Mathematical/Computational Biology - grad school

[ptolema]

I'm getting ready to apply to grad schools, and I'm having a hard time choosing schools to apply to. I'm an applied math major, and I'm really interested in mathematical/computational biology. I don't necessarily want to study math in grad school, but I'm open to math programs with a more interdisciplinary approach. So far, I have this tentative list:

UCSF - Integrative Program in Quantitative Biology
UCSD - Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
Duke University - Math
Duke University - Computational Biology & Bioinformatics

Can anyone offer advice/suggestions to help me decide which to apply to?

 

[F=qE]

Hey there. Computational/statistical bio is a very neat program. I met some UCLA faculty in that program about a year ago before I applied to grad school just to learn what's it's like - a family friend is a professor there. I ended up going for physics elsewhere, but I learned a lot from visiting.

Do you have at least 1 or 2 bio classes? All the staff mentioned that even though it's math based, you have to have a bio background of sorts or at least demonstrate an interest in it. That stopped me from applying for it. The work is very cool though to say the least.

Edit: the faculty were all very nice there.

 

[Jorriss]

UChicago has some faculty you may be interested in (likely not, but may as well mention them) - Aaron Dinner, Jonathan Weare and Greg Voth.

 

[ptolema]

Hey there. Computational/statistical bio is a very neat program. I met some UCLA faculty in that program about a year ago before I applied to grad school just to learn what's it's like - a family friend is a professor there. I ended up going for physics elsewhere, but I learned a lot from visiting.

Do you have at least 1 or 2 bio classes? All the staff mentioned that even though it's math based, you have to have a bio background of sorts or at least demonstrate an interest in it. That stopped me from applying for it. The work is very cool though to say the least.

Edit: the faculty were all very nice there.

I do have some bio classes (1 year of general biology) and a summer internship involving genetics and computational bio. I've also picked up some bio from sitting in on classes and video lectures. Is there a particular area/course that they prefer?

 

[Matrix0]

As a fellow scientist in the field of mathematical/computational biology, I can offer some advice and suggestions to help you in your decision-making process.

Firstly, it's great that you have a clear interest in this interdisciplinary field and have identified some potential programs that align with your interests. My first suggestion would be to thoroughly research each program and its faculty members to see if their research aligns with your interests. This will not only give you a better understanding of the program's focus but also help you identify potential advisors for your graduate studies.

Additionally, I would recommend reaching out to current graduate students or alumni from these programs to get a first-hand perspective on their experience. They can provide valuable insights into the program's strengths and weaknesses, the faculty's mentorship style, and the overall culture of the department.

Another factor to consider is the coursework and curriculum of each program. As someone with an applied math background, you may want to look for programs that offer a balance of both mathematical and biological coursework. This will allow you to build a strong foundation in both fields and apply mathematical concepts to biological problems effectively.

Lastly, consider the location and resources available at each institution. Some programs may have access to cutting-edge research facilities or collaborations with nearby research institutions, which can enhance your graduate experience and provide opportunities for research collaborations.

Overall, it's essential to carefully consider your research interests, the program's focus, and the resources available before making your final decision. I wish you the best of luck in your graduate school search and future studies in mathematical/computational biology.