Mathematical Bioscience

Illnesses, pollutants, viruses – all spread and develop in patterns of cause and effect, that can be detected with mathematical models. In the Master’s programme in Mathematical Bioscience, we combine biology and mathematics to address challenges to our health, environment, and society as a whole.

Our profile

In the interdisciplinary programme, you will learn to apply mathematical modelling to societal challenges within health and disease development or the environment. You will train to analyse datasets of physical, biological, and chemical processes – be it the development of a pandemic disease, the growth of a cancer tumour or the spreading of microplastic in the environment – and develop mathematical models describing these processes. With the use of mathematics, you will learn to uncover patterns, generate new knowledge, and thus contribute to predict, optimise, and control diseases and pollution.

Computer programming and simulations are integrated parts of the programme. We often work with datasets generated in labs, which we model using mathematics and computer simulations. You will train in scientific computing and data science as well as in dynamic systems analysis, and through these learn to describe biological systems and processes using mathematic models.

Among our research areas are optimisation of cancer and diabetes treatments, prevention of epidemic outbreaks, design of environmental solutions, modelling of processes and development and implementation of efficient parameter estimation methods based on health care data. The department hosts two major research centres: PandemiX, specialising in the spreading of pandemics, and Cancitis, specialising in cancer treatment. You will work closely with researchers and fellow students, pursuing your own academic interests through problem-oriented project learning and interdisciplinary problem solving.

Study environment

You will be studying in a relatively small active research environment and work side by side with PhD-students and experienced researchers, and you will be invited to participate in research projects all throughout the programme. We have an informal tone and an open-door policy, so academic, practical, and technical support is always close by. We are all driven by a genuine love of mathematics and an interest in applying its many aspects to real world problems.

We are part of the department of Science and Environment, which also holds the Master’s programme in Physics and Scientific Modelling, and you will meet many students from here through our joint social and extracurricular activities. These include academic seminars, student run events as the Natcafé, boardgames nights and alumni events, where you can meet former students. Once a year, we hold a two-day overnight seminar with all students and staff, where we debate issues pertaining to student life.

Career and qualifications

Our candidates are highly sought-after in sectors and businesses, which uses mathematical modelling and computational methods to describe and understand complex, real-world challenges. These include the bio-chemical and biotech industry, the healthcare sector, financial sector, public research institutions and administration as well as consultancy companies within the environmental area. Thus, this programme gives you a wide range of job opportunities and also qualifies you to enter a PhD-programme.

• Director at Denmark´s Export and Investment Fund, supporting Danish export
• Senior Software Developer at Edlund, developing it-solutions for the insurance business
• Professor at DTU Aqua, National Institute of Aquatic Resources, researching management of aquatic resources

Brochure about the programme