Mathematics for the Biology Major or Pre-Med Student

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A biologist or medical professional must be able to think mathematically (analyze graphs, interpret quantitative information, use clear logical patterns).  An early decision to get a strong mathematical background, particularly in the core areas of calculus, probability and statistics, linear algebra (vectors, matrices, systems of equations), and computer programming, will multiply a student’s career options.

The Formal Requirement for the Biology Major

Biology majors are required to take one semester of calculus plus a second math or statistics course.  Advanced placement credit for calculus can be applied to this requirement.  Sample programs include:

  • two semesters of calculus, such as MATH 1110-1120 or MATH 1110-1220,
  • one semester of calculus plus a course in finite mathematics, such as MATH 1105-1106,
  • one semester of calculus plus an introductory statistics course.

Medical School Entrance Requirements

Most medical schools require two semesters of college mathematics, at least one semester being calculus, so the sample programs for the biology major are also well suited to pre-med students.  A few medical schools require a full year of calculus and some require statistics, so students who are interested in specific schools should inquire into their mathematics requirements.

MATH 1105-1106: Finite Math and Calculus for the Life and Social Sciences

MATH 1105-1106 is a one-year introduction to the mathematical topics that are most useful to biologists and social scientists.  MATH 1105 covers functions, elementary combinatorics and probability, linear equations and matrices, and mathematical modeling.*  MATH 1106 is a one-semester introduction to calculus.  (MATH 1105 is not a prerequisite for 1106.)  These are straight mathematics courses, taught with the philosophy that it is usually better pedagogically to explain the material before attempting to apply it to the sciences.  The choice of mathematical topics is based largely on the interests and needs of students of biology and the social sciences, and motivation and examples from these areas are given whenever practicable.

Calculus and Further Study

Students who may take more than one year of mathematics should definitely start with two semesters of calculus.  (See First-Year Calculus.)  The following options provide a good introduction to the core mathematical areas most useful in the biological sciences.  (Courses under Option 2 are a bit more challenging.)

  Option 1 Option 2
one year of calculus: MATH 1110-1120 MATH 1110-1220
advanced calculus: MATH 2130 MATH 2220
linear algebra: MATH 2310 MATH 2210
probability and statistics: MATH 1710 MATH 4710-4720
computer programming: CS 1110, 1112, 1113, or 1114

Of course, much more is possible and in some cases necessary.


* Although it can in some degree refresh a student’s quantitative skills, MATH 1105 is not what is usually called a precalculus course.  Students needing a standard precalculus course (i.e., one which aims at strengthening the student’s skills in college algebra and trigonometry so that he or she will be in a better position to study calculus) should consider MATH 1000 or 1009.

Last modified:May 6, 2008