6 EC
Semester 1, period 3
5042THBI6Y
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:
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.
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 approximately €13).
matlab
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.
|
Activity |
Number of hours |
|
Computerpractical |
60 |
|
Lectures |
24 |
|
Exam |
3 |
|
Question hour |
2 |
|
Pen & Paper exercises |
10 |
|
Self Study |
69 |
Programme's requirements concerning attendance (OER-B):
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!
| 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.
The date, time and location of the inspection moment are in the DataNose timetable.
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.
In the final week of the course a report of a case study has to be handed in. An assessment form for this report is provided, which can be found on the Blackboard site of the course
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.uva.nl/plagiarism
Het rooster van dit vak is in te zien op DataNose.
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.