MSc in Mathematical Biology
University of St Andrews
Key Information
Campus location
Saint Andrews, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
1 year
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
GBP 25,880 / per year *
Application deadline
08 Aug 2024
Earliest start date
Sep 2024
* overseas / home: £11,680
Introduction
This MSc prepares students with a background in mathematics and related fields for a PhD in Mathematical Biology or a research career in the biomedical sector. A wide range of topics are covered including mathematical oncology, ecological modeling, medical statistics, and population dynamics.
Course details
The MSc in Mathematical Biology consists of two semesters of taught courses run by the School of Mathematics and Statistics, followed by a dissertation undertaken over the summer months.
There is a growing worldwide demand for students with these skills in mathematical biology academic research, as well as in the life sciences industrial sector, including biotechnology, biomedical, healthcare, and pharmaceutical companies.
Highlights
- You will take a course of study tailored to your interests
- You will be exposed to modern and relevant ideas in mathematical biology
- You will be prepared to pursue a PhD and an academic career in mathematical biology
- You will acquire the qualifications and skills for a career in the biomedical sector
Admissions
Curriculum
The modules published below are examples of what has been taught in previous academic years and may be subject to change before you start your program.
Compulsory
- Spatial Models and Pattern Formation in Mathematical Biology: Explores applications of partial differential equations to real-world biological and medical problems, e.g. cell migration, pattern formation in animal coat markings, the spread of infectious diseases, and more
- Stochastic Dynamics in Biology: Provides an introduction to stochastic mathematical modeling with a focus on applications in biology, such as gene regulation, and the dynamics of cell- or animal populations
- Mathematical Oncology: Using a wide range of methods and techniques we develop and study mathematical models addressing biomedical questions in cancer growth, metastasis, and treatment
- Advanced Computational Techniques: Studies several ideas and techniques that underpin modern numerical treatment of processes described by partial differential equations.
Semester 1 - Optional
Students choose two optional modules from this list:
- Applied Statistical Modelling using GLMs: Covers the main aspects of linear models and generalized linear models, including model specification, various options for model selection, model assessment, and tools for diagnosing model faults
- Calculus of Variations in Biological Modelling: Using variational techniques as a main tool, we develop mathematical models for various Biological phenomena including cell migration, protein structure, and limb regeneration
- Computational Numerical Analysis: Introduces programming for the implementation of mathematical algorithms to solve a wide range of mathematical problems
- Introductory Data Analysis: Covers essential statistical concepts and analysis methods relevant to commercial analysis
- Modeling Wildlife Population Dynamics: Introduces students to methods for constructing mathematical models of wildlife population dynamics and fitting these models to diverse data from wildlife surveys
- Population Genetics: Discusses how the frequencies of characteristics in large natural populations can be explained using mathematical models and how statistical techniques may be used to investigate model validity.
Semester 2 - Optional
Students choose one optional module from this list:
- Advanced Analytical Techniques: Introduces important advanced applied analytic techniques such as variational calculus, integral equations, solutions to differential equations by contour integrals, and the theory of steepest descent
- Design of Experiments: Introduces a wide range of features that occur in real comparative experiments with applications including trials of potential new medicines by the pharmaceutical industry
- Estimating Animal Abundance and Biodiversity: Introduces the main types of survey methods for wildlife populations
- Fluid Dynamics: Introduces the theory of incompressible fluid dynamics, with particular attention to conservation laws
- Medical Statistics: Covers many key topics in the field that are important for both methodological development and application
- Population Dynamics Models in Mathematical Biology: Explores applications of difference and ordinary differential equations mathematics to real-world biological problems e.g. harvesting of fish stocks, host-parasitoid systems, predator-prey dynamics, and more.
Dissertation
MSc students complete a dissertation during the final three months of the course to be submitted near the end of August. Dissertations are supervised by members of the teaching staff who will advise on the choice of subject and provide guidance throughout the progress of the dissertation.
If students choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MSc, there is an exit award available that allows suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Diploma. By choosing an exit award, you will finish your degree at the end of the second semester of study and receive a PGDip instead of an MSc.
Teaching
Teaching format
Class sizes range from 10 to 60 students, depending on the module.
Assessment
Most modules for the MSc in Mathematical Biology are semester-long lecture courses with end-of-semester exams, and some modules have a large element of continuous assessment.
Support
The School of Mathematics and Statistics is well-equipped with computing facilities (including a large parallel computing cluster) and an on-site library.
Scholarships and Funding
The University of St Andrews is committed to attracting the very best students, regardless of financial circumstances.
The University of St Andrews offers postgraduate scholarships and other financial awards. These may be held in addition to external funding or awards from a government body. These may also cover (fully or partially) tuition fees, maintenance (living costs including accommodation), or both.
Scholarships are available based on academic merit and financial need. There are scholarships available for both home and overseas fee status. The scholarship team recommends reading the terms of each award carefully and applying to a range of funding sources.
Postgraduate scholarships
Postgraduate study is an investment in your intellectual development and career potential. The University of St Andrews provides scholarships to help as many students as possible continue in higher education.
Scholarship availability may depend on your area of study or fee status (for example, whether you are a 'Home' or 'Overseas' student).
Career Opportunities
The skills obtained during this MSc programme are highly valued for a PhD and further academic career in mathematical biology as well as for a professional research scientist career in the private sector.
These skills are sought after, among others, in advanced Research and Development positions in:
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Medical devices companies
- Life-sciences industry.
Recent Masters and Doctoral students in the School of Mathematics and Statistics have been employed at some of the best universities and most well-known companies around the world.
Further study
The MSc in Mathematical Biology prepares students for further postgraduate studies in mathematical biology research.
Many graduates of the MSc programmes in the School of Mathematics and Statistics continue their education by enrolling in PhD programmes at St Andrews or elsewhere.
The School of Mathematics and Statistics has active research groups in:
- Applied Mathematics (Vortex Dynamics Group, Solar and Magnetospheric Theory Group)
- Mathematical Biology (Mathematical Oncology, Cell Migration and Tissue Growth)
- Pure Mathematics (Analysis Group, Algebra and Combinatorics Group)
- Statistics (Statistical Ecology, Statistical Medicine and Molecular Biology, and Statistical Methodology).
Program Tuition Fee
English Language Requirements
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