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Department of Mathematics

Department of Mathematics – Building Foundations Since 1944

Campus
Pilani Campus
Department Contact Details
Contact Name
Prof. Ashish Tiwari
Designation
Head, Department of Mathematics
Phone
+91-1596-25-5702 | +91-1596-25-5261
Fax
Email
ashish.tiwari@pilani.bits-pilani.ac.in
Address
Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani
Pilani Campus, Rajasthan – 333031, India
Department E-mail

Department Summary

The department was established in 1944 as a part of the Birla Science College (then existing), which was incorporated in the Institute in 1964. The department offers opportunities for education and research in a wide spectrum of areas in Mathematics such as: Algebra, Analysis, Differential Equations, Discrete Mathematics, Statistics, Operations Research, Mathematical Modelling etc. The department runs several foundational courses in Mathematics for all students in Pilani campus pursuing integrated first degree programs (B.E., M.Sc. (Hons), M.Sc. (Tech)) of the Institute. Besides, the department also offers specialised courses in Mathematics for students pursuing M.Sc. (Hons) and Ph.D. degrees in Mathematics. The department also contributes substantially towards the Work Integrated Learning Programs (WILP) of the Institute specifically designed for the professionals working in various industries. The department has highly motivated faculty with diverse specialisation in Mathematical sciences providing an excellent opportunity for pursuing research in core Mathematical science as well as in interdisciplinary areas of sciences, engineering and technology. The department is committed to train the students to become future leaders in engineering and sciences.

The Department of Mathematics of BITS Pilani has a long tradition starting from the formation of the department in 1944 as a part of the Birla Science College. Subsequent merger of the college into BITS Pilani in 1964 brought the mathematics department within the ambit of one of India's finest technical institutions. Ever since, the department has been committed to offering excellent mathematical grounding and simultaneously nurturing an active research environment. It encompasses a wide range of mathematical disciplines, such as Algebra, Analysis, Differential Equations, Discrete Mathematics, Statistics, Operations Research, and Mathematical Modelling, to provide a well-rounded education in pure as well as applied mathematics.

At the campus at Pilani, the department is actively involved in providing core mathematics courses to students pursuing integrated first-degree programmes like Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.), Master of Science (Hons), and Master of Science (Tech). These are courses whose aim is to develop fundamental mathematical competencies that form the basis of engineering and science studies. Besides, the department provides specialized and advanced courses that suit the demands of M.Sc. (Hons) and Ph.D. students, equipping them with expertise to carry out research and higher-level academic work.

The department is also a key contributor to the Work Integrated Learning Programs (WILP) of BITS Pilani, which are specifically tailored to enable working professionals to enhance their knowledge and skills without leaving their careers mid-stream. The endeavor demonstrates the department's focus on lifelong learning as well as its flexibility to address the changing requirements of learners outside the conventional classroom environment.

Led by a group of driven and experienced faculty members, the department actively encourages research in fundamental mathematical theories and their application in science, technology, and engineering. Through intense academic training and research mentoring, the department seeks to build students into capable professionals and future leaders who can significantly contribute in academia, industry, and beyond.

Message from Head of Department (HOD)

Welcome to the Department of Mathematics at BITS Pilani. We are devoted to providing a strong and fundamental base in mathematics that enables students' academic development and professional achievement. We find that a sound grasp of the principles of mathematics is vital for dealing with challenging problems in many areas, and we aim to develop an environment conducive to curiosity, analytical skills, and critical thinking.

Our curriculum encompasses an extensive array of courses, ranging from basic subject matter to complex mathematical theory and applications. Our extended scope allows students from any level of undergraduate or postgraduate status to acquire the knowledge and abilities required for success in their fields. We strike a balance between theory and practical application and equip students with the capability to address issues in science, engineering, technology, and many other fields.

Apart from instruction, our department promotes research and innovation quite vigorously. We offer sufficient opportunities for students and faculty members to work on state-of-the-art research projects that help advance mathematical sciences as well as inter-disciplinary areas. Through research work, students acquire problem-solving skills and get valuable experience that improves their academic and professional opportunities.

At the Department of Mathematics, we are committed to developing your passion for the discipline and guiding you along the path of innovation and excellence. Whether you have dreams of a career in academia, industry, or technology, we are here to inspire and guide you every step of the way. We look forward to welcoming you into our thriving academic community.

Department Responsibilities

The Mathematics Department is committed to offering both core and advanced mathematics courses to students in all fields. We make sure that all students have a solid mathematical foundation, which will enable them to comprehend and solve intricate problems in their respective fields. Our courses are structured to develop critical thinking and analytical skills from the undergraduate to the advanced level.

For postgraduate students, the department provides specialized programs designed to advance their knowledge in specific areas of mathematics. The programs incorporate advanced coursework and research, enabling the students to pursue subjects like algebra, analysis, differential equations, and mathematical modeling. Through this specialized approach, students are prepared for careers in research, academia, and industry.

Research is a foundational element of the department's mission, with students and faculty actively involved in both pure and applied mathematics. Our research activities encompass theoretical breakthroughs as well as applications, frequently bridging disciplinary boundaries. This allows us to provide useful contributions to science, technology, and engineering, while fostering innovation and discovery.

Besides, the department also assists working professionals via its Work Integrated Learning Programs (WILP). The programs offer flexible learning opportunities that enable professionals to enhance their skills and knowledge without displacing their careers. By promoting interdisciplinary collaboration between science and engineering disciplines, the department extends its influence on education, research, and industry involvement.

