Application of mathematical modeling and computation is paving the way for great strides in our understanding of basic biological phenomena. Training in the mathematical sciences is becoming essential for modern research in a wide variety of biological and medical disciplines, including developmental biology, genetics and genomics, ecological modeling, physiology, and biomechanics. The Biological and Life Sciences option focuses on basic techniques of mathematical modeling and computation that are employed in these disciplines. It is also ideal as a second major for students in the Biological and Life Sciences. Program Requirements
Description:
In recent years, the application of mathematical modeling and computation has paved the way for great strides in our understanding of basic biological phenomena. A solid training in mathematics is rapidly becoming essential for modern research in a wide variety of biological and medical disciplines, including developmental biology, genetics and genomics, biostatistics, ecological modeling, physiology, and biomechanics. This Option focuses on basic techniques of mathematical modeling and computation that are employed in the life sciences.
Option Core (24 or 27 credits)
A few degree requirement changes have been made. Students admitted to the BLS option prior to Autumn 2022 follow the first set of course requirements. Students admitted effective Autumn 2022 after after follow the second set of course requirements.
- Physics 121 (5) (pre-AUT 2022)
- Physics 122, 123 (5,5) or Biology 180, 200: (5,5) Introductory Biology (pre-AUT 2022)
- MATH 224: (3) Multivariable Calculus I (pre-AUT 2022)
- AMATH 353: (3) Partial Differential Equations & Fourier Analysis
- AMATH 422,423: (3,3) Mathematical Biology
OR
- CHEM 142, 152: (5,5) General Chemistry (effective Autumn 2022)
- BIOL 180: (5) Introductory Biology (effective Autumn 2022)
- AMATH 353: (3) Partial Differential Equations & Fourier Analysis
- AMATH 422,423: (3,3) Mathematical Biology
Option Electives -- Group I (8 credits)
At least 8 additional credits from approved courses (at the 300 level or higher) in Applied Mathematics, Computer Science and Engineering, Mathematics, and Statistics. The following pre-approved courses are particularly recommended:
- AMATH 301: (4) Beginning Scientific Computing
- AMATH 401,402,403: (4,4,4) Methods of Applied Mathematics I,II & III
- MATH 300: (3) Mathematical Reasoning
- MATH/STAT 394,395: (3,3) Probability I & II
- MATH 407,408,409: (3,3,3) Linear, Nonlinear, & Discrete Optimization
- MATH 427,428: (3,3) Topics in Applied Analysis
- MATH 464,465: (3,3) Numerical Analysis I & II
- STAT 421: (4) Applied Statistics and Experiment Design
- STAT 423: (4) Applied Regression and Analysis of Variance
- STAT 480: (3) Sampling Theory for Biologists
Option Electives -- Group II (12 credits)
At least 12 credits of approved courses in a biological and life science area. Unless exempted by petition, these courses must be at the 300 level or higher. Courses from BIOL and BIOC will automatically apply. Students may request upper-division coursework from BIOE, NEURO, GENOME, and MICROM to apply but need to contact advising@math.washington.edu for petition link. In general, we do not approve seminars or independent study courses.
Biology courses applied to the ACMS Program Core may not be used toward this requirement.
Warning: Some courses in other departments are available to non-majors only on a space-available basis. This should be kept in mind when planning a program. It is also the responsibility of the student to determine any prerequisite requirements pertaining to their chosen elective courses.
Double majors / Double degrees: Students who complete a double major or double degree in an approved biological and life sciences department will naturally have satisfied the Group II Option Electives.