What is Mathematical Biology?

Mathematical Biology (which is another name for ‘Mathematical Modelling in Biology’, frequently used in scientific literature) is the application of mathematical methods to problems arising in biology and life sciences.

Mathematics has long been recognized as a powerful and convenient tool for elucidating biological and ecological processes. Great advances that have been made during the recent decades in understanding the principles of living matter organization at different levels, ranging from genes and cells to communities and ecosystems, would hardly have ever been possible without extensive use of mathematical modelling and computer experiments. In particular, simulation opens up an extraordinary virtual laboratory, making it possible to bring into focus the many aspects of living systems’ dynamics which otherwise are very difficult to study in laboratory or field experiments.

The course consists of two streams of study, one stream focuses on biomedical applications with a special accent on theoretical neuroscience and brain research, the other stream focuses on ecological and environmental applications.

It is expected that, having completed this programme, graduates will be able to successfully build their career in academia, the biomedical industry, or commercial or non-commercial organizations that deal with agriculture, wildlife resources management or nature conservation.

Focus and aims of the course

This programme aims to provide a comprehensive perspective of existing modelling approaches and contemporary methods of data analysis used in biology and ecology. The focus will be on design, analysis and implementation of mathematical models for problems arising in life sciences, with special emphasis on ecological applications, theoretical neuroscience and brain research. By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Formulate problems in mathematical terms
• Build relevant mathematical models of biological phenomena
• Apply an array of analytical tools and/or select and develop an appropriate numerical method
• Write a computer programme for numerical simulations
• Present and interpret the results for a potential client from the biomedical or agricultural sector

Structure of the Course

The course consists of 120 credits of taught material in eight modules of 15 credits each, and 60 credits for an individual project. The detailed description of each module can be found in the corresponding module forms which are available upon request. All eight taught modules you will be required to take are core modules. Listed below are modules which you will study as part of your degree:

Synopsis of the Course

Students will begin their studies on this course in the autumn term. During the 1st and 2nd semesters, the students are primarily engaged in coursework which will lay the groundwork for their research projects. The 120 credits of required coursework consist of eight 15 credit modules covering a wide variety of subjects giving both a theoretical foundation and practical experience towards the qualification sought.

After the Easter recess in the spring, students will be given a choice of research projects which they will prepare partly in the latter part of the spring term and primarily during the summer months.

The 60 credit projects are typically supervised by a member of the Department of Mathematics, but at the discretion of the Course Director, may be supervised by staff in other departments or outside the University (for example, an industrial partner). On completion of your project work (typically in mid September) the students will present their projects to a board of the faculty. Once accepted, the student is awarded the MSc degree in Mathematical Modelling in Biology.

Individual Project

After the Midsummer examinations a project is undertaken full-time. This leads to an oral presentation and the submission of a dissertation by the middle of September. The typical length of the dissertation is about 15000 words, but no precise minimum length is prescribed as length will depend on the particular topic chosen, the amount of software development involved, and the applications component. The project is expected to contain some elements of original work. Students will typically complement the foundational material of the first two terms with practical, applied work during the project.

In addition, all students are expected to attend events organized by the Department and the Centre for Mathematical Modelling. Some of the teaching of these modules will be shared with the corresponding Level 3 and Level 4 modules of the BSc and MMath in Mathematics.

Careers

Every possible effort is made in the Department and the University to help our students to gain a good job after their graduation. At the Career Day event, a University-wide event specifically designed for this purpose, businesses representatives are invited and students are given an opportunity to discuss their job perspectives directly with potential employers.

In addition the Department of Mathematics has established contacts with several well known organizations in the field of agro-ecology and biomedical industry. Successful students will have the possibility of a summer internship with a prospective employer (pending approval). Alternatively, students will have the opportunity to continue their studies at PhD level, either in Leicester or in our partner institutions, working towards a PhD degree.

Entry requirements

Candidates should have, or expect to gain, at least a good second class honours BSc degree or qualification of equivalent standard recognized by the University of Leicester in a subject with a substantial element of mathematics. Since applications are treated on an individual basis, alternative qualifications, including work experience, may be considered.