PhD in Applied Mathematics - Mathematical Medicine and Biology in Waterloo Canada | University of Waterloo

The interplay between Mathematics and the Sciences has profoundly influenced modern society through centuries of reciprocal inspiration. Within this framework, the Department of Applied Mathematics provides graduate students with specialized study options in Control Theory and Dynamical Systems, Fluid Mechanics, Mathematical Medicine and Biology, Mathematical Physics, and Scientific Computation. Student research initiatives employ advanced mathematical theories across diverse scientific disciplines, spanning from fundamental research to practical applications. Examples include optimizing cancer treatments, manipulating shape memory alloys, processing fractal images, advancing quantum computing, and investigating climate patterns, cosmic inflation, and nanoscale technologies. As part of the University of Waterloo's Faculty of Mathematics - ranked 20th globally in the 2015 QS University Rankings for mathematics - our department maintains strong collaborations with the Faculties of Science and Engineering, along with numerous research centers such as the Institute for Quantum Computing and the Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology. We provide both Master's and PhD degree paths. The thesis-oriented Master of Mathematics (MMath) typically requires two years, with graduates either continuing to doctoral studies or securing positions in industry and government sectors. Our four-year PhD program primarily prepares students for academic research careers, though some graduates enter industrial, governmental, or commercial R&D roles.

Mathematical applications in medicine represent a dynamic frontier in Applied Mathematics research. Our department contributes significantly to this field by developing mathematical models of disease mechanisms that account for complex biological system interactions. This work serves dual purposes: enhancing comprehension of disease origins and progression, while simultaneously evaluating treatment approaches to determine optimal therapeutic strategies for specific cases.