Mathematical Challenges from Theoretical/Computational Chemistry (1995) / Chapter Skim
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Cultural Issues and Barriers to Interdisciplinary Work
Cultural Issues and Barriers to Interdisciplinary Work
Pages 109-116
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From page 109... ...
data. The importance of mathematics in chemistry is revealed by the success of chemists in developing effective algorithms not only for specialized problems in chemistry, but also for generic mathematical problems for example, evaluating integrals, calculating matrix eigenvalues, storing and compressing data, finding multidimensional optima and stationary points, and generating numerical solutions to the one-dimensional Schrodinger equation.
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From page 110... ...
Another related issue is the value attached to work in which an existing body of mathematics is applied to another scientific problem area; even if the impact is great and the work represents a significant scientific advance, it is not "new mathematics," and hence may be accorded little weight in an evaluation of research contributions. Because of the tendency to preserve and protect departmental boundaries, mathematics departments are ill-equipped to cope with questions that inevitably arise if mathematicians become seriously interested in interdisciplinary problems.
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From page 111... ...
For academic chemistry departments, analogous principles of departmental autonomy can affect chemists seeking to work with mathematicians. Because theoretical/computational chemists must often demonstrate the applications of their work to experimental areas of chemistry, fundamental work of a mathematical nature- for example, algorithm development or identification of problem features amenable to mathematical attack may be undervalued.
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From page 112... ...
ordinary differential equations, linear algebra, or numerical methods, but seldom study abstract algebra, differential geometry, numerical analysis, partial differential equations, probability, or topology. Graduate students in chemistry rarely take courses in mathematics departments.
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From page 113... ...
is a collection of circular molecules held together by topological bonds, not by chemical bonds. Mathematics invokes the concept of graph isomorphism type, whereas chemists speak of connectivity of the molecular graph.
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From page 114... ...
Interactions between computational chemists and computational mathematicians are perhaps the most obviously rewarding today for addressing large-scale computational problems that occur in quantum chemistry, molecular mechanics, and molecular dynamics; these areas seem promising for serious colIaborations since progress is likely to be made only by combining signif~cant expertise in chemistry, mathematics, and computer science. However, the ranges of opportunity and success stories are very broad (see Chapters 3 and 4 of this report)
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From page 115... ...
References Joint Policy Board for Mathematics, 1994, Recognition and Rewards in the Mathematical Sciences, American Mathematical Society, Providence, R.I. National Research Council and Institute of Medicine, 1990, Interdisciplinary Research: Promoting Collaboration Between the Life Sciences and Medicine and the Physical Sciences and Engineering, National Academy Press, Washington, D.C.
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