Computational Thinking: Applying Computer Science and Mathematics to Scientific Problems

Many significant scientific research questions are interdisciplinary in nature, involving biological and/or physical sciences, computer science, and mathematics in an area called “computational science;” and much scientific investigation now involves computing as well as theory and experiment.  Consequently, a critical need exists for scientists to know how to use computation in their work.  With an appropriate foundation in computer science and mathematics, science majors can perform meaningful interdisciplinary research in internships, graduate school, and post-graduate positions.  Internships involving computation in the sciences can expose undergraduates to many new ideas, techniques, and applications that can greatly enhance their knowledge, make their classroom education more meaningful, involve them in research on significant scientific problems, and expand their opportunities.  Working at various laboratories, students have applied techniques of modeling and simulation to significant scientific problems, such as determining biochemical pathways associated with vascular disease, correlating birth defects to diet, discovering heart mechanics in order to treat cardiac disease, tracking asteroids, and developing strategies to combat Chagas’ disease.  This talk will present particular student experiences in the context of computational science applications.