Module MATH40715: Macrobiomolecule Dynamics

Department: Mathematical Sciences

MATH40715: Macrobiomolecule Dynamics

Pre-requisites

Corequisites

Excluded Combinations

Aims

• To provide students with an overview of the cellular scaffolding from a biologist’s perspective, and a mathematical modelling of its dynamics.

Content

• Introduction to the cytoskeleton dynamics.
• Derivation of a thermodynamical model of the microtubule dynamics and analytical study of some solutions of a simplified version of the model.
• Mechanical properties of the microtubules, and actin filaments and associated molecules.
• Mechanical and thermodynamical properties of polymer chains like proteins or DNA.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will have a mastery of a coherent body of knowledge of the cytoskeleton and a mastery of methods of mathematically modelling its dynamics.

• They will be able to solve complex and specialised problems, draw conclusions and deploy abstract reasoning and mathematical intuition.
• They will develop their mathematical self-sufficiency and be able to read and understand advanced mathematics independently, in subjects relevant for applications in Biology.

• Problem solving.
• Self-organisation, self-discipline and self-knowledge.
• Ability to learn actively and reflectively and to develop intuition, the ability to tackle material which is given both unfamiliar and complex.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Lectures will provide the means to give concise, focussed presentation of the relevant subject matter of the module. They will be supported by reference to suitable text books or research papers and where appropriate by the distribution of written material or through links on DUO (on-line learning resource).
• Students will be asked to return 5 mathematical essays during the course. They will mostly consist in reading sections from a research papers or books and detail the calculations presented in them.
• Two of the mathematical essays will be formative assessment and provide the means for the student to demonstrate their acquisition of subject knowledge and the development of their problem solving skills.
• The remaining 3 mathematical essays will be part of the summative assessment.
• Student performance will be also be assessed summatively at the end of the course through a 3000 word essay.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment

Two mathematical essays will be formative assessment and provide the means for the student to demonstrate their acquisition of subject knowledge and the development of their problem solving skills.