MATH 16AMathematics for Life Sciences
Introduction to mathematical modeling of systems in biology and the environment. Mathematical topics include functions, sequences, conceptual calculus and differential equations, taught through examples, computation, and visualization. Computational tools include interactive graphing software, spreadsheets, and a high-level programming language (e.g., Python). Modeling systems in the environment, ecology, evolution, cell, and molecular biology. Representing systems in state space, and studying change through derivatives. Analyzing equilibria in one- and two-dimensional systems. (Formerly Mathematics for Life and Environmental Sciences.)
Prerequisite(s): MATH 3 or AM 3 or MATH 11A or AM 11A or MATH 19A or mathematics placement (MP) score of 300 or higher or AP Calculus AB exam score of 3 or higher.
- Enroll in lecture and associated discussion section. Sections begin Monday, 1/11.
Find a section and add it to your scheduleLive seat counts, time-conflict checks and the walk from your previous class.
When it runs
Winter 2027Open Winter 2027
| Section | Type | When | Where | Instructor | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Lecture | Mon Wed 5:20pm–6:55pm | ClassroomUnit 002 | Staff | Open 0/240 |
Fall 2026Open Fall 2026
| Section | Type | When | Where | Instructor | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Lecture | Mon Wed 10:40am–11:45am | Media Theater M110 | M. Weissman | Open 73/114 |
Winter 2026Open Winter 2026
| Section | Type | When | Where | Instructor | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Lecture | Mon Wed 1:20pm–2:25pm | Thim Lecture 003 | H. Quan | Open 209/210 |
Fall 2025Open Fall 2025
| Section | Type | When | Where | Instructor | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Lecture | Mon Wed 1:20pm–2:25pm | Humn Lecture Hall | M. Weissman | Open 300/301 |
Who teaches it
| Instructor | Rating | Difficulty | Would take again | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Martin Weissman | 4.0 / 5 | 3.1 / 5 | 74% | 77 |
| Hadrian Quan | 2.9 / 5 | 2.9 / 5 | 47% | 14 |
From RateMyProfessors, which is student-submitted and not a survey. Small review counts move a long way on one bad quarter.
SlugAtlas is a student project and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by UC Santa Cruz. Course data is a snapshot of the public class search; myUCSC is authoritative for enrolment.