Department of Mathematics, Physics and Statistics

Mathematics, physics, and statistics are essential components of the curriculum at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. At the dawn of the 21st century, these disciplines stand as the bedrock of scientific and technological understanding. For this reason, all students at USP take courses in these fields in preparation for their career goals. In addition, some students elect to take minors in these areas.  

Mathematics is the language of the sciences. It helps chemists quantify the reactions they are observing. It offers pharmacologists and toxicologists ways of characterizing the body's reaction to substances. It enables epidemologists to construct models of the spread of disease. In almost every scientific discipline, math provides methodical and reproducible descriptions of phenomena.

At USP, we offer courses in a vast range of mathematical subjects, from pre-calculus to differential equations, and from mathematical modelling to complexity theory. Mathematicians at the university study a wide variety of topics, from exploring the structures of connected graphs to tackling non-invasive ways of predicting the onset of cataracts. Undergraduates have ample opportunity to join faculty research projects, and gain a jump start on their chosen careers.

Physics is a fundamental way of describing the forces that underlie the world, integrally related to biology, chemistry, and other natural sciences. In delineating types of motion, it forms the basis of kinesiology and other aspects of the study of human movement. In characterizing the behavior of fluids, it helps us understand how materials transfer through the body. In detailing the properties of electromagnetic fields, it aids us in fathoming the complex processes of the brain. In analyzing the interactions of particles and light, it offers means of comprehending modern medical imagery. In myriad ways it provides the basis for the fullest understanding of the health, natural and pharmaceutical sciences. 

All students at USP take one of the introductory physics courses. Then they may choose to enrich their understanding by taking upper level courses in quantum physics, biophysics, or a number of other areas. Students may elect to become involved in faculty research projects, spanning subjects such as field theory, chaos theory, cosmology biomechanics and the physics of gait. 

The department is excited to now offer a major in Computer Science, in addition to its longstanding minor in that field. The Computer Science program at USP centers on practical training and hands-on experience involving a variety of computational skills. The program’s goal is to help students obtain computer-oriented positions in health, pharmaceutical, biomedical and natural science fields.