Majors and Minors

Major / Minor Details

Biomathematics (Major) | BA

  • Biological Sciences
  • School: SAS
  • Program Code: 122
  • Degree Type: BA
  • Program Type: Major, Credit Intensive
  • Program Summary: The mission of the field of biomathematics is to develop analytical and predictive models of biological and medical systems. 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. Rutgers' interdisciplinary program in biomathematics will allow you to fully explore mathematics and biology. You will learn how to complete mathematical computations that are essential to biology and research. Along with learning difficult mathematics you will also study areas such as genomics, molecular modeling, structural biology, ecology, systems biology, genetics, microbiology, chemistry, and physics. The field may also be referred to as mathematical biology and by some of its subfields (such as computational biology or systems biology). The biomathematics program is unique in that students are expected to have a strong background in both biology and applied mathematics.

  • General Biology I & II, with grades of C or better.

  • Biological Sciences (119), Biomathematics (122), Cell Biology and Neuroscience (146), Exercise Science (377), Genetics and Genomics (449), Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (694), Biochemistry (115), and/or Microbiology (680) may not be combined as double majors or as major/minor combinations.

  • We recommend that students register for approximately 15 credits each semester and no more than 16 credits in their first semester. Your schedule should be well-balanced and include coursework from a variety of subjects. A diverse schedule will help you begin your studies in potential majors and minors; explore a breadth of new knowledge across departments at Rutgers to meet SAS Core Curriculum learning goals; and survey broader academic interests through elective courses as you work to attain the required 120 degree credits for graduation.

    Your schedule will look something like this:

    College Writing or English course per placement results (3 credits)

    Major Exploration course (3-4 credits)

    Major or Minor Exploration course (3-4 credits)

    Course beyond main academic interest, such as SAS Core or elective course (3 credits)

    Course beyond main academic interest, such as SAS Core or elective course (3 credits)

     Byrne or First-Year Interest Group Seminar (FIGS) (1 credit) 

     Total Credits: 15-16

     

  • Unless you have external credits for a math course (such as transfer credits or AP Calculus credits), you should take the math placement exam to determine which math class to start with. Prospective math majors should take the highest class they place into, which can be as high as Math 151: Calculus I for the Mathematical and Physical Sciences.

    If you place into Math 135: Calculus I for the Life and Social Sciences, start with taking Math 135 but write to the Math Advisor <>. for advice before going on to Math 152: Calculus II next semester. Do not take Math 130: Business Calculus, as this class does not apply to the math major and would not allow you to continue on to Calculus II.

    If you have AP credit for Calculus I or II, the next calculus course to take is either Math 152: Calculus II or Math 251: Multivariable Calculus. If you have transfer credits above Calculus II, please discuss your course plans with the Math Advisor <>.

    Students starting with Calculus I or higher may consider taking Math 250: Intro Linear Algebra during their first year. This is a required course for both tracks of the math major, as well as the math minor, the computer science major, the statistics major, and the data science major.

    Introductory courses recommended by faculty. Include at least one of these in your schedule: 

    Course Title 
    Course Number 
    Credits 
    Subject on University Schedule of Classes 
    Calculus-Based Math
    4
    Mathematics (640)
    Intro Linear Algebra
     01:640:250
    3
    Mathematics (640)

    Students starting with Calculus I or higher may also consider taking Math 250: Intro Linear Algebra during their first year. This is a required course for the biomath major, as well as the standard math major and the math minor.

  • Your first year of college is an opportunity for you to explore fields of interest to enhance your understanding of yourself, the world around you, and your main academic and career goals. Think of your schedule as including courses you must take (English, courses to explore potential majors, etc.) and courses you can take (everything else!) All courses are part of your degree - if necessary, review the components of the SAS degree on this page.

    Through these degree components, you will curate your own unique educational experience - but we understand that this level of flexibility and freedom can feel overwhelming for new students. Like a recommendation based on a book or TV show you enjoyed, the information below can help you identify related courses to consider in your first semester.

    Course Title
     Course Number
     Credits
    Subject on University Schedule of Classes
    Introduction to Biological Anthropology
    01:070:102
    4
    Anthropology (070)
    Brain, Mind, and Behavior
    01:119:195
    3
    Biological Sciences (119)
    Cognitive Science: A Multidisciplinary Introduction
    01:185:201
    4
    Cognitive Science (185)
     Introduction to Computer Science
     01:198:111
     4
     Computer Science (198)
     Data 101
     01:198:142
    4
     Computer Science (198) 
    General Psychology
    01:830:101
    3
    Psychology (830)
    Statistics I
    01:960:211
    3
    Statistics (960)

  • The Schedule of Classes provides information about the courses being offered in a particular semester. There are literally thousands of courses offered each semester at Rutgers, and you may find it helpful to narrow down your options by looking for courses in subjects related to your potential major or minor. Use the recommendations below to find possible introductory courses in other subjects.

    To find potential courses in other subjects related to this one:

    1. On the Schedule of Classes, select the current term, location "New Brunswick" and level "undergraduate". Click continue.
    2. In the Search By box, click the "search multiple subjects" link. Select the following departments:
      • Biological Sciences (119)
      • Chemistry (160)
      • Computer Science (198)
      • Philosophy (730)
    3. In Section Status, deselect Closed
    4. In Level of Study, deselect 300 and 400. In general, 100 and 200 are appropriate for first-year students, 300 and 400 are often more appropriate for students with more familiarity with the subject. If you are interested in registering for a 300 or 400 level course, consult with an advisor before registering.

    Review these courses for possible inclusion in your first-semester schedule, or to consider for future semesters.
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