Syllabus for Modelling in Biology
Modellering i biologi
A revised version of the syllabus is available.
Syllabus
- 5 credits
- Course code: 1BG383
- Education cycle: Second cycle
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Main field(s) of study and in-depth level:
Biology A1N,
Computational Science A1N
Explanation of codes
The code indicates the education cycle and in-depth level of the course in relation to other courses within the same main field of study according to the requirements for general degrees:
First cycle
- G1N: has only upper-secondary level entry requirements
- G1F: has less than 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
- G1E: contains specially designed degree project for Higher Education Diploma
- G2F: has at least 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
- G2E: has at least 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements, contains degree project for Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science
- GXX: in-depth level of the course cannot be classified
Second cycle
- A1N: has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
- A1F: has second-cycle course/s as entry requirements
- A1E: contains degree project for Master of Arts/Master of Science (60 credits)
- A2E: contains degree project for Master of Arts/Master of Science (120 credits)
- AXX: in-depth level of the course cannot be classified
- Grading system: Fail (U), Pass (3), Pass with credit (4), Pass with distinction (5)
- Established: 2009-03-12
- Established by: The Faculty Board of Science and Technology
- Revised: 2009-11-03
- Revised by: The Faculty Board of Science and Technology
- Applies from: Autumn 2010
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Entry requirements:
150 credits complete courses including Biology 75 credits, chemistry 30 credits and Mathematics and statistics 10 credits.
- Responsible department: Biology Education Centre
Learning outcomes
The major aim of the course is to give students with biological background an understanding of, and experience in, using mathematical models of biological systems. After passing this course the student should be able to:
- account for the principles behind modelling - why one uses mathematical models
- account for how to design and use a model - mathematical formulation of problem, development of equations, the model cycle and interpretation of results
- account for properties of some basic models - discrete and continuous time models, differential equations, logistic growth and models for species interactions, models of genetics, stochastic models and models within epidemiology, spatial models and class structured models
- analyse equations - analysis of equilibrium and stability, basic numerical methods
- critically interpret scientific papers that are based on models
Content
- How to design a model: To formulate a question; quantitative versus qualitative models, the model cycle.
- Classical models in biology: Population growth models; models of natural selection; models of interactions between species.
- Stability analysis: Equilibrium and stability in one-dimensional models; linear and non-linear models; repetition of linear algebra; equilibrium and stability in two-dimensional models; analysis of phase diagrams.
- Stochastic models in biology: Basic probability theory, the models of Wright-Fishers and Morans for allelic frequencies.
- Class structured populations: Matrix algebra and Leslie matrices. Spatial models: Drift and diffusion equations, Fishers equation for gene dispersal.
Instruction
Lectures, problem-solving and computer exercises.
Assessment
Written assignments that combine analysis and numerical solutions (25% of the total of points of the examination). Examination at the end of the course (75%).
Syllabus Revisions
Reading list
Reading list
Applies from: Autumn 2010
Some titles may be available electronically through the University library.
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Otto, Sarah P.;
Day, Troy
A biologist's guide to mathematical modeling in ecology and evolution
Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press, cop. 2007