The Larmor Society

IA Quantitative Biology

First things first... yes, you do have to do maths! Quantitative biology is one of 4 options, and is the most biological one of them all. After a gap year I found coming back into maths especially hard, but after a few weeks I had found my feet again. I think the main point to put across from what people have told me is that QB is by no means an easy option. Perhaps confusingly, QB is portrayed as being at a level lower than maths A or B. However, from what people have said, this isn't really true. The main difference between QB and maths A/B is that is does take a much more biological approach to maths, and if you're doing mainly biological options, then I cannot recommend this course enough as the perfect maths option. QB is essentially putting mathematical models to biological situations, with a bit of stats thrown in for good luck. You're always reminded the reason why you're doing the maths, for example how it is used in biology, or what the biological implications are (something I never really found at A-Level) If you're interested in thinking about maths from a different perspective, rather than being a keen pure mathematician, then QB is probably for you. I found the course pretty useful, although it was a bit tricky in places.

Which textbooks?

You don't ever really need any books for QB, so I wouldn't recommend getting any. Maybe bring some books from A-level to help you a bit, but I wouldn't really worry... it's all in the lecture notes.