Aims
- To introduce students to the application of mathematical modeling in the analysis of biological systems including populations of molecules, cells and organisms.
- To show how mathematics, statistics and computing can be used in an integrated way to analyse biological systems.
- To develop students' skills in algebraic manipulation, the calculus of linear and non-linear differential equations, mathematical modelling, matrix algebra and statistical methods.
- To introduce students to the use of R for the analysis of biological processes and data, including simple computer programming.
Learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students should:
- have an enhanced knowledge and understanding of mathematical modeling and statistical methods in the analysis of biological systems;
- be better able to assess biological inferences that rest on mathematical and statistical arguments;
- be able to analyse data from experiments and draw sound conclusions about the underlying processes using their understanding of mathematics and statistics;
- be aware of the use of computers to assist them in studying mathematical functions and carrying out statistical tests.