6000 level classes

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So... Um, I'm trying to put together my schedule for next year and I need one more math credit (over 3000) to get my math minor.

I've looked through the courses and the one that just really sticks out to me as something that I really want to take is a class on mathematical modeling in biology.
Well, after I got all excited about it, I looked up at the course number and saw that it's actually a 6000 level class...

Am I insane for wanting to take this still? Will I die?

The math classes I've taken so far are calc 1,2,3, intro diffEQ, and linear algebra. Those pretty much cover the basics, I think... But I mean.... 6000 level. 6000. I'm not even a math major... Am I completely insane?

I would really appreciate advice.... Please?

It would help if you mentioned what the course numbering system at your university means, since most places do not use increments of 1000. I'm going to assume that 6000 would normally be a graduate-level course? If you're comfortable letting us know where you go to school, a link to the course description might be helpful.

Yes, take it. I've had some classes on mathematical modeling in biology, and they are a lot of fun. It's a fascinating and actually useful subject.


If you're worried, just take a relatively light load on your other classes so you can spend more time on this. If it's a first course in math modeling for biology, it shouldn't be impossible.


Not at all; those classes are definitely a sufficient background to start looking at mathematical models. In fact, the higher math classes that a math major might take (abstract algebra, analysis, topology) wouldn't actually be useful in this course, so you should be as well-prepared as any other undergraduate taking the class. Most of these models will be differential equation-based, but you won't actually have to solve equations (most of the interesting models require equations without analytic solutions).

Ah, sorry! According to my university's website, 6000 is an "advanced graduate level" class. 5000 being graduate level, sometimes with some upperlevel junior/senior undergrad overlap. 4000 = senior level, 3000 = junior level, 2000 = sophomore level and then 1000 is entry level.

Here's the only course description I have for the 6000 class:
"The mathematical analysis and modeling of biological systems, including biomedicine, epidemiology and ecology. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor."
I'd have to get consent... I can probably do that, probably. I'm a (loud and proud!) biochem major so I just feel excited about getting to take a math class that would immediately apply to my major. All the math classes talk quite a bit about the physics context of the math but they rarely go near bio or chemistry concepts. Or if they do, they move on as soon as they can. ):

Anyway, it sounds much more interesting than the other "modeling" class being offered that is a 3000 level class:
"Mathematical Modeling and Applications - Discussion of modeling principles such as conservation laws, dimensional analysis and scale, model validation and the continuum hypothesis. Applications may include vibrations, traffic flow, population dynamics, and optimization. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in [intro diffEQ]."
Its probably easier and more straightforward but it also sounds boring and physics-y and... traffic-y... I dunno. I feel excited and nervous about taking the other one whereas just reading the course description of this one makes me dread it already.

It can't hurt to try and get permission, at least...
Thank you so much for your reply! You're very helpful. (:

I would go ahead and try the class. Just because you find it more exciting.

You will find it a little daunting being in a class with people whose math skills are so much better than yours. But given your mathematics background that should be enough to get a grasp of the material.

When I went to university, there was a certain period after the start of the class that you could drop out of the class without it being recorded as incomplete or a failure. You might want to check to see if your university has a similar "grace" period. That way you can start the class and see if you can handle it. If not then you can just drop it without any problem.

If the professor gives you consent, then that is a indication that you have a chance at the course. When you are talking to the professor about getting that consent ask him/her if there is any material you should review before taking the class. That way you are not trying to learn the math while trying to study the subject of the class.

Good luck with the class

OK, so that's the same as my school's system, except we use 100, 200, etc instead of 1000, 2000, etc. Here, special permission, lots of red tape, and extra money is required to take a 600-level course, since those are intended for graduate students only. I'm taking a 600-level ecological modeling course next fall, but the professor is arranging to make up a lower number for it so I can take it as a "reading course" and avoid the red tape. If your university has similar policies against undergrads taking 6000-level courses, you might want to contact the professor and see if something like that can be arranged so you could take the course. Unless your math department is ridiculous, they should still be willing to accept it towards the minor.


OK, so that's similar to a class I took (Mathematical Modeling in Biology and Medicine), but if it's grad-level it might go more in depth. It sounds like a lot of fun, and for someone interested in biology (I'm also a biology guy who does a lot of math) it's nice to see applications other than "Here is a mass on a spring with a motor and some friction."


That sounds a bit strange... continuum hypothesis? That doesn't belong in applied courses. Population dynamics can be fun, but I doubt it would get into the really detailed models where it becomes interesting.

I'd try and take the first class. If the professor sees that you're interested, they will almost certainly let you take the class, and the math you've already had should make it manageable.


Glad I could help. Good luck!