Mathematical Biology

Useful Links Maths @ DundeeMaths Biology Research Group
Staff Profiles Prof Mark Chaplain Related Courses Diploma in Mathematics
Pre-Sessional Programmes

Mathematical Biology

Snapshot

Degrees available: Degree Length of study Full time MSc 12 months This course has one start date - September Academic School: School of Engineering, Physics & Mathematics How to apply: Apply online via UKPASS

Closing date: For entry Sept 2013, apply before 19th July 2013, if you need a visa to study in the UK

Fees: Academic Year Home/EU Overseas 2012-13 £3,400 £13,335 2013-14 £3,800 £13,850 2014-15 to be confirmed £14,500

Mathematical Biology at Dundee

The University of Dundee has a long history of mathematical biology, going back to Professor Sir D'Arcy Wentworth Thompson, Chair of Natural History, 1884-1917. In his famous book On Growth and Form (where he applied geometric principles to morphological problems) Thompson declares:

"Cell and tissue, shell and bone, leaf and flower, are so many portions of matter, and it is in obedience to the laws of physics that their particles have been moved, molded and conformed. They are no exceptions to the rule that God always geometrizes. Their problems of form are in the first instance mathematical problems, their problems of growth are essentially physical problems, and the morphologist is, ipso facto, a student of physical science."

Current mathematical biology research in Dundee continues in the spirit of D'Arcy Thompson with the application of modern applied mathematics and computational modelling to a range of biological processes involving many different but inter-connected phenomena that occur at different spatial and temporal scales. Specific areas of application are to cancer growth and treatment, ecological models, fungal growth and biofilms. The overall common theme of all the mathematical biology research may be termed"multi-scale mathematical modelling" or, from a biological perspective, "quantitative systems biology" or"quantitative integrative biology".

The Mathematical Biology Research Group currently consists of Professor Mark Chaplain, Dr. Fordyce Davidson and Dr. Paul Macklin along with post-doctoral research assistants and PhD students. Professor Ping Lin provides expertise in the area of computational numerical analysis. The group will shortly be augmented by the arrival of a new Chair in Mathematical Biology (a joint Mathematics/Life Sciences appointment).

As a result, the students will benefit directly not only from the scientific expertise of the above internationally recognized researchers, but also through a wide-range of research activities such as journal clubs and research seminars.

Aims of the Programme

• To provide a Masters-level postgraduate education in the knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematical biology.
• To enhance your analytical and critical abilities and competence in the application of mathematical modeling techniques to problems in biomedicine.
• Additionally, for overseas students, to provide you with unique educational and cultural experiences in the UK .

Career Prospects

The Biomedical Sciences are now recognizing the need for quantitative, predictive approaches to their traditional qualitative subject areas. Healthcare and Biotechnology are still fast-growing industries in UK, Europe and Worldwide. New start-up companies and large-scale government investment are also opening up employment prospects in emerging economies such as Singapore, China and India.

Students graduating from this programme would be very well placed to take advantage of these global opportunities

Programme Content

The MSc Programme is timetabled for full-time study over 12 months.

Semester One (Sept-Dec) covers two core mathematical biology modules and two modules related to broader skills as follows:

• Mathematical Methods (15 credits)
• Computational Modelling, Programming (10 credits)
• Research Methodology (10 credits)
• Communication Skills (10 credits)

Semester Two (Jan-Mar) covers three further core mathematical biology modules as follows:

• Mathematical Oncology (15 credits)
• Mathematical Ecology & Epidemiology (15 credits)
• Mathematical Physiology (15 credits)

Finally, all students will undertake a Personal Research Project under the supervision of a member of staff in one of the Mathematical Biology or Computational Mathematics Research Groups as follows: Personal Project in Mathematical Biology (90 credits).

Methods of Teaching

The programme will involve a variety of teaching formats including lectures, tutorials, seminars, journal clubs, case studies, coursework, and an individual research project.

Taught sessions will be supported by individual reading and study.

Students will be guided to prepare their research project plan and to develop skills and competence in research including project management, critical thinking and problem solving, project reporting and presentation.

Entry Requirements

You should have, or expect to have, a 2.2 BSc (honours) or above, or a suitable alternative qualification, in a relevant mathematical discipline.

English Language Requirement: IELTS of 6.0 (or equivalent), if your first language is not English. Please check our Language Requirements page for details of equivalent grades from other test providers, and information about the University of Dundee English Language courses.

Sources of Funding

Information about the School of Engineering, Physics and Mathematics scholarships can be found on the School of Engineering, Physics and Mathematics scholarships webpage.

Other sources of funding for postgraduate students can be found on our Scholarships webpage.

Contact

Programme Director

Admissions Contact

Prof Mark ChaplainMathematics
University of Dundee
Nethergate
Dundee
DD1 4HN
Scotland

Telephone: 01382 385369 (from the UK)Telephone: +44 1382 385369 (from outside the UK)
Fax: 01382 385516 (from the UK)Fax: +44 1382 385516 (from outside the UK)
Email: chaplain@maths.dundee.ac.uk Postgraduate AdmissionsAdmissions and Student Recruitment
University of Dundee
Nethergate
Dundee
DD1 4HN
Scotland

Telephone: 01382 384 384 (from the UK)Telephone: +44 1382 384 384 (from outside the UK)
Fax: 01382 385 500 (from the UK)Fax: +44 1382 385 500 (from outside the UK)
Email: postgrad-admissions@dundee.ac.uk