Program Overview
Applied Mathematics - Biology
The Applied Mathematics – Biology concentration allows students to develop complementary expertise in biology and applied mathematics.
Degree Type
The degree type for this concentration is Sc.B.
Division
This concentration is part of the Division of Applied Mathematics.
CIP Code
The Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code for this concentration is 27.0301.
Description
Biology, the science of all life and living matter, is an incredibly diverse discipline offering students the opportunity to learn about topics ranging from the fundamental chemical reactions that fuel all living organisms to the population dynamics of entire ecosystems all the way to the question of how our brains give rise to the complexities of human cognition and experience. Applied mathematics is an increasingly important component of modern biological investigation. Modern technologies have enabled the creation of vast new biological data sets that often require sophisticated mathematical and statistical models for interpretation and analysis. Advances in computing have similarly enabled the simulation of biological phenomena at increasingly fine levels of detail. Entire subfields, such as bioinformatics and computational neuroscience, have developed around these new paradigms of biological investigation. The foundations of these new fields are inherently mathematical, with a focus on probability, statistical inference, and systems dynamics.
The Applied Mathematics – Biology concentration allows students to develop complementary expertise in biology and applied mathematics. Students will focus their advanced biological coursework in an area of particular interest to them. The applied math requirements emphasize those areas of mathematics that have found widespread use throughout all of the biological sciences. The program culminates in a senior capstone experience that enables students to participate in creative research collaborations with faculty.
Concentration Requirements
- List of requirements
- Honors website
Student Goals
Students in this concentration will:
- Become fluent in mathematical and statistical sciences, and their application in biology
- Develop a foundation in physics, math, chemistry, and biology
- Design a focus area around either biochemistry; neuroscience; physiology, population biology and ecology; or genetics
- Collaborate with a faculty member on a senior capstone experience
Tracks
- Professional Track (APMA-Bio)
Department Undergraduate Group (DUG)
Student Leaders:
- Michelle Liu
- Bernard Li
- Anush Shah
- Natsuka Hayashida
- Grace Yang
- Victoria Hernandez
- Simone Donoho
Graduating Class
| Class Year | Total Students | Honors Graduates |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 10 | 7 |
| 2022 | 14 | 7 |
| 2023 | 10 | 1 |
| 2024 | 19 | 8 |
| 2025 | 16 | 4 |
Alumni Pathways
Applied Math-Biology concentrators are prepared for careers in medicine, public health, industry and academic research. Recent alumni have pursued careers as software engineers and global health researchers as well as graduate study in public health, and ecology and evolutionary biology.
Related Academic Areas
- Applied Mathematics
- Biomed
- Chemistry
- Computational Molecular Biology
Career Opportunities
Applied Mathematics - Biology concentrators are prepared for careers in various fields, including medicine, public health, industry, and academic research. They can pursue careers as software engineers, global health researchers, or continue their education in graduate studies in public health, ecology, and evolutionary biology.