Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2010-2011 (archived)

Module MATH3171: MATHEMATICAL BIOLOGY III

Department: Mathematical Sciences

MATH3171: MATHEMATICAL BIOLOGY III

Type Open Level 3 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2010/11 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • Analysis in Many Variables II (MATH2031)

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • 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
    Lectures 40 2 per week 1 Hour 40
    Prepration and Reading 160
    Total 200

    Summative Assessment

    Component: Examination Component Weighting: 100%
    Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
    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.

    ■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University