The Five Tracks In The Applied Sciences

Track I - Computer Science

Few events have affected our lives more in the past several decades than the development of the microprocessor and the computer. From supercomputers to personal computers, the activities of the developed world have become highly dependent on digital systems. These systems have brought us to the Information Age, to the operation of machinery, automobiles, and even kitchen appliances through digital control. The field of Computer Science, which is concerned with the design, development and utilization of computing devices, encompasses both hardware aspects of their design and implementation and the preparation of software to run them.

The Computer Science track in the Curriculum in Applied Sciences emphasizes hardware and systems. Students learn the analysis, design, and implementation of digital systems, microprocessors and computers. Information transmission, interfacing, and system software requirements are also studied. Interdisciplinary course work in Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, and Engineering is combined to meet the challenge of a continuously changing digital technology. The program prepares students for entry-level positions in system hardware and design engineering or graduate study in such areas as Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering. (See Special Graduate Possibilities.)

Tracks II Through V - The Materials Sciences

The dynamic balance between the availability of materials and the requirements of technology for new materials has played a major role throughout history. This continually changing balance is becoming increasingly more crucial with the acceleration of economic and technical growth. In the next century, industry will utilize materials presently unknown and will render practical recently created materials and improve versions of materials already in use. In addition to giving high performance, these materials must be efficient in terms of available raw resources, energy consumption and manufacturability.

In the past, new materials often came about by accidental discovery and were then perfected slowly, largely through trial and error. Today new materials are not simply discovered, they are often created - through application of broadly-based principles and through design by projection from properties of known materials. Such diverse areas as ceramics, microelectronics, metallurgy, photonics and surface science fall within the field of Materials Science. There is a strong and growing demand for materials scientists throughout technologically-based industries.

Track II - Biomedical Materials Science

Biomedical Materials Science involves the development of new materials for application to medical needs. Some examples include artificial skin, blood cell and plasma substitutes, vascular and cardiovascular materials and devices, bone graft substitutes, artificial organs, new prosthetic devices, dental materials, biosensors, and controlled drug delivery and removal. Research and application in this field have been rapidly expanding. Students trained in Biomedical Materials Science are employed in the pharmaceutical industry and throughout the healthcare establishment. Graduate study in Biomedical Materials Science or Biomedical Engineering is recommended.

This track is good preparation for dental or medical school. Dental and medical school admissions officers strongly recommend that predental and premedical students prepare for an alternative career through the choice of their major. This is particularly important for those students who eventually decide not to go to dental or medical school. In addition to including all of the courses that are normally required for admission to dental or medical schools, the Biomedical Materials track prepares students for career alternatives associated with healthcare. It is also good preparation for those planning to go into medical research with the M.D. degree. (See Special Options for Graduate Work in Biomedical Engineering at UNC.)

Tracks III And IV: Chemistry or Physics-Based Materials Science

Because Materials Science is concerned with the development and utilization of new materials having desirable chemical or physical properties, it requires a background in both Chemistry and Physics. Two general Materials Science tracks are offered in the Curriculum: (1) The Chemistry-Based Materials Science track builds on the B.S. in Chemistry curriculum, and (2) the Physics-Based Materials Science track similarly builds on the B.S. in Physics curriculum. These two tracks place additional emphasis on electronics, mathematics and properties of solids - compared to the B.S. degree programs in Chemistry or Physics and Astronomy. Students with the training offered by either of these tracks find professional opportunities throughout industry. They can also pursue graduate study in such areas as Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, or Physics.

Track V - Polymeric Materials Science