Course structure and curriculum

Source: https://www.tue.nl/en/education/graduate-school/master-industrial-and-applied-mathematics/course-structure-and-curriculum Parent: https://www.tue.nl/en/education/graduate-school/master-industrial-and-applied-mathematics

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Course Structure

The Industrial and Applied Mathematics (IAM) master’s program takes two years (120 ECTS). During this time, you gradually move from broad mathematical foundations to specialized applications, culminating in independent work through an internship and your MSc thesis.\ Rather than following a fixed track, you shape your own path within a clear framework that balances flexibility and guidance.

Your two-year journey

Year 1 – Foundations and Orientation\ Year 1 focuses on building core mathematical foundations while exploring different application areas:\ • Follow core courses covering analysis, stochastics, and discrete mathematics\ • Take electives to discover your interests and potential focus areas\ • Develop computational and modeling skills\ • Build your Professional Portfolio and explore career paths

This prepares you to make informed choices for Year 2 specialization and projects.

Year 2 – Deepening and Application\ Year 2 emphasizes deepening expertise in your chosen focus area and applying your knowledge in practice:\ • Take advanced electives aligned with your focus area\ • Optionally complete an internship in industry or research\ • Carry out your MSc thesis project (30 ECTS) in a company, research institute, or university group

IAM Course Structure

Curriculum

The Industrial and Applied Mathematics (IAM) master’s curriculum gives you both breadth and depth in applied mathematics. You build a strong foundation across core mathematical disciplines, then choose electives and focus areas to tailor your learning to your interests and career goals.\ The curriculum is organized around three learning lines and four focus areas, combining mathematical rigor with applied, real-world relevance.

Your Flexible Study Path\ The IAM master’s offers a flexible study path. You can follow one of the predefined focus areas, deepen your expertise within a mathematical learning line, or combine courses across disciplines to shape your own specialization. A dedicated track in Quantum Science and Technology is also available, allowing you to align the program with your interests and career goals.

Learning Lines\ IAM distinguishes three core learning lines, which form the backbone of your studies:\ • Continuous Mathematics – Applied Analysis, Scientific Computing, Applied Differential Geometry\ • Discrete Mathematics – Discrete Algebra and Geometry, Coding and Cryptology, Combinatorial Optimization\ • Stochastics – Statistics, Probability, Stochastic Operations Research

These lines provide a broad foundation while preparing you for specialized study in your focus area.

Focus Areas\ On top of the learning lines, IAM offers focus areas, organized around themes rather than a single discipline. Each focus area is a coherent package of courses, combining a subset of IAM courses with selected courses from other TU/e programs that fit the focus area:\ • Mathematics for AI and Machine Learning\ • Network Mathematics\ • Mathematics for Digital Technologies\ • Mathematics and Computing for the Sciences

Courses Overview\ • Mandatory courses:\ Professional Portfolio and Toolkit of Computation — preparing you for both academic and professional success\ • Core electives:\ Choose at least four of the six core electives to deepen your knowledge across IAM learning lines\ • Specialization electives:\ Advanced electives from IAM, selected TU/e courses, or MasterMath courses offered at Dutch universities\ • Free electives:\ Up to 15 ECTS from any MSc program; educational minors or minors at another university may use up to 30 ECTS

Alternative Pathway\ • Quantum Science & Technology track – A joint track between Industrial and Applied Mathematics and Applied Physics, designed for students who want to focus on applications in emerging quantum technology. This pathway follows a specialized course and project plan tailored to quantum science\ For more details see HERE

Learning Approach\ The IAM curriculum emphasizes applied, modern learning:\ • Challenge-based learning – Solve open-ended, real-world problems\ • Integration of theory, computation, and application\ • Progressive independence– Develop skills to tackle complex problems autonomously

The table below provides an overview of the courses offered within IAM and the learning lines to which they belong.