Mathematics is widely used across the physical and life sciences, and in particular is increasingly essential to biology. Quantitative biological research utilizes mathematical techniques, ranging from applied statistical methods to mathematical modeling typically involving difference or differential equations, and often involves computing-intensive methods or other advanced mathematical tools. In particular the growing field of bioinformatics applies statistics, probability theory, and graph theory, along with computing intensive methods, to detect and interpret patterns in massive data sets. Biomathematics is the application of mathematics to medical and biological problems. For example, the study of epidemics (the spread of diseases) uses very sophisticated mathematical techniques. Scientists routinely use advanced mathematics to describe the workings of the heart and other organs. At some level all biologists make use of mathematical tools, but it is increasingly obvious that there is a prominent research role for scientists working at the interface of Biology and Mathematics, having greater mathematical sophistication than the typical biologist, and greater knowledge of biology than the typical mathematician. Consequently, interdisciplinary biomathematical programs are being introduced in increasing numbers nationwide. This M.S. sequence will enable mathematicians actively to pursue interdisciplinary research careers in collaboration with biologists.
The biomathematics program at Illinois State University was developed recently to help students understand how biology and mathematics are intertwined and how a broad-based knowledge of each area will be critical for future graduate study and/or employment opportunities. The “Biomathematics: MS Sequence and Cross-Disciplinary Research at the Interface of Biology and Mathematics” is a new master’s sequence that incorporates cross-disciplinary research as integral to the curriculum. Through this Master’s sequence, students will choose a series of courses concentrated in one of three critical areas of Biomathematics (theoretical and applied statistics, deterministic and stochastic modeling, or computation and bioinformatics) and conduct thesis research within the cross-disciplinary field of Biomathematics. It is one of several Programs of Excellence awarded by the College of Arts & Sciences. There is no other Biomathematics M.S. program in Illinois, and the few existing programs in the nation typically do not exhibit the strong and balanced emphasis on course work in both disciplines the Biomathematics program will offer.
Students may choose to pursue a degree in biomathematics if they are considering employment in the public health field or interested in research projects that involve analyzing biological data. Study of Biomathematics facilitates working in wide spectrum of fields such as modeling, epidemiology (the study of the spread of diseases) , molecular biology, physiology (the study of processes in organisms) or population biology
Biomathematics International Organization for Mentoring, Exchange of Research, and Graduate Education
Illinois State University is the leading member of the newly launched BIOMERGE institute. The purpose of BIOMERGE is to train interdisciplinary mathematical biology graduate students at the interface of Biology and Mathematical and Statistical Sciences under various institutional faculty and student exchange agreements.Under BIOMERGE, ISU has a Dual Degree program agreement in Biomathematics with Izmir University of Economics, and with Missouri University of Science and Technology.
Employment opportunities for expected to be excellent for graduates with degrees in biomathematics. Work can be found in governmental, industrial and academic settings as well. Biomathematics also provides a solid education for those who are interested in doctoral programs in biomathematics, statistics, biology, epidemiology or public health.
