Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2015 - BISC 475 D100

Special Topics in Biology (3)

Class Number: 8786

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 25, 2015
    Sat, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    To be announced.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Selected topics not currently offered in the Department of Biological Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

With the vast advances in the sciences, the available information about various biological systems has grown tremendously, both in amount and in detail. As a consequence, the use of modeling in most biological fiields is becoming quite important. We are constantly discovering new genes and their functions, we can automatically track population data, record changes in the environment and so on. This enormous increase in information creates the need and at the same time allows us to develop models that help us understand the mechanisms underlying the processes in biological systems. This includes among others, modeling how various genes interact (gene networks), how changes in the environment affect ecosystems and how to control spread of diseases. This course will introduce modeling of biological systems. You will learn how to approach modeling and be taught some basic mathematical tools that are necessary, such as simple stability analysis of a biological system, reaction diffusion mechanisms, and differential equations. The topics that are covered include: How does a virus infection spread and what can we do to prevent it? How could we operate sustainable fisheries? You will also get some understanding of how pattern in nature can arise de novo through self-organization and be exposed to vizual computational simulations of 3D cells and their interactions.

This course is suited for biology students who want to be able to recognize when a model can be helpful and develop one when needed for their research, as well as for those who just want to understand models of biological systems. The need for these skills are very important, since models are being utilized more and more in biological research. This course is also for physics, math and engineering students who would like to see how mathematical techniques are applied in biology.

Grading

  • Homework 35%%
  • Midterm 20%%
  • Final 45%%

NOTES:

Grading is open to discussion with class at start of semester.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Mathematical Models in Biology, Leah Edelstein-Keshet, McGraw-Hill

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS