Quantitative skills have become an essential ingredient for modern biology. The vast quantities of genomic data generated by sequencing technologies can only be handled and interpreted through computers using algorithms underpinned by sound mathematical and statistical models. Mathematics also finds application in directly modelling biological processes at all levels from the molecular to macroscopic. This specialisation is designed to equip students with an understanding of the mathematics behind the computer programs regularly used by biologists, and an ability to analyse biological data and construct mathematical models. The intersection of mathematics and biology is one of the fastest growing areas of science, with most large biology laboratories now employing bioinformaticians, creating career opportunities in both the public and private sector.
Other Information
Advice to Students
Students
doing the Specialisation will need in first year to complete BIOL1003
because of biology prerequisites and co-requisites.
They will also need to complete either BIOL2151 or BIOL3161 (and its prerequisites) as prerequisites to BIOL3157.
They will
need to complete MATH1014 or MATH1116 in first year as prerequisites to
MATH2307 and STAT1003 or STAT1008 in first year and STAT2001 in second year as
prerequisites to MATH3353.
They are strongly encouraged to do further biology and mathematics courses and are recommended to do COMP1100 or COMP1730, CHEM1001 and CHEM1201.
This specialisation should be taken in conjunction with a Biology Major, Mathematics Major or Mathematical Modelling Major.
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Requirements
This specialisation requires the completion of 24 units, which must include:
18 units from completion of the following course(s):
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MATH2307 | Bioinformatics and Biological Modelling | 6 |
| MATH3353 | Advanced Topics in Bioinformatics | 6 |
| BIOL3157 | Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics | 6 |
6 units from completion of the following course(s):
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL2202 | Experimental Design and Analysis in Biology OR | 6 |
| BIOL3161 | Genomics and its Applications OR | 6 |
| MATH2306 | Partial Differential Equations and Applications | 6 |
