<p>I am thinking about double majoring in math and Biology for medical school because I really love math and calculus and I want to further my study in the field. I also love Biology because of the labs and its endless applications in medicine.</p>
<p>But, while applying to college (mainly UCs and CSUs) many are asking to choose between a "pure" and "applied" form. </p>
<p>What is the difference between a "pure" or "applied" math major? </p>
<p>Thank you very much. I appreciate it.
Any comment will help</p>
<p>D2 is a double bio and applied math major. She enjoys both a great deal. (She’s no math whiz either–she just likes math and the feeling of accomplishment solving problems brings her.)</p>
<p>RE: the two division of math–</p>
<p>Pure math is theoretical mathematics. Math done for “the beauty of it.” Foundational proofs for all branches of mathematics and abstract geometry. Number theory. Combinatorics. Abstract algebra. Numerical analysis. Topology. Highly abstract, proof-based and based upon rigorous mathematical logic.</p>
<p>Applied math is using mathematical tools to solve real world problems. Includes statistics, probability, calculus, applied analysis, ODEs, PDEs, cryptography, applied algebra, topology, analytic geometry, also usually some computer programming skills–like using and writing scripts for MatLab, Mathematica, SPSS, Excel, etc. </p>
<p>[Highly personal note—MatLab is a very important skill to learn for ALL science majors. D1 used it for all her physics labs and for data analysis during UG research in high energy physics; D2 is using it to analyze data from fMRI brain studies. MatLab is used for data analysis in economics also. MatLab is a hireable skill and in high demand.]</p>
<p>For the first 2 years of college, pure and applied math will follow nearly identical tracks, but will diverge once you’ve finished linear analysis.</p>