Quantitative analysis is becoming an increasingly important component of biological research as a result of technological developments, which generate unprecedented amounts of biological data.  Recent trends in the way biological research is done have generated rapid growth in the fields of bioinformatics, biostatistics and mathematical modelling of biological systems.  This major is designed for students who wish to continue to postgraduate research in one of these areas.  

This major will equip students with appropriate skills in mathematics to complement a solid foundation in biology.  It is intended to be accompanied by further studies in mathematics, biology, statistics, or computer science.

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Learning Outcomes

1. Master the ideas and concepts of Calculus, Linear Algebra and Differential Equations and develop the ability to apply the acquired knowledge to analyse a specific problem and identify the mathematics that is required to find its solution.
2. Gain a basic understanding of the ideas and concepts of Probability and Statistics.
3. Apply conceptual knowledge of biological principles and processes including evolution and diversity of organisms, inheritance, storage and utilisation of information and the structure and function of molecules, cells and biological systems, to a range of disciplinary and inter-disciplinary contexts. 
4. Design biological experiments, and analyse and interpret experimental results using appropriate quantitative methods.
5. Demonstrate capacity for mathematical reasoning through analysing, proving and explaining concepts from bioinformatics and biological modelling.
6. Describe and apply a variety of methods in bioinformatics and functional genomics, including scientific programming, interpret current literature in areas of bioinformatic practice and evaluate research methodology in the context of bioinformatic analysis of DNA sequence data.