Mathematics is Focus of Two Grants CAMPUS CURRENT
Major Mutualism BIOLOGY CONVERGES WITH COMPUTER SCIENCE, MATHEMATICS
The century of biology has begun, and HMC students are poised to participate. HMC’s newest major, mathematical and computational biology, refl ects the fact that mathematical and computational methods are vital to many areas of contemporary biological research. Genomics, molecular modeling, structural biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, neurobiology and systems biology are areas that rely on well-trained professionals who have a strong multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary foundation. Biology is providing new challenges that can drive the de-
velopment of novel mathematical and computational methods. “This major is a natural fi t for HMC and the kind of stu-
dents that we have,” said Eliot Bush, assistant professor of biology and co-instructor of the course Introduction to Biology and Computer Science (see Page 16). “Harvey Mudd students like the technical stuff—programming, computer science and problem solving—so computational biology is a natural way to do biology here. The number of students we see in the major refl ects that.” There are 24 mathematical and computational biology
majors who conduct lab or computational research. Current projects include studying the behavior of bees (see Page 24) and work on Jane, a software tool for the cophylogeny reconstruction problem. Students benefi t from dual advisors—one from the biology department and one advisor from either the mathemat- ics or computer science departments. HMC biology fi rst teamed with mathematics in 2006
to create the joint major mathematical biology. The program was expanded and, in 2010, became the mathematical and com- putational biology major, which is jointly administered by the biology, mathematics and computer science departments. Mudders may also select a joint major in chemistry and biology.
Kudos to Clinic HMC’s Engineering Clinic Program is featured as one of 29 exemplary engineering programs in a report released Nov. 13 by the National Academy of Engineering. HMC’s Engineering Clinic appears in the article “Infusing Real World Experiences into Engineering Education,” which showcases programs that effectively incorporate real-world experience into their curricu- lum and highlights best practices for other schools to emulate. The Clinic Program is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2013. Watch for a special issue of the HMC Bulletin this summer.
New Environmental Analysis Emphasis
For students who want to explore their major from an environmental perspective, HMC now offers an Emphasis in Environmental Analysis. “What the world needs are really sophisticated, well-
educated individuals in the sciences who are interested in applying their skills to global environmental issues,” said physics Professor Richard Haskell, director of the HMC Center for Environmental Studies. “We decided the best thing for the students, the College and the global community is to keep students in their respective majors and provide some structure for those interested in environmental careers to pursue that interest and have it refl ected on their transcript.” Those who pursue the emphasis take six courses beyond
the College Core curriculum in a structured program of study that includes at least two courses in science, engineering or mathematics and at least three from recognized disciplines within humanities, social sciences and the arts. If their research experience—summer, yearlong or Clinic—has a substantial environmental analysis component, students can seek approval to count it as one course of the required six- course total. Twenty-one students have declared their intent to pursue the emphasis. “I chose to pursue the emphasis because I’m interested in
exploring environmentalism from both scientifi c and liberal arts perspectives,” said joint computer science and math major Priya Donti ’15. Those who meet the requirements for the Emphasis in
Environmental Analysis receive a certifi cate from the HMC Center for Environmental Studies.
“In particular, I’m excited to explore environmental issues within and outside the context of my major.” –Donti ’15
College News
SPRING 2013 Har vey Mudd College 7
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