mat1mab math applications in biology
MATHEMATICAL APPLICATIONS IN BIOLOGY
MAT1MAB
2017
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 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 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.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Quantitative Literacy)
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Quantitative Literacy)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
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(Writing,Quantitative Literacy)
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Quantitative Literacy)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
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(Writing,Quantitative Literacy)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
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(Writing,Quantitative Literacy)
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Quantitative Literacy)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
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(Writing,Quantitative Literacy)
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Quantitative Literacy)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
Subject options
Select to view your study options…
Melbourne, 2017, 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 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, 2017, Term L2, Night
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorKevin Bicknell
Class requirements
PracticalWeek: 12 - 16
Twenty four 1.0 hours practical per study period on weekdays at night from week 12 to week 16 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, 2017, Term L6, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorKevin Bicknell
Class requirements
PracticalWeek: 45 - 49
Twenty four 1.0 hours practical per study period on weekdays during the day from week 45 to week 49 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 |