Handbook

This course introduces mathematical modelling and data analysis for biological and biomedical systems. The course is suitable for students with an interest in the real-world application of differential equation modelling. Examples of the biological systems studied in the course include: population dynamics, the spread of infectious diseases, drug delivery and metabolism, biochemical reactions, the formation of animal coat patterns, and the growth of tumours. The emphasis in this course is on the development of the governing model equations, and on the analysis and interpretation of the model solutions. Methods for computer simulation of the model equations will be demonstrated but students’ knowledge of these methods will not be assessed in the course.
In addition to lectures, the course will feature tutorials and workshops. Weekly tutorials require the class to solve a series of mathematical problems that build upon the lecture material. Workshops (several during the course) further consolidate the lecture material as the class makes use of modelling, analysis and computer simulations to perform in-depth studies of particular biological applications.
Assumed Knowledge:
Completion of two years of an undergraduate degree in mathematics or statistics.