Course manual 2016/2017

Course content

Mathematical models are increasingly used in the analysis of biological systems. Biological systems often consist of many components, where the interactions between the often relatively simple parts can generate complex dynamics at the system level. Ecosystem dynamics are an example of such a complex system that consists of a network of relatively simple species interactions.

The course is aimed at giving a general introduction to dynamical systems, mathematical model formulation, and model analysis. The course is open to students from all (biological) disciplines, but has a focus on ecology. The following topics will be covered:

  • Formulating simple mathematical models of biological systems in terms of ordinary differential equations, using so-called balance equations.
  • Analysis of dynamics using phase-space methods
  • Deriving steady-state conditions
  • Determining stability using linearization (including stability criteria, reel and complex eigen values).
  • Limit cycles, complex dynamics and deterministic chaos.
  • Bifurcation theory: parameter dependence of system dynamics.

During the third week of the course the student will investigate a case study from biology, using mathematical modeling to derive research results. In this research the student will use the methods and concepts from the first part of the course. This final part of the course is concluded with a written report.

Study materials

Syllabus

  • A syllabus will be provided at the start of the course. The syllabus is available as pdf, and it can be printed on demand (costs are  €13.05). 

Objectives

This course provides an introduction to theoretical and mathematical biology. In this course it will be explained how to translate a biological question into a mathematical model and how to analyze its predictions. Analytical, graphical, and numerical methods for analysis of mathematical models will be introduced. The students will learn to analyze parameter dependence of models, and they will learn how to translate the results to biological conclusions.

Teaching methods

  • Lecture
  • Computer lab session/practical training
  • Working independently on e.g. a project or thesis
  • Self-study

Learning activities

Activity

Number of hours

Computerpractical

60

Lectures

24

Exam

3

Question hour

2

Pen & Paper exercises

10

Self Study

69

Attendance

Programme's requirements concerning attendance (OER-B):

  • Participation in all practical (computer) sessions, field work and seminars in the curriculum is in principle obligatory. Any additional requirements are described per section in the course manual. Also the possible consequences of not fulfilling this obligation are described.

Additional requirements for this course:

Acrtive participation in all computer practicals and pen&paper exercises is obligatory. If you miss 3 days or less due to a valid reason an alternative assignment will be provided. In case you miss more than 3 days you will be assigned a "nav" for the practical work, and you will not obtain a final grade for the course.

Attendance during the lectures is strongly recommended!

 

Assessment

Item and weight Details

Final grade

60%

Exam

Must be ≥ 5

40%

Report case study

Must be ≥ 5

The student has passed if the weighted final grade for the course is above 5.5, and if he or she has fulfilled the requirements for the practical work. 

Inspection of assessed work

The date, time and location of the inspection moment are in the DataNose timetable.

Assignments

Pen & paper exercises

  • During the pen & paper exercises and the computer practicals various assignments will be made. these assignments will not be graded, but they are training for the final exam of the course. 

Case study

  • In the final week of the course a report of a case study has to be handed in. An assignment form for this report is provided, which can be found on the Blackboard site of the course

     

Onderstaande opdrachten komen aan bod in deze cursus:

  •    Naam opdracht 1 : beschrijving 2
  •    Naam opdracht 2 : beschrijving 1
  •    ....

Fraud and plagiarism

The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl

Course structure

Weeknummer Onderwerpen Studiestof
1    
2    
3    
4    

Timetable

The schedule for this course is published on DataNose.

Additional information

The course has a Blackboard site which will be made available for the participants shortly before the start of the course. During the course, Blackboard will be used for communication. 

Processed course evaluations

Below you will find the adjustments in the course design in response to the course evaluations.

Contact information

Coordinator

  • Maarten Boerlijst