| Lecture | Tu & Th 2:00 - 3:15, PLS 1158 |
| Lab | W 2:00 - 4:00, PLS 1129 (starts 9/10/08). |
| Required | Edward Batschelet, Introduction to Mathematics for Life Scientists, Springer-Verlag, 1979; ISBN: 978-3-540-09648-1. |
| Texts | John A. Rhodes, Elizabeth S. Allman, Mathematical Models in Biology: An Introduction, Cambridge University Press, 2003; ISBN: 978-0-521-52586-2. |
| Prerequisites |
Math 220 (Elementary Calculus I)
Math 221 (Elementary Calculus II) |
| Web Site | http://www.glue.umd.edu/~jzsimon/bsci474/ |
| Course Description | Assuming no knowledge of calculus, we will learn empowering mathematical techniques through the understanding of biological models. Models are chosen from a variety of biological disciplines: population dynamics, molecular evolution models, phylogenetic tree construction, basic genetics, and infectious disease models. Mathematical skills that will be developed along the way include: solving non-linear difference equations, eigenvector analysis, multi-dimensional stability, and the use of Excel and Matlab. |
| Testudo Info | http://www.sis.umd.edu/bin/soc?crs=BSCI474&sec=0101&term=200808 |
| Poster | BSCI 474 Poster |
| Instructor | Jonathan Z. Simon, Professor | ||||||||
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| Day | Time | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simon | TBA | TBA | BPS 3227 |
Basic Math & Review Linear and Power Functions Exponential and Logarithmic Functions Mathematical Population Biology Difference Equations Linear (Malthusian) Population Dynamics Non-linear Population Dynamics Equilibrium & Stability Matrix Algebra Linear Structured-Population Dynamics Eigenvector Analysis Non-linear Structured-Population (e.g. Predator-Prey) Dynamics Phase Plane Analysis Multivariable Equilibrium & Stability Mathematical Molecular Evolution Probability Modeling DNA Base Substitution Markov Matrices Phylogenetic Distances Phylogenetic Trees Optional Infectious Disease Models Computer Lab Skills (simultaneously with rest of course) Numerical Calculation & Modeling with Excel Numerical Calculation & Modeling with MATLAB
Math is a “Learn it By Doing it” subject. The homework assignments are one of the most important part of the course: you will not be able to handle the exams if you don't do the homeworks.Typically, homework problems will be assigned every week. It is possible that only some of the problems will be graded, but solutions will always be made available.
- 1st Exam: TBA
- 2nd Exam: TBA
- Final Exam: Thursday, Dec 18, 10:30am-12:30pm
There will be no make-up exams. See Grading next for missed exam policies.
Homework/Lab 40% 1st exam 20% 2nd exam 20% Final exam 20% In the case of a missed 1st or 2nd exam, the weights of the other exam and the final will be modified accordingly, if you give notice to the professor within 24 hours of the missed exam:
1st or 2nd exam 30% Final exam 30%
A MATLAB primer is available.
There are many computers around campus with Matlab installed. OIT can display which open labs have Matlab here. (For the purposes of this course, it should not matter which version of Matlab is installed.) Additionally, if you want to buy the (fully functional) student version of Matlab, it is $99 at most places (for some reason it's $109 in the campus bookstore). This is a good deal, compared to the full version.
It is in everyone's best interest that these policies be clear and explicit.Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. The University Code of Academic Integrity, which can be found at http://www.studenthonorcouncil.umd.edu/code.html, prohibits students from committing the following acts of academic dishonesty: cheating, fabrication, facilitating academic dishonesty, and plagiarism.
Academic dishonesty, in this class, includes copying homework, lab, or exam answers from any other student's work, from solution sets, from any book, from the internet, etc..
Discussing homework problems and other ideas with others is encouraged; but your final write-up must be your own work and cannot be a copy of anyone else's work.
Instances of academic dishonesty are referred to the Office of Judicial Programs.
The University of Maryland, College Park has a nationally recognized Code of Academic Integrity, administered by the Student Honor Council. This Code sets standards for academic integrity at Maryland for all undergraduate and graduate students. As a student you are responsible for upholding these standards for this course. It is very important for you to be aware of the consequences of cheating, fabrication, facilitation, and plagiarism. For more information on the Code of Academic Integrity or the Student Honor Council, please visit http://www.shc.umd.edu
To further exhibit your commitment to academic integrity, remember to sign the Honor Pledge on all examinations and assignments: “I pledge on my honor that I have not given or received any unauthorized assistance on this examination (assignment).”
If you are experiencing difficulties in keeping up with the academic demands of your courses, you should know about the Learning Assistance Service, 2201 Shoemaker Building, 301-314-7613. They have educational counselors to help with time management, reading, note-taking, and exam preparation skills.