Directors of the specialization: Mats Gyllenberg and Eva Kisdi
Mandatory core courses, 10 cr
MAST31501 Mathematical modelling (10 cr) OR LSI33006 Introduction to mathematical biology I (5 cr) and LSI33007 Introduction to mathematical biology II (5 cr)
Specialization courses, at least 15 cr from this list:
MAST31505 Adaptive dynamics (10 cr)
LSI33002 Evolution and the theory of games I (5 cr)
LSI33008 Evolution and the theory of games II (5 cr)
LSI33003 Mathematics of infectious diseases (10 cr)
MAST31503 Spatial models in ecology and evolution (10 cr)
MAST31504 Stochastic population models (10 cr)
MAST30001 Master´s thesis seminar (5 cr)
MAST31000 Master´s thesis (30 cr) (the link includes grading scale and criteria)
Other advanced courses from the list of core courses, mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics courses and/or courses from other programmes as approved in personal study plan.
Other requirements, such as possibly required bachelor's level mathematics courses (the module 0-35 cr other studies) are explained here:
Mats Gyllenberg and Eva Kisdi
Eva Kisdi
We offer a strongly science-based specialization 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 biological applications, especially on ecology and evolution, because advanced modelling skills can be acquired through this field with little time needed to learn the specifics of the application area. To well-performing and motivated students, we offer publishable projects for the MSc thesis.
We recommend that you take a course on differential equations during your BSc studies. We also encourage learning numerical methods and acquiring basic skills in computer programming.
The courses of the Mathematical modelling specialization are given every second year, so advanced planning is important. We maintain a strict schedule of our regular courses, so that students can plan their studies reliably:
Fall of odd years (e.g. fall 2019): Mathematical modelling, Mathematics of infectious diseases
Fall of even years (e.g. fall 2020): Introduction to mathematical biology, Evolution and the theory of games
Spring of odd years (e.g. spring 2019): Stochastic population models, Spatial models in ecology and evolution
Spring of even years (e.g. spring 2020): Adaptive dynamics
Additional courses (e.g. given by guest lecturers) that are not regularly taught are listed on this page.
NOTE a highly recommended course in Spring 2020: Operator semigroups with applications in biology, given by guest lecturer Barbara Boldin (10cr)
Example 1
For students interested mainly in biomathematics, who already have good background in mathematics (matrix algebra, differential equations, integrals, some measure theory, probability) and plan to continue with PhD studies in biomathematics
Core courses (20 op): Mathematical modelling, Functional analysis
Specialization courses (20 op): Introduction to mathematical biology, Adaptive dynamics
Optional courses (45 op): three other specialization courses (25 op), a course in dynamical systems and bifurcation theory (10 op, may be a book exam), computer programming (10 op)
Time schedule if the student starts in an odd year (e.g. autumn 2019)
Year 1, autumn (30 op):
Mathematical modelling (10 op)
Mathematics of infectious diseases (10 op)
Functional analysis (10 op)
Year 1, spring (30 op):
Adaptive dynamics (10 op)
Dynamical systems and bifurcations (book-exam)
Introduction to programming (5 op, period III) + Advanced course in programming (5 op, period IV)
Year 2, autumn (30 op):
Introduction to mathematical biology (10 op)
Evolution and the theory of games (5 op)
Pro gradu work with pro gradu seminar (of 15 op)
Year 2, spring (30 op):
Stochastic population models OR Spatial models in ecology and evolution (10 op)
Pro gradu work with pro gradu seminar (of 20 op)
Time schedule if the student starts in an even year (e.g. autumn 2020)
Year 1, autumn (30 op):
Introduction to mathematical biology (10 op)
Evolution and the theory of games (5 op)
Functional analysis (10 op)
Introduction to programming (5 op, period I)
Year 1, spring (30 op):
Stochastic population models OR Spatial models in ecology and evolution (10 op)
Dynamical systems and bifurcations (book exam)
Pro gradu work (of 5 op)
Advanced course in programming (5 op, period II)
Year 2, autumn (30 op):
Mathematical modelling (10 op)
Mathematics of infectious diseases (10 op)
Pro gradu work and pro gradu seminar (of 10 op)
Year 2, spring (30 op):
Adaptive dynamics (10 op)
Pro gradu work and pro gradu seminar (of 20 op)
Example 2
For students interested in computational life sciences, combining mathematical modelling and statistics, assuming more background in statistics rather than mathematics, and planning to work in an application area such as epidemiology
Core courses (20 op): Mathematical modelling, Probability theory
Bachelor level courses (10 op): Differential equations I-II
Specialization courses (20 op): Mathematics of infectious diseases, Stochastic population models
Optional courses (35 op): one more specialization course, computer programming courses, two statistics courses
An example for students starting in an odd year (e.g. autumn 2019):
Year 1, autumn (30 op):
Mathematical modelling (10 op)
Mathematics of infectious diseases (10 op)
Differential equations I-II (5+5 op)
Year 1, spring (30 op):
Adaptive dynamics (10 op)
Trends in biostatistics and bioinformatics (period III, 5 op)
Advanced course in Bayesian statistics (period IV, 5 op)
Introduction to programming (5 op, period III) + Advanced course in programming (5 op, period IV)
Year 2, autumn (30 op):
Evolution and the theory of games (5 op)
Probability theory I + II (5 + 5 op)
Pro gradu work with pro gradu seminar (of 15 op)
Year 2, spring (30 op):
Stochastic population models (10 op)
Pro gradu work with pro gradu seminar (of 20 op)
Example 3
For students interested in a combination of analysis, modelling, and biological applications.
Core courses (20 op): Mathematical modelling, Functional analysis
Specialization courses (20 op): Mathematics of infectious diseases (10 op), Spatial models in ecology and evolution OR Stochastic population models (10 op)
Optional courses (45 op): one more specialization course (10 op), Partial differential equations (10 op), Fourier analysis (5 op), Real analysis (5 op), Complex analysis (10 op), a short computer programming course (5 op)
Time schedule for students starting in an odd year (e.g. autumn 2019):
Year 1, autumn (30 op):
Mathematical modelling (10 op)
Mathematics of infectious diseases (10 op)
Functional analysis (10 op)
Year 1, spring (30 op):
Partial differential equations (10 op)
Fourier analysis I (5 op)
Complex analysis I (10 op)
Introduction to programming (5 op, period III)
Year 2, autumn (30 op):
Introduction to mathematical biology (10 op)
Real analysis I (5 op)
Pro gradu work with pro gradu seminar (of 15 op)
Year 2, spring (30 op):
Spatial models in ecology and evolution OR Stochastic population models (10 op)
Pro gradu work with pro gradu seminar (of 20 op)