Affiliation: Interdisciplinary Studies
The interdisciplinary Mathematical Biology Minor requires the successful completion of 15 credits, with at least 9 credits at or above the 300-level, and the approval of the student’s portfolio by the minor’s oversight committee. Course credits must include Introduction to Mathematical Biology (BIOL 345/MATH 345). Students must also attend 10 professional seminars. Seminars included in the MathBio Seminar Series, those in its allied programs (e.g., mathematics, biology, agricultural science, chemistry) or sessions at professional meetings can be used to meet this requirement; a professional seminar is a 60-minute departmental seminar or a 60-minute session at a professional meeting. Additionally, all mathematical biology minors must complete an interdisciplinary research experience in mathematical biology.
Only courses that count toward a major or minor in mathematics, biology, or computer science can count toward the Mathematical Biology Minor. Further, courses taken must enable a student seeking the minor to assemble a portfolio that demonstrates proficiency in the following areas.
- Data Acquisition: Acquiring data on biological phenomena in a lab, in the field, or both.
- Modeling: Developing or applying mathematical models in a biological context.
- Computation: Developing or applying computational tools in a biological context.
- Statistical Analysis: Applying statistical testing of biological hypotheses.
- Research: Investigating an open-ended question by conducting research at the intersection of the life and mathematical sciences.
Evidence of proficiency in each area should be roughly equivalent to what might be done for a substantial end-of-term project in a three-credit course.The evidence provided by students seeking the minor will be compiled in a portfolio and evaluated by the minor’s oversight committee.
Students interested in earning the minor in Mathematical Biology should develop a learning plan proposal (forms available at http://mathbio.truman.edu/mathminor.asp) in consultation with a member of the Mathematical Biology Minor Oversight Committee. The learning plan proposal must be completed at least three full semesters before graduation. The learning plan identifies the specific courses and experiences in which students will develop the five proficiencies listed above, and in which they will generate the products that will form the portfolio.
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