This is the new area of chaos theory now being applied to engineering problems such as structural design and ship capsize. The growth in this field has been enormous in the past few years and Bristol is one of the leaders in the field. In addition to the modelling of physical processes, Information Engineering and Decision process modelling are becoming increasingly important. Artificial Intelligence is a key technology in these areas and the Department has a research group of international standing in this field. Computers play a key role in the modelling of both physical and information systems, and the computer laboratory can be regarded as the central laboratory for all activities in Engineering Mathematics.
Computers are much more than mere 'number crunchers'.
Indeed they are an essential tool for engineers in every walk of life, and they can be used by mathematicians as an experimental tool to create new mathematics. The Department has 14 members of staff and takes an entry of about 20 students per year. Our small classes of students become friends by working together in teams and with the staff. Our programmes are equally attractive to men and women students and applications from women are particularly welcome. Mature students with qualifications other than A-level are welcomed.