mat1mab math applications in biology

MATHEMATICAL APPLICATIONS IN BIOLOGY

MAT1MAB

2015

Credit points: 15

Subject outline

You will be introduced to how mathematical models are used in biological, biophysical sciences and we will emphasise insight into how models may be derived from biophysical assumptions. A small but representative range of biophysical applications is investigated. The subject is organised in modules, each focusing on a specific application. The subject is delivered mainly on-line. Learning resources including all lecture materials will be available on-line. Students meet one hour per week for a problem solving class to work through problem sets designed to strengthen basic mathematical skills. Considerable use will be made of spreadsheets as a tool for understanding mathematical models and performing calculations.

SchoolSchool Engineering&Mathematical Sciences

Credit points15

Subject Co-ordinatorGrant Cairns

Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes

Subject year levelYear Level 1 - UG

Exchange StudentsYes

Subject particulars

Subject rules

PrerequisitesN/A

Co-requisitesN/A

Incompatible subjectsN/A

Equivalent subjectsN/A

Special conditionsN/A

Learning resources

Readings

Resource TypeTitleResource RequirementAuthor and YearPublisher
ReadingsLecture materials available on-linePrescribedDepartment of Mathematics and StatisticsDEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS 2009
ReadingsFSTE First Year Survival Guide (second edition)RecommendedFaculty of Science, Technology and EngineeringLA TROBE UNIVERSITY 2012

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

01. Explain how mathematical models are derived from biophysical assumptions.

Activities:
Students required to adapt well known models to particular circumstances in written assignment questions.

02. Apply algebraic techniques to transform equations used to specify mathematical models.

Activities:
Specifically assessed in written assignment and examination questions.

03. Use spreadsheets to investigate the behaviour of mathematical models.

Activities:
Specifically assessed in spreadsheet assignments.

04. Apply simulation techniques to investigate the behaviour of mathematical models.

Activities:
Specifically assessed in written assignments and spreadsheet assignments.

05. Express mathematical arguments in a clear and concise way.

Activities:
Specifically assessed in written assignments.

Subject options

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Start date between: and    Key dates

Melbourne, 2015, Semester 2, Online

Overview

Online enrolmentYes

Maximum enrolment sizeN/A

Enrolment information

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorGrant Cairns

Class requirements

PracticalWeek: 31 - 43
Two 1.0 hours practical per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.

Assessments

Assessment elementComments%ILO*
One 1.5 hour written examination4001, 02, 04, 05
on-line quizzes (equivalent to 800-words in total)1001
problem class quizzes (equivalent to 400-words in total)1002
spreadsheet assignments (equivalent to 800-words in total)2003, 04
written assignments (equivalent to 800-words in total)2001, 02, 04, 05