Mathematical Biology
To more easily theorize the impacts of environmental factors on living organisms, biologists and mathematicians sometimes combine forces to create mathematical models to identify, understand, and analyze how these factors might come into effect in the real world.
On this page you'll find information about mathematical biology, what University of Alberta scientists are working on in this area, and the effect their work has.
What Is Mathematical Biology?
Mathematical biology (also known as biomathematics or mathematical and theoretical biology) is a branch of biology that uses mathematical models and analyses and representations of living organisms to examine the systems that govern structure, development, and behaviour of and within biological systems.
Mathematical biology relies on a more theoretical approach and analysis to solve problems rather than using experiments to prove theories like its experimental biology counterpart.
Latest News in Mathematical Biology
Read some of the news stories about UAlberta scientists and their research as it relates to mathematical biology.
Mathematical Biology Initiatives
Collaborative Mathematical Biology Group
The Collaborative Mathematical Biology (CMB) Group comprises faculty and students seeking to bridge the gap between scientists and mathematicians to solve problems affecting Canadians.
The group focuses on:
- Creating connections between life scientists and mathematicians, as well as between academics and government and industry professionals
- Training the next generation of researchers
- Encouraging, developing, and disseminating mathematical biology research locally, nationally, and internationally
UAlberta Mathematical Biologists
Do you have questions about mathematical biology? Talk to some of our professors:
- Gerda de Vries
Gerda de Vries' Research Focus: mathematical biology and dynamical systems
- Hao Wang
Hao Wang's Research Focus: mathematical biology, differential equations, modelling stoichiometry-based ecological interactions, microbiology, infectious diseases, and risk assessment of oil sands pollution.
- Mark Lewis
Mark Lewis's Research Focus: mathematical biology, spatial ecology
- Michael Li
Michael Yi Li's Research Focus: mathematical biology, ordinary differential equations and dynamical systems, mathematical modelling of infectious diseases
- Thomas Hillen
Thomas Hillen's Research Focus: mathematical biology, partial differential equations, mathematical models for cell movement, modelling of cancer growth and treatment, the modelling of forest fires, and movement of ecological species.
Are you looking for another professor studying mathematical biology?
The life mathematic: Redesign of mathematical biology courses shares new perspectives in understanding the biological world
Two University of Alberta professors overhaul the course focusing on the practical applications of mathematics to the study of life.
Mathematical biologist honoured for contributions to research and scholarship
Professor Mark Lewis receives the University of Alberta’s J. Gordin Kaplan Award for Excellence in Research for 2020.