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MA20201: Modelling the dynamics of life 1

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2015/6
Further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Mathematical Sciences
Further information on credits Credits: 6
Further information on unit levels Level: Intermediate (FHEQ level 5)
Further information on teaching periods Period: Semester 1
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Summary: CW 25%, EX 75%
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Detail:
  • Coursework (CW 25%)
  • Examination (EX 75%)
Further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment: MA20201 Mandatory Extra Work (where allowed by programme regulations)
Further information on requisites Requisites:
Further information on descriptions Description: Aims:
To provide students with the necessary mathematical background to be able to model processes in the life sciences.

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this unit, students should be able to:
* manipulate and make effective use of a range of standard mathematical functions;
* integrate and differentiate a range of standard mathematical functions;
* write down and analyse a range of simple mathematical models and interpret the results biologically.

Skills:
Calculus (T, A); modelling (T, F, A).

Content:
Exponentials, logarithms and trigonometric functions.
First-order linear difference equations: solutions, steady states, stability; biological applications, e.g. bacterial population growth, gas exchange in the lung.
Limits and derivatives: differentiation of standard functions; product rule, quotient rule, chain rule.
Applications of derivatives, e.g. maximum sustainable yield, optimal foraging, maximising oxygen uptake.
First-order ordinary differential equations; solution by separation of variables, integrating factor; applications, e.g. rate equations, exponential growth, Bertanffy growth.
Further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

MA20201 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Biology & Biochemistry Programmes in Natural Sciences
  • UXXX-AFB01 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences (Year 2)
  • UXXX-AAB02 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences with Study year abroad (Year 2)
  • UXXX-AKB02 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences with Year long work placement (Year 2)
  • UXXX-AFM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Year 2)
  • UXXX-AKM02 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences with Professional Placement (Year 2)
  • UXXX-AAM02 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences with Study year abroad (Year 2)

Notes:
* This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2015/16 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2016/17 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2015/16.
* 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.