Master - Mathematical Sciences - Computational Biology

Department of Academic Affairs

Why study Computational Biology at the UMB?
• You will learn how complex biological systems can be studied, modelled and understood using mathematical methods and techniques from physics and computer science.
• You will learn how these subjects help find solutions to some of the major medical and environmental issues of our times.
• You want a modern Master of Science-degree.
• You want an education that enables you to contribute towards a sustainable future for our planet.

Master - Mathematical Sciences - Computational Biology

Where will you work?
• You’ll be qualified for positions in industry, research, consulting firms, public services and many other workplaces. Some students enrol in a PhD-programme or choose a career as a high-school teacher.

Contents of the programme:
One of the most rapidly growing research fields today is the modelling of life processes in plants, animals, humans and ecosystems using methods from mathematically oriented sciences such as mathematics, physics, computer science and statistics. In this programme you learn how such models are constructed and used to improve the interpretation of experimental data.

The topics you can choose for your thesis originate from active experimental and theoretical research activities at UMB, for example, (1) how molecules carrying our genetic information cooperate within cells to give an organism its specific characteristics, (2) how single cells function and how groups of cells cooperate, (3) how complex natural patterns such as the tree structure of roots and sedimentation processes are generated and influenced by the environment, and (4) how thousands of millions of nerve cells can cooperate to make us think.
The methods you will use include a wide variety of mathematical techniques such as (1) detailed mathematic analysis of simplified models, (2) statistical modelling based on experimental data, (3) computer intensive simulations of extensive and biologically realistic models and (4) algorithmic modelling based on modern statistical physics.

Requirements:
• Candidates should have academic qualifications at the B.Sc. level, totalling 180 credit points. Your B.Sc. must include at least 80 credit points in one of the following subjects: mathematics, physics, computer science or statistics. Generally however, 50 additional credit points within these four subjects are required.
• Your major at the B.Sc. level can, in some cases, limit your choice of specialization in your Master programme.
• Applicants must document knowledge of English at a level equivalent to the requirements set by the TOEFFL test, with results approved by the International Student Office at UMB

Programme structure:
You will complete courses corresponding to 60 credit points within the subjects of your specialization. These courses prepare you for your thesis which you will work on during the last year of the programme. Up to date computer software and information technology will be used throughout the programme.

For further information
• Application and general questions about studies at UMB:
Student Information Office, P.O. Box 5003, 1432 Aas, Norway,
phone: +47 66 59 61 00, e-mail: opptak@umb.no
• More information about content of the study:
Department of Mathematical Sciences and Technology
Student counsellor Linda Malmberg
Ph. + 47 64 96 54 09
E-mail: Studieveileder-matematiskerealfag@umb.no






Updated: 08.01.07
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