Mathematical Biology Major

The current century has been predicted to be “the century of biology;” and as biology and biotechnology become more important in the coming decades, so will the application of quantitative methods to biological science. Mathematical and computational components are vital to many areas of contemporary biological research, such as genomics, molecular modeling, structural biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, and systems analysis of neurobiology, physiology, and metabolism. Students interested in the interface between biology and mathematics may pursue the Mathematical Biology Major, which is jointly administered by the Biology and Mathematics Departments.

The Mathematical Biology Major prepares students for graduate studies in either biology or applied mathematics or for employment in industry. HMC's technical core provides mathematical biology majors with a strong multidisciplinary foundation, and the College offers many opportunities for students to engage in interdisciplinary research in biomathematics and quantitative biology. Students who choose this major become immersed in the scientific and intellectual cultures of both biology and mathematics, and the major is sufficiently flexible to allow students to concentrate in a particular area of mathematical biology. Students in this major have both a Biology advisor and a Mathematics advisor, who will help them plan a program tailored to the their interests and goals.

Mathematical Biology Advisors

Please contact the advisors for additional information.

Requirements for the Degree

Mathematics (10 units)

Mathematics Electives (4 units)

Recommended courses include

Biology (15 Units)

Three of the following five courses (9 units):

Biology Electives (5 Units)

Two biology electives (one seminar and one lab).

Computation (3 units)

One of the following

Mathematical Biology (4 units)

Additional Requirements (9 units)