<p>I'm doing a Mphil in Hong Kong (British education system) studying biology and applying to PhD in biological sciences in the states this year. </p>
<p>My thesis is about cell death. As I do my research, I realize I like to study cell regulation in general and how the molecular circuits in cells determine what response a cell will take. I think this area should be put under the category "systems biology", which requires quite some maths background. However, my science education from high school to undergrad, to Mphil now is pretty traditional, if you pick biology you don't learn anything remotely related to math. (I'm very good at pre-calculus though). </p>
<p>If I apply to systems biology, my lack of math background should be a very big disadvantage, right? Should I just give up on those systems biology programs and choose cell biology, hopefully picking up the analytical skills during my phd?</p>
<p>thanks!</p>