how to allocate items, and so on. You learn how to model these problems and solve them and understand the underlying mathematics. This knowledge is expanded and applied to a neural network in Nonlinear Optimisation and Learning. Besides, you continue your studies of statistics and will learn about regression analysis, estimation and quantification of uncertainty in data and dealing with dependency in data. You use the program R for computations and learn how to draw correct conclusions based on those computations. - Module 7 | Discrete Structures & Efficient Algorithms15

You will be studying so-called discrete structures. As opposed to continuous structures, such as a collection of real numbers, these structures are about finite or countably infinite sets and variations thereon. The focus is on making calculations within such sets, such as finding the shortest path between a certain number of points and the links between those points. The computability and complexity of these calculations are important factors. You will use elements from abstract algebra, such as groups, rings and fields, as well as finite automata and Turing machines. This module is joint with Technical Computer Science. In this module you will follow courses like Algorithmic Discrete Mathematics, Algebra, and implement your knowledge in a project on Graph Isomorphism. - Module 8 | Modelling & Analysis of Stochastic Processes15

As far as mathematics is concerned, this module is about Markov chains. These are stochastic models, or models in which outcomes depend on chance. These models find all sorts of applications, for example, in modelling queues. They also play a vital role in modelling and simulating complex stochastic systems. In yourproject group, you will learn how to use such models to make good decisions in practical situations in which chance plays an important role, for example, logistics or a hospital environment. In this module you will follow courses like Stochastic Models and Markov Chains. - Year 3EC
Modules 9&10 | Electives30

In your elective space, you have different options such as: taking subjects of your choice at the University of Twente, for example, from our Bachelor’s Civil Engineering or Computer Science, or at other universities in the Netherlands or abroad. You could also sign up with one of our student teams or complete a pre-master’s in preparation for a Master’s other than Applied Mathematics, such as a technical master’s or one of our social sciences programmes. Is it your ambition to teach? Choose the Education minor Learn to Teach and get a second-degree teaching qualification. This qualification allows you to work as a teacher at secondary schools in the Netherlands. Please be aware that this minor is in Dutch. - Modules 11&12 | Preparing and finalising BSc thesis and Electives30

More than half of the second semester is dedicated to your thesis; you spent the remaining time on additional coursework like Graph Theory, Introduction to Partial Differential Equations, and Complex Function Theory.

Your graduation project is a large modelling assignment, often taken from real life. In preparation for this assignment, you will first study and discuss several mathematics articles. This will give you experience in reading and understanding scientific research. Then, you get to formulate your own research question on the basis of your assignment. Afterwards, you are to write a report on your findings. And to finish off your project - and your bachelor's studies - you will present your work at a special student conference.

Courses Applied Mathematics

Curious which courses are part of the modules? You can download the course information below.

Get digital brochure

First name

Email address

Expected start year study

2026202720282029203020312032

Brochure

All bachelor's and UT infoAdvanced TechnologyApplied MathematicsApplied PhysicsBiomedical TechnologyBusiness Information TechnologyChemical Science & EngineeringCivil EngineeringCommunication ScienceCreative TechnologyElectrical EngineeringHealth SciencesIndustrial Design EngineeringIndustrial Engineering & ManagementInternational Business AdministrationMechanical EngineeringPsychologyPublic AdministrationTechnical Computer ScienceTechnical Medicine

Yes, keep me informed by e-mail of useful news about academic programmes and educational events.

Send

[naam],\ \ The brochure is in your inbox!

You can also open the accessible HTML brochure.

I'm not .

Hey [naam],\ \ Would you like to receive the brochure of another study programme too?\

I'm not .

Select brochure

Brochure sent

We've sent you the brochure. Check your inbox!

First time at university

When you are a first-year student, you experience many new things. Here we start explaining at least a few of them.

You complete modules

During your three-year bachelor's programme, you will take 12 modules (4 modules per year). Each module, you will address a theme that is hot in society, business or industry. This theme will bring together all the components of your study: theory and practice, research, designing solutions, self-study and teamwork.

A fixed part of every module is the team project, in which you and your teammates apply the knowledge you have acquired to a current challenge and design a workable solution. This learning method is part of the Twente Education Model (TOM): an innovative approach to studying that you will only find at the University of Twente.

Study points - how do they work?

Student workload at Dutch universities is expressed in EC, also named ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System), which is widely used throughout the European Union. In the Netherlands, each credit represents 28 hours of work. You need to acquire 60 credits each year.

Your programme assigns fixed numbers of hours to each assignment, project report or exam. In the first year, you need to get at least 45 out of 60 points to be able to continue to the second year.

Did you obtain 45 or more credit points? Then you can continue to the 2nd year

Our aim is to get you in the right place as soon as possible, which is why we use the principle of a binding recommendation. You will receive a positive recommendation if you have obtained 45 or more of the 60 EC in the first year. A negative recommendation is binding and means you have to leave the programme. Under certain circumstances, we may give you a positive recommendation despite a low score. For example, if we are confident that you are in the right place.

Do personal circumstances such as illness or problems interfere with your study performance? Student Affairs Coaching & Counselling (SACC) is there to support you.