What is the difference between the biomathematics program and programs in mathematics, biostatistics, bioinformatics, and traditional biology programs at UCLA and elsewhere?
The Biomathematics program is unique in that students are expected to have a strong background in both biology and applied mathematics. Mathematics and statistics programs typically do not train students to be intimately acquainted with empirical data in terms of measurements and biological meaning or to have deep biological knowledge. Biostatistics and Bioinformatics programs typically focus on statistical and algorithmic analysis of large datasets but not on the construction of mechanistic, predictive models. Traditional biology programs instill biological knowledge and techniques but teach little if any mathematics. The Biomathematics program builds upon the fact that much of the research in the next few decades will require intimate knowledge that combines empirical data and methods, statistics, and theory. Collaborations are crucial for this progress, and we train our graduates to have the skills, tools, and language to easily create and lead collaborative teams and tackle the mos
