Introduction to the programme
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
Specialise
From the second semester, you shape your education yourself. You can specialise in:
Mathematical Bioscience with Scientific Computing
You will develop computational knowledge and numeric skills in scientific computing and data science and you will acquire methods in bioinformatics and advanced data analysis, statistics and probability theory.
Mathematical Environmental Bioscience
You will develop computational knowledge and numeric skills in scientific computing and you will acquire methods in ecology to be able to specialise in mathematical modelling of biological macroscopic eco-systems.
Mathematical Bioscience of Diseases
You will develop computational knowledge and numeric skills in scientific computing and data science and you will acquire methods in bioinformatics and you will be able to specialise in mathematical modelling of human diseases, cancer, and epidemics.
Study Programme
| 1. year | 2. year | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Semester | 2. Semester | 3. Semester | 4. Semester |
| Course
Modelling of Biological Systems 10 ECTS |
Course
Dynamical Systems Analysis 5 ECTS |
Course
Parameter Estimation 5 ECTS |
Thesis
Thesis in Mathematical Bioscience 30 ECTS |
| Course
Probability and Statistics 5 ECTS |
Course
Differential Geometry 5 ECTS |
||
| Course
General Molecular and Medical Biology 5 ECTS |
Course Elective / Thematic course 5 ECTS |
Course Elective / Thematic course 5 ECTS |
|
| Project Modelling project 15 ECTS |
Project
Specialisation Project or Internship Project-Oriented Internship 15 ECTS |
||
| Course
Fundamental Mathematical Structures 10 ECTS or Scientific Computering and Data Science 10 ECTS |
|||
Study regulations: New study regulation is being prepared.
How do cells communicate so fast?
When should treatment start for patients developing cancer?
Why does immuno-therapy work for some patients but not for others?
How can normal and impaired glucose-stimulated insulin secretion be described mathematically?
How can mathematical modelling estimate the burden of pollution in an ecosystem?
How can anti-bodies be used to treat stress-induced mental disorders?
What strategies should we impose if we vaccinate for COVID-19?
Why study Mathematical Bioscience?
Karen Timmermann
Professor, DTU
Internship and stay abroad
You can choose to spend a semester travelling with your education. Either as an internship at one of our partner companies or at a company that you find yourself. You test your academic and procedural skills in a job, make valuable contacts, and find out whether it is a future career path for you. You can also choose to take a semester of exchange at a partner university abroad, where you can gain international outlook, experience and network.
Master’s degree from Roskilde University - why?
You will be part of a strong academic environment where you will be in close contact with researchers, in dialogue about everything from academic issues, possible methods and theories, ways to create new insights and your wishes for the academic direction of your master’s degree study. You will become part of a social environment typically centred in one building on campus, where researchers and students work next door to each other. You will study within the university's project format, where identification of a problem, in-depth analyses, choice and implementation of a methodological approach, as well as setting up a strong theoretical framework are your responsibilities under academic guidance from a researcher. You will participate in a number of courses which expand your methodological and theoretical knowledge. During a semester, you will identify a significant problem within your subject field and develop the knowledge to produce scientific arguments for possible solution(s). You will gain concrete experience with the entire scientific process.
Student life
Roskilde University’s Campus
The university is situated on one single physical campus. There are multi-purpose sports courts, a football field, a disc golf course, nature trails along the lake, stream and the fields, a training centre, innovation workshops, a canteen, and a cinema. Our joint meeting place is called Student House RUC, where there is a student-run café and lounge. Both outdoors and indoors, we work to make the campus as sustainable as possible. Among other things, we have reduced energy consumption by 38 percent over the last 5 years and are converting our outdoor areas to wild nature.
Be inspired: Other options
Other international master's programmes
Other enrolment opportunities at Roskilde University
Roskilde University welcomes both exchange and guest students and you will find suggestions for semester packages taught in English.
Do you want to know more?
Contact the Study Guidance office
Contact us if you need advice on choosing a course of study, more information about the content of a degree, or about applying and admission to Roskilde University.
Contact the Study Guidance office
Meet us
See if there are current events that might be something for you. For example, participate in Open House, see the campus, and meet teachers and students.
Ready to apply?
Read all about requirements and admission to Roskilde University's master's programmes.