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.
School: School Engineering&Mathematical Sciences
Credit points: 15
Subject Co-ordinator: Grant Cairns
Available to Study Abroad Students: Yes
Subject year level: Year Level 1 - UG
Exchange Students: Yes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites: N/A
Co-requisites: N/A
Incompatible subjects: N/A
Equivalent subjects: N/A
Special conditions: N/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Lecture materials available on-line | Prescribed | Department of Mathematics and Statistics | DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS 2009 |
| Readings | FSTE First Year Survival Guide (second edition) | Recommended | Faculty of Science, Technology and Engineering | LA 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.
Melbourne, 2015, Semester 2, Online
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Grant 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 element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| One 1.5 hour written examination | 40 | 01, 02, 04, 05 | |
| on-line quizzes (equivalent to 800-words in total) | 10 | 01 | |
| problem class quizzes (equivalent to 400-words in total) | 10 | 02 | |
| spreadsheet assignments (equivalent to 800-words in total) | 20 | 03, 04 | |
| written assignments (equivalent to 800-words in total) | 20 | 01, 02, 04, 05 |