MATHEMATICAL APPLICATIONS IN BIOLOGY
MAT1MAB
2019
Credit points: 15
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.
School: School Engineering&Mathematical Sciences
Credit points: 15
Subject Co-ordinator: Yuri Nikolayevsky
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 |
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)
Melbourne, 2019, Semester 2, Blended
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Yuri 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 element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| One 1.5 hour written examination | 40 | 01, 02, 04, 05 | |
| on-line quizzes (equivalent to 400-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 |
Singapore (PSB), 2019, Term L2, Night
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Yeliz 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 element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| One 1.5 hour written examination | 40 | 01, 02, 04, 05 | |
| on-line quizzes (equivalent to 400-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 |
Singapore (PSB), 2019, Term L6, Day
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Yeliz Boglev
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 element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| One 1.5 hour written examination | 40 | 01, 02, 04, 05 | |
| on-line quizzes (equivalent to 400-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 |
Singapore (PSB), 2019, Term L2, Day
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Yeliz 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 element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| One 1.5 hour written examination | 40 | 01, 02, 04, 05 | |
| on-line quizzes (equivalent to 400-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 |