This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.
Undergraduate Handbook 2010-2011 (archived)
Module MATH3171: MATHEMATICAL BIOLOGY III
Department: Mathematical Sciences
MATH3171: MATHEMATICAL BIOLOGY III
| Type | Level | Credits | Availability | Module Cap | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 3 | 20 | Available in 2010/2011 | None. | Durham |
Pre-requisites
- Analysis in Many Variables II (MATH2031)
Corequisites
- None.
Excluded Combinations
- None.
Aims
- Study of non-linear differential equations in biological models, building on level 1 and 2 Mathematics.
Content
- Introduction to application of mathematics to biological systems and environments.
- Guest lectures on modelling biological populations.
- Modelling of insect dispersal.
- Chemotaxis and slime mould aggregation.
- Pattern formation and morphogenesis.
- Spread of infectious diseases.
- Angiogenesis and the spread of tumours.
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge
- By the end of the module students will: be able to solve novel and/or complex problems in Mathematical Biology.
- have a systematic and coherent understanding of theoretical mathematics in the fields Mathematical Biology.
- have acquired coherent body of knowledge of these subjects demonstrated through one or more of the following topic areas: Models for diffusion of insect populations.
- Mathematics of enzyme kinetics.
- Mathematics of the Chemostat.
- Chemostaxis and coalgulation of species.
- Pattern formation mechanisms.
- Spread of infectious diseases.
Subject-specific Skills
- In addition students will have specialised mathematical skills in the following areas which can be used with minimal guidance: Modelling, Computation.
Key Skills
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- Lectures develop technical ideas and methodology and introduce motivating examples.
- Solution by students of problems in written assignments as part of formative assessment deepens and tests understanding of technical material and helps to develop modelling skills.
- Students will also be expected on occasion to find additional material from the Internet.
- Summative assessment by examination measures degree of technical mastery, grasp of basic ideas in modelling and skill carrying through necessary calculations.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total Hours | Attendance Monitored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 40 | 2 per week | 1 Hour | 40 | |
| Prepration and Reading | 160 | ||||
| Total | 200 |
Summative Assessment
| Component | Component Weighting | Element | Length/Duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Examination | 100% | three hour written examination | 100% |
Formative Assessment
Four written assignments to be assessed and returned. Other assignments are set for self-study and complete solutions are made available to students.
Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods
and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative
assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress
procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be
required to leave the University.