What is it like to study mathematical biology in the MAST programme?
In practice, we study mathematical ecology. Ecology is getting ever more important and we offer a deep knowledge of mathematical ecology at a level few other universities can provide. Ecology is also easier for students with a mathematical background to understand and model than, for example, systems biology. The tools we acquire in mathematical ecology are transferable to other fields in mathematical biology and beyond.
Most of our courses are lecture courses, which is usually the case in mathematics. The lectures are supported with exercise classes, where we discuss problems the students have solved as homework. The exercise class is the place to get the bugs out: Mistakes are not punished but discussed. Next to lecture courses, we have a book reading course where students give lectures and two courses which are partly project work.
Who are these studies suitable for?
We’re looking for everyone who is interested in applied mathematics, modeling, and understanding science or real-life phenomena via mathematics. We assume a mathematical background on a BSc level, especially matrix algebra, differential equations and basic probability. We don't assume any knowledge in biology but we do look for some interest in applying mathematics to biological systems.
We put a big emphasis on modeling, or capturing the salient features of a biological system into mathematics. The analysis of a good model can provide creative insight and understanding of the processes we see in nature, and good modelling skills are important for applied mathematicians and statisticians alike. With the advent of modern Bayesian statistics, we have excellent tools how to estimate the parameters of a model from data; but if the model at the heart of Bayesian statistics is flawed, then the entire effort is wasted.
What kind of career paths do studies in mathematical biology open up?
Our students can become applied mathematicians in many different fields. We provide tools for creating and analyzing models, and this skill can be transferred outside mathematical biology. For those who would continue with PhD studies, our courses give an exceptional preparation in the field of mathematical ecology.