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Nov 25, 2024
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2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog
Mathematical Biology, BS
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Mathematics has assumed a significant role in the study of biological systems, in the development of biotechnology, and in advances in medicine. The construction and analysis of mathematical models of biological systems allows for the precise formulation of theoretical ideas, the testing of assumptions that may not be easily accessible experimentally, and the generation of novel predictions that can guide future research. The University of Pittsburgh is known for its excellence in biomedical research, and the Department of Mathematics at Pitt includes prominent faculty with strong records of teaching and research in mathematical biology.
The major in Mathematical Biology will help students develop an expertise in thinking mathematically about biological systems. Students will acquire fundamental skills in mathematical analysis and simulation, specialized experience in mathematical modeling in biology and neuroscience, and knowledge of particular areas of biology. These tools will prepare students to participate in undergraduate research and to go on to use quantitative methods in biotechnology, medicine, and other fields.
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Required courses for the Mathematical Biology major
The Mathematical Biology major will require the completion of 44 credits in mathematics, or as few as 37 with UHC (University Honors Course) options, plus 12 in Biology or Neuroscience and 3 in Mathematics or Statistics .
Three Calculus courses (12 credits)
Two Introductory theoretical courses (7 credits)
Two upper-level required courses (6 credits)
Choose one of the following courses.
Two mathematical biology courses (6 credits)
Two numerical mathematics courses (6 credits)
Two applied analysis courses from the following list (6 credits)
Introductory biology courses
Both of the following courses are required.
Biology or Neuroscience courses
Choose two of the following courses. At least one of the chosen courses must be at the 1000 level.
Probabiity or Statistics course
Choose one of the following courses.
Other Requirements and Recommendations
Students pursuing the Mathematical Biology major are encouraged to take CHEM 0110 - GENERAL CHEMISTRY 1 and CHEM 0120 - GENERAL CHEMISTRY 2 , as these courses will satisfy the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences breadth requirement in natural science and will expand their biology and neuroscience course options. Several of the BIOSC courses that fulfill requirements for this major have prerequisites, but some do not have prerequisites. PHYS 0174 - BASIC PHYSICS, SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 1 (INTEGRATED) and PHYS 0175 - BASIC PHYSICS, SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2 (INTEGRATED) also carry a high degree of relevance for Mathematical Biology majors.
- Mathematical Biology students who plan to continue in graduate studies are advised to take advanced calculus, MATH 1530 - ADVANCED CALCULUS 1 and MATH 1540 - ADVANCED CALCULUS 2 . MATH 1370 - INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE and MATH 1380 - MATH BIOLOGY introduce students to techniques for independent research; students in these courses are encouraged to pursue research opportunities in Mathematical Biology that are available locally and nationally.
- A grade of C or higher is necessary in all courses required for the major. A minimum GPA of 2.0 in departmental courses is required for graduation.
- No course that counts toward the major may be taken on the S/NC basis.
- Students must complete at least one writing-intensive course (W-course) in the major. Either MATH 0413 or MATH 0450 will satisfy this requirement.
- Students seeking honors in Mathematical Biology will earn departmental honors if they meet the following requirements.
- Fulfill all requirements for the major.
- Complete the following courses with a letter grade of A- or better.
- Complete the following courses with a letter grade of B or higher.
- Complete one of the following conditions.
- An honors thesis under the direction of a faculty member in the Department of Mathematics; for students seeking a BPhil from the David C. Frederick Honors College, this requirement could be satisfied by the Honors College thesis
- A 2000-level mathematics course with a letter grade of B or higher, in addition to the course use for the third item, above.
- Although not required, the department strongly recommends that honors degree candidates take the intermediate honors courses MATH 1185 and MATH 0450 during their freshman or sophomore year.
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