המסלול בביולוגיה תאורטית ומתמטית

Theoretical and mathematical biology - MSc Study
 

1. The rationale for opening this study track

The increasing interest in theoretical and computational biology is a force that is dramatically changing the face of biological science. Mathematical approaches incorporated in experiments have become of critical importance in almost every field of biology - from Darwin's theory of revolution, through gene regulation and nerve networks, to models of ecological systems and nature conservation. The innovative experiments in biology involve broad databases, requiring in-depth mathematical and statistical analysis. From the other side, biological questions today are behind a large part of "hot" computational research, and around 30% of the heavy calculations worldwide are currently devoted to biological research. The new experimental arrays and the large databases connected to them require stringent models and statistical analyses, which have therefore become a matter of routine in biology. These new directions and challenges have changed the face of science, and many of the brightest young scientists are rising to this challenge and moving into fields such as biophysics, nanotechnology, and bioinformatics. As a result, in many life science faculties, including at Tel Aviv University, there is a critical mass of senior scientists whose work is on the interface between biology and exact sciences.
 

These changes have barely impacted the curriculum of university studies, despite the clear need and the commitment to preparing and training the next generation of young scientists. The master's degree program in theoretical and computational biology proposed here offers a new and unique way of realizing the vision. The program provides an infrastructure of unique interdisciplinary courses and research projects such as to meet the needs of graduate students with an undergraduate degree in biology or exact sciences. It is built in such a way as to ensure that by the end of their master's degree, students will have achieved a high standard in both fields. Graduates of the program will achieve the appropriate balance of core mathematical courses and biological skills to prepare them for a professional career in theoretical and computational biology. As of today, there is no program of this kind at any academic institution in Israel. The program is certain to attract many of the most promising students.

2. Organizational framework

The Graduate School, Faculty of Life Sciences

3. Target population and anticipated number of students

The program is intended for students with an undergraduate degree in biology, exact sciences, engineering, medicine, or a combination of these, who are interested in the theoretical or computational study of biological questions. Anticipated number of students: 9 - 15.

4. Conditions for admission

Students who have completed their undergraduate studies with a final grade of 80 or above may be admitted to the graduate program in biology in the mathematical and computational track.  Applicants wishing to study in the mathematical and computational biology track must register as master's degree students in one of the departments of the Faculty in which research in the field is being carried out. After the departmental master's degree committee approves his or her admission, the student can register for the track in that department. The program is intended for students who have completed a series of foundation courses in the fields of biology and exact sciences. It is to be expected that many of the new students will have a relevant background in only one of these fields, and the program is planned such as to enable them to make up the requirements in the course of their master's degree studies. Students will be able to take the necessary background courses as defined below in biology, exact sciences, or engineering at any time during the first year of their master's degree studies. These supplementary studies will credit the student with a maximum of 8 semester hours. The program of supplementary studies required of each student will be determined with the approval of the track committee and the advisor.

5. Supplementary studies in biology and mathematics

Students are required to make up the following foundation courses in biology and mathematics from the undergraduate degree program, if they have not taken them (or equivalent courses at another university) during their undergraduate degree. Usually, students who have an undergraduate degree in life sciences and/or medicine will only have to make up courses in mathematics, while students with an undergraduate degree in exact sciences or engineering will only be required to make up courses in biology. The supplementary program required for each student will be decided with the approval of the track committee and the advisor, and the supplementary studies will credit the students with a maximum of 8 semester hours. Students in the track will be able to make up the courses during the first year of their master's degree studies.
 

Biology: 3 courses:

• Genetics (3) - 0455.2526
• Cellular biology (4) - 0455.1510
• Evolution (3) - 0455.2536
• Ecology (3) - 0455.1809
• Biochemistry - enzymology and metabolism (5) - 0455.2548
• Introduction to molecular biology (4) - 0455.2549
• Introduction to plant sciences (4) - 0455.1521
   

Mathematical background:

Students in the track will be required to have a background in mathematics: usually calculus, linear algebra, and probability. Students will be able to take the relevant courses in the departments / schools of mathematics, statistics, computer sciences, or engineering. The personal study program requires approval from the advisor and the committee.

6. Definition of requirements

• Total study hours for the degree: 30 s/h - with thesis
• 6.1 Required faculty courses - 10 s/h
• Safety in the Laboratory course (during the first year of studies) – no credit
• Guided reading and discussion in research groups – 2 s/h
• Departmental seminar for MSc students – each student will participate in the seminar given by the Department in which he performs his research – 2 s/h each year

One of the courses:

• Biostatistics – 4 s/h
• Statistical principles in experimental biology – 4 s/h

6.2 Required courses in the track

6.2.1 Track seminar