University of Pittsburgh

Mathematics has assumed a significant role in the study of biological systems, in the development of biotechnology, and in advances in medicine. The construction and analysis of mathematical models of biological systems allows for the precise formulation of theoretical ideas, the testing of assumptions that may not be easily accessible experimentally, and the generation of novel predictions that can guide future research. The University of Pittsburgh is known for its excellence in biomedical research, and the Department of Mathematics at Pitt includes prominent faculty with strong records of teaching and research in mathematical biology.

The major in mathematical biology will help students develop an expertise in thinking mathematically about biological systems. Students will acquire fundamental skills in mathematical analysis and simulation, specialized experience in mathematical modeling in biology and neuroscience, and knowledge of particular areas of biology. These tools will prepare students to participate in undergraduate research and to go on to use quantitative methods in biotechnology, medical, and other fields.

Core Requirements

The Mathematical Biology major will require the completion of 43 credits in mathematics. Each of these courses must be taken for a letter grade, and a grade of C or better must be earned in each. Note that students who declared a math major in the Fall of 2018 or after are required to complete the one credit course, MATH 0500 Professional Development, prior to graduation. There are three sections offered in the spring term. The Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences maintains the Authoritative Statement of Degree Requirements (major sheet).

All Required courses much be completed with a grade of C or better

Students pursuing the Mathematical Biology major are encouraged to take CHEM 0110 General Chemistry 1 and CHEM 0120 General Chemistry 2, as these courses will satisfy the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences breadth requirement in natural science and will expand their biology and neuroscience course options. Several of the BIOSC courses that fulfill requirements for this major have prerequisites, but some do not have prerequisites. PHYS 0174 Basic Physics for Science and Engineering 1 and PHYS 0175 Basic Physics for Science and Engineering 2 also carry a high degree of relevance for Mathematical Biology majors.

Mathematical Biology students who plan to continue in graduate studies are advised to take advanced calculus, MATH 1530 Advance Calculus 1 and MATH 1540 Advanced Calculus 2. MATH 1370 Introduction to Computational Neuroscience and MATH 1380 Mathematical Biology introduce students to techniques for independent research; students in these courses are encouraged to pursue research opportunities in Mathematical Biology that are available locally and nationally.