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MA20202: Modelling the dynamics of life 2

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2012/3
Follow this link for further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Mathematical Sciences
Follow this link for further information on credits Credits: 6
Follow this link for further information on unit levels Level: Intermediate (FHEQ level 5)
Follow this link for further information on period slots Period: Semester 2
Follow this link for further information on unit assessment Assessment: CW 25%, EX 75%
Follow this link for further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment: MA20202 Mandatory Extra Work (where allowed by programme regulations)
Follow this link for further information on unit rules Requisites: Before taking this unit you must take MA20201 or take PH20019
Follow this link for further information on unit content Description: Aims:
To develop students' mathematical techniques so that they can model a range of biological systems and interpret the outcomes of the modelling.

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this unit, students should be able to:
* write down and analyse a range of classical mathematical models used to describe biological processes;
* carry out a range of techniques in matrix algebra and understand its role in analysing biological models;
* work competently with complex numbers;
* make use of a computer package to simulate biological processes.

Skills:
Calculus and matrix algebra (T, A); use of a computer package (T, A); modelling (T, F, A).

Content:
First-order non-linear difference equations: cobweb diagrams, steady states, stability; biological applications, e.g. density-dependent population growth, selection in a bacterial population.
Matrices and determinants: eigenvalues and eigenvectors, complex numbers; Leslie matrices, age-structured populations, host-parasitoid systems.
Second-order linear ordinary differential equations.
Second-order non-linear ordinary differential equations: steady states, Jacobian, phase plane analysis; prey-predator systems, competition systems.
Follow this link for further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

MA20202 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Biology & Biochemistry
  • USBB-AFB03 : BSc (hons) Biology (Full-time) - Year 2
  • USBB-AKB07 : BSc (hons) Biology with Professional Placement (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 2
  • USBB-AFB05 : BSc (hons) Molecular and Cellular Biology (Full-time) - Year 2
  • USBB-AKB08 : BSc (hons) Molecular and Cellular Biology with Professional Placement (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 2
  • RSBB-AFM07 : Integrated PhD Postgenomic Biosciences (Biosciences Route) (Full-time) - Year 1
  • TSBB-AFM03 : MRes Biosciences (Full-time) - Year 1
Programmes in Natural Sciences
  • UXXX-AFB01 : BSc (hons) Natural Sciences (Full-time) - Year 2
  • UXXX-AKB02 : BSc (hons) Natural Sciences with Industrial Placement (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 2
  • UXXX-AAB02 : BSc (hons) Natural Sciences with Study Year Abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 2
  • UXXX-AFM01 : MSci (hons) Natural Sciences (Full-time) - Year 2
  • UXXX-AKM02 : MSci (hons) Natural Sciences with Professional Placement (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 2
  • UXXX-AAM02 : MSci (hons) Natural Sciences with Study Year Abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 2

Notes:
* This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2012/13 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2013/14 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2012/13.
* Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.
* Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.