The Honours in Biomathematics is an annual course run in conjunction with Stellenbosch University. The course commences in January each year. It aims to meet the growing demand from molecular biology, systems biology, bioinformatics, ecology, and biomedical science for students and researchers with solid mathematical skills. The course aims to train mathematicians to formulate and analyse precise models for experimental data arising from real-life research problems within the fields of biology and medicine — from predicting the influence of HIV, Aids, malaria, and tuberculosis to the effects of climate change on South Africa.
The course requires a strong foundation in mathematics and an introduction to mathematical modelling using differential equations, and includes modules on: computational and discrete methods in Biomathematics, non-linear dynamical systems in Biomathematics, advanced topics in Biomathematics, topics in Biological and Biomedical Sciences, as well as a project. Projcet topics include the application of mathematical, computational and/or statistical methods to analyse and solve problems in biological sciences, environmental sciences, and medical sciences.
The modules will be presented by local and international researchers in modelling of biological and biomedical systems, population dynamics, biomathematics, bio-informatics. The projects will be supervised by a researcher in mathematical sciences and a researcher in biological or biomedical sciences.
The timetable for 2010 is provisional.
The Honours in Biomathematics course is jointly run by the Stelllenbosch University's Department of Mathematical Sciences and the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS). The course is currently not open for applications.
South African students with a good BSc majoring in Mathematics, and (at least) some courses in a biological/biomedical field, or an equivalent qualification, can apply.
For more information please contact info@aims.ac.za.