MSc Mathematical Biology, Ecology and Medicine

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Key information

Location
Edinburgh
Mode of delivery
On-campus
Delivery type
Full-time, Part-time
Start date
September
Duration
1 year
Qualification
MSc

Contact

Contact our enquiries team

Contact us

Overview

Since the 1990s Heriot-Watt University has had an internationally renowned research group in Mathematical Biology, Ecology and Medicine. This group includes Jonathan Sherratt, Andy White and Kevin Painter; all of whom are leading researchers in mathematical biology with strong international reputations. 

Building on the strength of this research group we are excited to be launching a brand new MSc Programme in Mathematical Biology Ecology and Medicine. The programme includes high level and high quality courses that will provide a comprehensive training in mathematical modelling of problems in the life sciences, in mathematical techniques to study these models, and in the use of data to both inform and test the models.

During the summer you will do an extended project on a cutting-edge research topic that is aligned with our research interests. These include work on wound healing, pattern formation in developmental biology, epidemics, cancer, semi-arid ecosystems, and evolution. The programme will open up for you a wide range of career paths and possibilities for future study.

School videos

Visit our YouTube channel to see videos from our staff, students and recent graduates. We have recently filmed a video with Professor Sherratt which will be promoted on this channel later in the month.

September 2024 entry

The deadline for applications from UK students is 30 August 2024. For EU and overseas applicants, we guarantee to consider applications submitted by 2 August 2024.

Video

Course content

Year 1

There are four mandatory courses and four optional courses, totalling 120 credits. The mandatory courses concern specific aspects of mathematical modelling in biology ecology and medicine, while the optional courses concern either background material in mathematical analysis, numerical simulation and statistical methods, or complementary material in biological sciences and computer science. Choice of optional courses will be done in consultation with the programme director and will be subject to his/her approval.

Core courses

  • Mathematical Ecology
  • Modelling and Tools
  • Mod Sim Life Sciences
  • Mathematical Biology and Medicine
  • Data Assimilation 
  • Masters Project and Dissertation

Optional courses

  • Optimisation
  • Numerical Analysis (ODEs)
  • Statistical Methods
  • Stochastic Simulation
  • Statistical Machine Learning
  • Partial Differential Equations
  • Numerical Analysis (PDEs)
  • Bayesian Inference

Go Global

Some of our Postgraduate Taught Masters Programmes are eligible for Inter-Campus Transfer. Please contact studywithus@hw.ac.uk for further information.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Tuition fees
Status [footnote 1] Full-time Part-time
UK 9152 4576
Overseas [footnote 2] 19056 9528

Footnotes

  1. Your residency 'status' is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course. Find out more about tuition fees.
  2. Overseas includes applications from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in the UK. Read more about the application process for EU nationals.

Scholarships and bursaries

We aim to encourage well-qualified, ambitious students to study with us and we offer a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries to achieve this. Over £6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships, and more than 400 students benefit from this support.

View our full range of postgraduate scholarships.

Entry requirements

Entry

Entry is aimed at graduates with strong mathematical knowledge and skills. A good honours degree in mathematics, statistics or a related subject with a substantial mathematical content is desired. Motivation and a willingness to work hard are also important pre-requisites.

English language requirements

Important: If your first language is not English, or your first degree was not taught in English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability.

The minimum requirement for English language is IELTS 6.5, we also accept TOEFL (scores of 79 and higher).

We also offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement prior to starting your master's programme:

  • 20 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.0 with no skill lower than 4.5)
  • 14 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.0 with minimum of 5.0 in writing and no skill lower than 4.5)
  • 10 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.5 with no skill lower than 5.0)
  • 6 weeks English (for IELTS 5.5 with no skill lower than 5.5)

Why Heriot-Watt?

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