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MA40197: Advanced mathematical biology

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2016/7
Further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Mathematical Sciences
Further information on credits Credits: 6      [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
Further information on notional study hours Notional Study Hours: 120
Further information on unit levels Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Further information on teaching periods Period:
Semester 1
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Summary: CW 80%, OR 20%
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Detail:
  • Coursework 1 (CW 40%)
  • Coursework 2 (CW 40%)
  • Oral presentation (OR 20%)
Further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Further information on requisites Requisites: Before taking this module you must take MA30047 AND take MA30063 or equivalent units from another institution. MA30047 and MA30063 will be available as pre-sessional distance learning material for MSc students.
Students will require skills in MATLAB which they may achieve for example by taking MA50174 concurrently.
Further information on descriptions Description: Aims:
To study current problems in the biological and life sciences using mathematical modelling techniques.

Learning Outcomes:
After taking this unit, students should be able to:
* Build a mathematical model to address a particular research question in the biological and life sciences;
* Use a range of mathematical techniques to critically analyse the model;
* Interpret and present findings from the modelling in a manner appropriate to the audience;
* Read and summarise a research papers; learn to critically discuss and evaluate their quality as a publication in the field of Mathematical Biology
* Prepare and present a seminar.

Skills:
Modelling biological systems (model formulation, analysis, interpretation, refinement) (T, F, A); Critical analysis of research papers (T, A); Presentation skills (T, F, A).

Content:

* Biological concepts will include a selection from: biological control; contact networks; ecological interactions; epidemiological dynamics; evolutionary theory; populations structured by age, space or other characteristics; transient behaviour; tumour development. Case studies will be used to highlight current research interests.
* Modelling approaches will include a selection from: cellular automata; control systems; dynamical systems; network structures; reaction-diffusion equations; simulation.
* Mathematical techniques will include a selection from: bifurcation theory; bounds and stability; numerical solution (using and adapting MATLAB programs); perturbation theory.
* Research techniques will include a selection from: reading and summarising research papers; preparing and giving seminars; producing and presenting technical posters.
Further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

MA40197 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Mathematical Sciences
Programmes in Natural Sciences

Notes: