Math Biology Track

Complexity and diversity of mathematical models and quantitative data applied in life sciences has increased dramatically over the years. This track prepares students for research-based careers and graduate studies in biological and medical fields such as (but not limited to) genomics, neuroscience, and molecular modeling.

In addition to College of Arts and Sciences General Education requirements, students majoring in biological mathematics will complete the following coursework. After completing the required courses, students pick elective hours that highlight the focus of their future career and research interests. Many of the elective options students will take have been pre-selected by faculty in order to fully align this math major to the biological science careers of the future. Students need 6 credit hours total from the elective options. 

Students may review the requirements and sample schedule for the Math Biology Track:

Major Prerequisite Courses

  • Math 1295 Introductory Math Major Seminar (1 cr.)
  • Math 1151 Calculus I (5 cr.)
  • Math 1152 Calculus II (5 cr.)
  • Bio 1113 Biological Sciences: Energy Transfer and Development (4 cr.)
  • Bio 1114 Biological Sciences: Form, Function, Diversity, and Ecology (4 cr.)
  • Chem 1210 General Chemistry I (5 cr.)

*Although not necessary for the major, consider Chem 1220 as an additional course. It is a prerequisite for some of the major course choices.

Major Courses

  • Math 2153 Calculus III (4 cr.)
  • Math 3345 Foundations of Higher Mathematics (3 cr.)
  • Math 2568 Linear Algebra (3 cr.)
  • Math 4530 Probability(3 cr.)  or Stat 4201 Introduction to Math Statistics I (4 cr.)
  • Stat 4202 Introduction to Math Statistics II (4 cr.)
  • Math 2255 Differential Equations and Their Applications (3 cr.)
  • Math 3350 Introduction to Mathematical Biology (3cr.)
  • Choose one:
  • Applied Math Courses: choose 2 of the 3:
    • Math 3607 Beginning Scientific Computing (3 cr.)
    • Math 4556 Dynamical Systems (3 cr.)
    • Math 4557 Partial Differential Equations (3 cr.)
  • Applied Math Electives (6 credit hour minimum):
    • Math 4350 Quantitative Neuroscience (3 cr.)
    • Math 4551 Vector Analysis (3 cr.)
    • Math 4552 Complex Analysis (3 cr.)
    • Math 5101 Linear Math in Finite Dimensions (3 cr.)
    • Math 5102 Linear Math in Infinite Dimensions (3 cr.)
    • Math 4547 Introductory Analysis I (3 cr.)
    • Math 4580 Abstract Algebra I (3 cr.)
    • Math 5421 Mathematics of Infectious Disease Dynamics
    • Math 5540H Honors Differential Geometry (5 cr.)
    • Also the following if not used toward Applied Math Courses
      • Math 3607 Beginning Scientific Computing (3 cr.)
      • Math 4556 Dynamical Systems (3 cr.)
      • Math 4557 Partial Differential Equations (3 cr.)
    • Biochem 4511 Into to Biological Chemistry (4 cr.)
    • EEOB 3310 Evolution (4 cr.)
    • EEOB 3420 Behavioral Ecology (4 cr.)
    • EEOB 4520 Comparative Physiology (3 cr.)
    • Chem 2510 Organic Chemistry (4 cr.)
    • MolGen 5601 Eukaryotic Molecular Genetics Lab (4 cr.)

Sample Four Year Schedule

Autumn Semester

Math 1151
Chem 1210
CSE 1222 or 1223

Spring Semester 

Math 1152
Math 1295
Biology 1113 or 1114
*Chem 1220 is a prerequisite for some future science electives

Autumn Semester

Math 2153
Biology 1113 or 1114

Spring Semester 

Math 3345
Math 2255
Math 2568

Autumn Semester

Math 4530 or Stat 4201
Biology 3401 or MolGen 4500

Spring Semester 

Stat 4202
Math 3350
Math Biology Applied Course or Elective

Autumn Semester

Math Biology Applied Courses or Electives

Spring Semester 

Math Biology Applied Courses or Electives

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