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MA40197: Advanced mathematical biology

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2012/3
Follow this link for further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Mathematical Sciences
Follow this link for further information on credits Credits: 6
Follow this link for further information on unit levels Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Follow this link for further information on period slots Period: Semester 1
Follow this link for further information on unit assessment Assessment: CW 100%
Follow this link for further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Follow this link for further information on unit rules Requisites: Before taking this unit you must take MA30047 and take MA30063 or equivalent units from another institution. MA30047 and MA30063 will be available as pre-sessional distance learning material for MSc students.
Students will require skills in MATLAB which they may achieve for example by taking MA50174 concurrently.
Follow this link for further information on unit content Description: Aims:
To study current problems in the biological and life sciences using mathematical modelling techniques.

Learning Outcomes:
After taking this unit, students should be able to:
* Build a mathematical model to address a particular research question in the biological and life sciences;
* Use a range of mathematical techniques to critically analyse the model;
* Interpret and present findings from the modelling in a manner appropriate to the audience;
* Read and summarise a research papers; learn to critically discuss and evaluate their quality as a publication in the field of Mathematical Biology
* Prepare and present a seminar.

Skills:
Modelling biological systems (model formulation, analysis, interpretation, refinement) (T, F, A); Critical analysis of research papers (T, A); Presentation skills (T, F, A).

Content:
* Biological concepts will include a selection from: biological control; contact networks; ecological interactions; epidemiological dynamics; evolutionary theory; populations structured by age, space or other characteristics; transient behaviour; tumour development. Case studies will be used to highlight current research interests.
* Modelling approaches will include a selection from: cellular automata; control systems; dynamical systems; network structures; reaction-diffusion equations; simulation.
* Mathematical techniques will include a selection from: bifurcation theory; bounds and stability; numerical solution (using and adapting MATLAB programs); perturbation theory.
* Research techniques will include a selection from: reading and summarising research papers; preparing and giving seminars; producing and presenting technical posters.
Follow this link for further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

MA40197 is Optional on the following programmes:

Programmes in Natural Sciences
  • UXXX-AFM01 : MSci (hons) Natural Sciences (Full-time) - Year 4
  • UXXX-AKM02 : MSci (hons) Natural Sciences with Professional Placement (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 5
  • UXXX-AAM02 : MSci (hons) Natural Sciences with Study Year Abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 5
Department of Mathematical Sciences
  • USMA-AFM14 : MMath Mathematics (Full-time) - Year 4
  • USMA-AAM15 : MMath Mathematics with Study Year Abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 4
  • TSMA-AFM09 : MSc Mathematical Sciences (Full-time) - Year 1
  • TSMA-APM09 : MSc Mathematical Sciences (Part-time) - Year 1
  • TSMA-APM09 : MSc Mathematical Sciences (Part-time) - Year 2
  • TSMA-AFM08 : MSc Modern Applications of Mathematics (Full-time) - Year 1
  • TSMA-AFL02 : PG Dip Modern Applications of Mathematics (Full-time) - Year 1

Notes:
* This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2012/13 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2013/14 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2012/13.
* Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.
* Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.