Why study biomathematics?
Our courses are strongly science-based and especially suitable for research-oriented MSc students of applied mathematics and for all students interested in using mathematical models of real-life phenomena. We focus on the modelling and the analysis of biological processes, with particular emphasis on ecology and evolution, where learning the biological background does not require much effort and we can concentrate on the construction and analysis of mathematical models. A variety of modelling approaches are used, most importantly ordinary and partial differential equations, integral equations, and stochastic processes.
Biological models are particularly suitable to learn how to build a mathematical model from an understanding of underlying processes. We emphasise mechanistic modelling, i.e., the derivation of models from first principles (rather than using ad hoc formulas as approximations), and the derivation of population-level phenomena from the behaviour of individuals. Beyond our interest in biological applications, these courses provide transferable skills for modelling real-life phenomena.
Why employ biomathematicians?
- A degree in mathematical biology proves numeracy, problem-solving skills, know-how in modelling, and at least some (but often high-level) computer programming skills.
- Mathematical biology stands out in model constructing. Good models are derived from insight into the underlying processes. Many more original models are constructed from first principles in mathematical biology than in other areas of applied mathematics or in physics. Employers need creative insight into their processes rather than parroting previous models.
- Mathematical biology is truly interdisciplinary. Mathematics and biology education are rather disparate. Successful mathematical biologists need to be conversant with very different research communities, and hence learn to be mediators and "translators" between people of different approaches, technical languages and backgrounds. They need to be flexible to tailor communication to the audience and filter useful input from many and different sources.
- Mathematical biology combines an unusually wide array of mathematical sub-disciplines. Instead of choosing the problem as application to the mathematics already mastered, mathematical biologists are forced to apply a variety of mathematical approaches to the biological problem at hand. This benefits employers who want a problem solved in practical terms, rather than a particular kind of method used.
POSTER of the Biomathematics specialization