Research in Biology and in Maths

[PhDP]

Hello

 

I'm thinking about creating an online group of undergrad biology/mathematics students to create projects in theoretical/mathematical biology (I'm not talking about statistics; stats are well established in biology).

 

The fact is, there are so many opportunities to use mathematics in biology, sometime, even basic models have not been analysed. But most biologist have little training in maths, and they often make simple mistakes (the worst part; it gets published). It's not really better in mathematics departments; very few have researchers interested in biology.

 

So, there are very few opportunities for undergrad student, at least in many universities, to do research in biomaths/theoretical biology. This is a little odd; so many articles in biology journals rely on maths. On the brighter side, because researches in those domains don’t require much equipment, and because many subject have barely been explored, it's a fertile ground for undergrad research projects.

 

Of course, many aspects of biomaths/theoretical biology have been analysed by many scientists, and it would be hard for a bunch of undergrad to do research without spending an unrealistic amount of time. On the other hand, many models have not been analysed by anyone, there's just not enough people with the proper training to do this job.

 

I don't want to create a monolithic group where everyone would do the same thing; I would like to simply assemble many motivated undergrads, with different backgrounds, it could be biologists with little training in maths, or mathematicians with little training in biology. Motivated people. Anyone could discuss project ideas, and teams could be assembled on specific projects, with the objective of publishing, of doing serious research. Of course, if would also be an opportunity to learn and to share knowledge, articles, et cetera...

 

I know if I'm looking for people with true hybrid training in biology and mathematics, I won't find many. But I know many biologists have read articles in journals and are frustrated by their inability to understand the maths behind theory, and I'm sure many mathematicians would like to find new opportunities.

 

I really think people don't realize how much work there is to be done in this domain. I've recently submitted a "Letter to the Editor" after I saw that a model, published in 3 serious journals (including "Science" and "PNAS") had a serious construction flaw (it's not even a matter of opinion and interpretation; it's just plain incoherence that can be demonstrated with basic algebra).

 

I would really like to have some feedback on this idea, and anyone interested can contact me by email or MSN (it's the same GMAIL address).

[ecoli]

I really like this idea... though, unfortunately, I'm in category of biology students that lack sufficient math training. So, I would like to learn from such a project, even though I don't really have much to offer it.

 

My biochem degree doesn't allow much time for math classes unfortunately, jI only take up to calc 2...

[PhDP]

I would like to find a bunch of motivated (and serious) people and then we could look at what can be done. Of course, it's very interesting to have someone with a formal training in biochemistry.

[ecoli]

I would like to find a bunch of motivated (and serious) people and then we could look at what can be done. Of course, it's very interesting to have someone with a formal training in biochemistry.

 

I'm sorry, I could have been more clear in my last post... I don't have my degree yet, but I am a biochem major.

[PhDP]

I knew that, I'm mostly looking for undergrad students with some training in science. I also don't have my degree yet, I graduate in 2008.