Biomathematics

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.

Planning for College

The University of Scranton encourages a strong college preparatory program in high school with a minimum of four years of English, three years of mathematics, social science and science, and at least two years of a foreign language with additional units taken in acceptable academic areas. You are encouraged to take a year each of biology, chemistry and physics, along with courses in algebra, geometry and trigonometry. A course in calculus is recommended but not required.

Biomathematics at The University of Scranton

The biomathematics program at The University of Scranton 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.

You may choose to pursue a degree in biomathematics if you are:

• undecided between mathematics or biology
• planning on attending medical school
• considering employment in the public health field
• interested in analyzing biological data

You can choose from among the following four tracks to study in biomathematics:

• epidemiology (the study of the spread of diseases)
• molecular biology
• physiology (the study of processes in organisms)
• population biology

Outcomes

Employment opportunities for expected to be excellent for graduates with degrees in biomathematics, especially for those interested in entry-level positions in public health. Work can be found in governmental, industrial and academic settings as well. Biomathematics also provides a solid education for those students considering medical school and for those interested in pursuing master’s or doctoral programs in biomathematics, statistics, biology, epidemiology or public health.

Finding Out More

For more information about biomathematics at The University of Scranton, please contact Dr. Paul M. Perdew at (570) 941-6103. His e-mail address is perdewp1@scranton.edu.