Research & Innovation

Preferred Research Areas

The Department of Mathematics engages in research in some core areas, among them Algebra and Number Theory. This discipline studies the patterns, structures, and properties of numbers and algebraic systems and is the foundation for most advanced mathematical theories and applications.

Mathematical Analysis and Differential Equations are also prominent research areas. Analysis is concerned with limits, continuity, and how functions behave, while differential equations examine how things change over time or in space. These two fields are important individually and together in modeling real-world applications in science and engineering.

Discrete Math and Combinatorics is another significant research area. These disciplines study countable, separate structures and how they are arranged, which has implications in computer science, cryptography, and network theory. Statistics and Probability are also researched actively by the department to deal with uncertainty and decision-making based on data.

Operations Research and Optimization, and Mathematical Modelling and Simulation are needed to solve complex real problems. Operations Research formulates mathematical approaches to optimize processes, whereas modeling and simulation offer tools for representing and analyzing engineering systems, economic systems, and other systems. They both play a vital role in both theoretical developments and practical solutions.

Ongoing Research Projects

The department is actively involved in a variety of research initiatives funded by academic organizations and industry partners. These initiatives offer critical resources that allow students and faculty to conduct extensive studies in multiple mathematical fields. The economic support allows for an environment in which creative ideas can thrive and new mathematical theories can be established.

Most research efforts aim to develop mathematical theory, extending the frontiers of knowledge in the pure areas of algebra, analysis, and number theory. Such root-level research helps the worldwide mathematical community by solving fundamental issues and investigating new ideas that form the basis of most scientific breakthroughs.

Concurrently, the department emphasizes applied mathematics to address actual problems. Research collaborations with external industry partners enable research in optimization, operations research, and mathematical modeling, which directly affect areas such as engineering, finance, and technology development.

With these varied projects, the department not only enriches scholarly research but also enhances the bridge between mathematics and real-world problem-solving. This dual emphasis guarantees that research benefits both the scientific community and society as a whole.

Research Scholars

Ph.D. scholars and research students in the department are working to solve a broad range of mathematical problems, mirroring the range and depth of the discipline. Their research covers pure mathematics, in which they delve into abstract theories and basic structures that underpin mathematical expertise. This covers topics such as algebra, number theory, and analysis, which remain challenging and inspirational to discoveries.

In addition to pure mathematics, most researchers concentrate on interdisciplinary research that transfers mathematical theory to other scientific and engineering fields. Through research collaboration with physicists, computer scientists, and economists, among others, these scientists develop innovative answers to intricate real-world issues. This cross-disciplinary research enriches mathematics and its applications.

The active participation of Ph.D. students in research projects further improves the academic culture of the department. They present regularly in seminars, conferences, and workshops and gain critical feedback. This process of exchange of ideas develops an active intellectual culture and fosters necessary communication and teamwork skills.

With their tireless efforts, the research scholars contribute significantly to achieving the mission of excellence in mathematics for the department. By not only enhancing their understanding within their specific research areas but also bridging the gap between practice and theory, they are poised to become leaders in academia, industry, and elsewhere in the future.

Patents & Innovations

Although the Department of Mathematics is mainly focused on theoretical research, it also places strong emphasis on innovative methods, especially in applied mathematics and computational techniques. This blend enables the department to support both profound foundations of knowledge as well as practical solutions to real-world problems in different scientific and engineering disciplines.

Professors and students develop innovative concepts that span pure mathematics into applications, including numerical simulations, algorithm design, and data analysis methods. These advances typically lead to more efficient computing or innovative tools for modeling complicated systems, showing the connection between mathematical abstractions and successful technologies.

The department encourages interdisciplinary interactions in which mathematical theory drives innovation in other fields, such as physics, biology, computer science, and finance. This interaction creates a vibrant research culture, leading to new paradigms and strategies that extend the limits of applied mathematics.

Fostering innovation in applied fields supports the department's strength in theory and paves the way for students to enter professions where mathematical sense and computational abilities are ever more important. Cultivating rigor and creativity, the department prepares its members to make significant contributions to scholarship, business, and the development of technology. 

Publications & Journals

Faculty and students within the Department of Mathematics have an active publication record across a broad spectrum of esteemed national and global journals. Their research ranges from theoretical contributions to mathematical investigations with real-world applications, adding to the world's high-quality body of knowledge significantly. Through sharing their results through these publications, they contribute to enhancing understanding in different branches of mathematics.

Publication in prestigious journals is an integral aspect of the department's intellectual culture, a testament to its dedication to serious scholarship and high-quality research standards. Faculty and scholars take pains to peer-review each other's work and respond positively to constructive criticism, enhancing the rigor and reach of their research. This also ensures that the department's work finds credence and appreciation within the broader academic community.

Periodic publications create good academic visibility and provide avenues for collaboration with researchers across the globe. By publishing new ideas and novel findings, students and faculty shape upcoming trends and give rise to new avenues of research. Such an exchange of ideas raises the department's profile as a hub of excellence in mathematics research.

The department actually promotes its members towards publishing as a way of professional development and academic growth. By their scholarly outputs, faculty members and students not only contribute to the progress in mathematics but also prepare themselves for leadership positions in research, teaching, and applications in industry.

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