Catalog Description: This course introduces the use of mathematics and computer simulation to study a wide range of problems in biology. Topics include the modeling of populations, the dynamics of signal transduction and gene-regulatory networks, and simulation of protein structure and dynamics. A computer laboratory component allows students to apply their knowledge to real-world problems.
Prerequisite: (i) AMS 161 or MAT 127 or 132 or 142; (ii) BIO 150 or 201; and AMS 210 or MAT 211 or BIO 202; OR permission of instructor
3 credits
Textbook: Essential Mathematical Biology, by Nicholas Britton, Springer
THIS COURSE IS OFFERED IN THE SPRING SEMESTER ONLY.
Spring 2010 Section
54695 LEC 01 TUTH 03:50-05:10PM Loc: Melville L:br W4535 Inst: David Green AMS 333 Webpage
Week 1. |
Grand challenges in biology; history of mathematical biology. |
Week 2. |
Introduction to non-linear systems; stationary points and simulation of dynamics. |
Week 3. |
Modeling of population dynamics; the Lotka-Volterra model; inter-species competition; oscillatory systems. |
Week 4. |
Mathematics epidemiology; modeling viral epidemics. |
Week 5. |
Biochemical kinetics; introduction to signal transduction. |
Week 6. |
Modeling of signal transduction networks; introduction to gene regulation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. |
Week 7. |
Bi-stable networks; phage-l lysis/lysogeny; the “repressilator” |
Week 8. |
Spatial effects in biology; compartment models; PDEs in space and time; diffusion. |
Week 9. |
Whole cell modeling; the “e-Cell”; modeling Calcium flux. |
Week 10. |
Introduction to protein structure; molecular energetics. |
Week 11. |
Molecular dynamics; theory and implementation; applications. |
Week 12. |
Molecular interactions: the docking problem; affinity prediction. |
Week 13. |
Future directions in mathematical biology. |