5XÉçÇøÊÓƵ

Introduction to Mathematical Biology (L6) (G5106)

15 credits, Level 6

Autumn teaching

Mathematical Biology uses mathematical concepts and tools to develop models describing various realistic interactions, such as population size changes, interactions between various biological species, enzyme dynamics and spread of epidemics.

We will introduce a number of mathematical models in Biology. The models are deterministic and the modelling aspect is done via systems of ordinary differential equations.

Topics include famous biology models like the predator-prey model for interacting populations and the susceptible-infected-recovered model for epidemics.

The mathematical techniques used for the analysis of such models are tools from dynamical systems, such as bifurcation analysis.

No previous knowledge of biology is required.

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 33 hours of contact time and about 117 hours of independent study. The 5XÉçÇøÊÓƵ may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2024/25. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.