The interface between the biological and mathematical sciences has
seen a tremendous surge in research, changing both areas. Modern
biology relies not only on traditional laboratory techniques but also
on computational and mathematical modeling, to the extent that
quantitative training is now a critical part of becoming a cutting
edge biologist. At the same time biological problems have helped
drive mathematical advances in dynamical systems, uncertainty, and
numerical methods. For many years the biological and mathematical
sciences had little cross fertilization; today there is a tremendous
demand for students who can work at the intersection of these
disciplines.
Case is unusual in its long-standing strength both in supporting
undergraduate scientific research and in fostering collaborative work
at the interface of the biological and mathematical sciences.
Research at the Interface of the Biological and Mathematical Sciences
(RIBMS) (funded by NSF's "Interdisciplinary Training for
Undergraduates in Biological and Mathematical Sciences (UBM)" program)
brings together these traditions in a new training program at Case.
The goals of the program are to
- Engage undergraduate scientists in the growing mathematical biology
research community at Case and break down barriers to mutlidisciplinary
communication
- Provide an intensive, three-semester research experience in which
students collaborate across disciplinary boundaries, under the
supervision of interdisciplinary teams of Case faculty
- Encourage students to pursue graduate training at the interface of the
biological and mathematical sciences.
Work at the interface of the biological and mathematical sciences is
demanding because it combines the rigor of mathematical reasoning with
the detailed focus of biological investigation. But the opportunities
for advancing knowledge more than justify the hard work required,
because work in this field combines the power of mathematical insight
with the excitement of biological discovery.
|
