MAT1MAB

MATHEMATICAL APPLICATIONS IN BIOLOGY

MAT1MAB

2018

Credit points: 15

This subject addresses La Trobe's Sustainability Thinking Essential. Sustainability Thinking entails deep appreciation of how the choices we make affects the natural, economic, social, political and cultural systems — now and in the future.

Subject outline

Students 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 strengths and limitations of models to make predictions about ecological sustainability are explored. 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 for two 1-hour problem solving classes per week 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-ordinatorYuri Nikolayevsky

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

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

01. Explain how mathematical models are derived from biophysical assumptions and what conclusions can be drawn from the models.

Activities:
Students required to adapt well known models to particular circumstances in written assignment questions.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Literacies and Communication Skills(Quantitative Literacy)

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

Activities:
Specifically assessed in written assignment and examination questions.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Literacies and Communication Skills(Quantitative Literacy)

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

Activities:
Specifically assessed in spreadsheet assignments.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Literacies and Communication Skills(Quantitative Literacy)

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

Activities:
Specifically assessed in written assignments and spreadsheet assignments.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Literacies and Communication Skills(Quantitative Literacy)

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

Activities:
Specifically assessed in written assignments.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Literacies and Communication Skills(Quantitative Literacy)

Subject options

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Start date between: and    Key dates

Melbourne, 2018, Semester 2, Blended

Overview

Online enrolmentYes

Maximum enrolment sizeN/A

Enrolment information

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorYuri Nikolayevsky

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 400-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

Singapore, 2018, Term L2, Night

Overview

Online enrolmentYes

Maximum enrolment sizeN/A

Enrolment information

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorYeliz Boglev

Class requirements

PracticalWeek: 11 - 15
Twenty four 1.0 hours practical per study period on weekdays at night from week 11 to week 15 and delivered via blended.

Assessments

Assessment elementComments%ILO*
One 1.5 hour written examination4001, 02, 04, 05
on-line quizzes (equivalent to 400-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

Singapore, 2018, Term L6, Day

Overview

Online enrolmentYes

Maximum enrolment sizeN/A

Enrolment information

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorNoni Frankenberg

Class requirements

PracticalWeek: 44 - 48
Twenty four 1.0 hours practical per study period on weekdays during the day from week 44 to week 48 and delivered via blended.

Assessments

Assessment elementComments%ILO*
One 1.5 hour written examination4001, 02, 04, 05
on-line quizzes (equivalent to 400-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

Singapore, 2018, Term L2, Day

Overview

Online enrolmentYes

Maximum enrolment sizeN/A

Enrolment information

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorYeliz Boglev

Class requirements

PracticalWeek: 11 - 15
Twenty four 1.0 hours practical per study period on weekdays during the day from week 11 to week 15 and delivered via blended.

Assessments

Assessment elementComments%ILO*
One 1.5 hour written examination4001, 02, 04, 05
on-line quizzes (equivalent to 400-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