Spring 2026 - MATH 768 G100
Topics in Biomathematics (3)
Class Number: 5371
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Caroline Colijn
ccolijn@sfu.ca
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Advanced methods and applications of mathematical models in biology, focusing on understanding, analyzing, and applying scientific literature using models and integrating real data. Topics may include parameter estimation in biological models, stochastic simulation of disease outbreaks, age structured population models, and others. Students with credit for MATH 468 may not take this course for further credit.
COURSE DETAILS:
The course showcases the art of modelling and its role in quantitative reasoning across disciplines, introducing the formulation and analysis of mathematical models for biological and other systems, with emphasis on infectious disease. How do we use mathematics to reason, explain, predict, and intervene? This course introduces the formulation and analysis of mathematical models for biological and physical systems, with emphasis on infectious disease dynamics. Students will develop methods for constructing deterministic and stochastic models, analysing their behaviour, and interpreting results.
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
Mastery of the principles and uses of modelling
Learn to develop and analyze models in infectious disease .
Use computational methods to simulate and analyze processes in biology and other domains.
Develop and sharpen your ability to formulate scientific questions and address those questions with mathematics.
Grading
- Bi-Weekly Homework x4 (7% each) 28%
- Participation 2%
- Midterm 30%
- Final 40%
Materials
RECOMMENDED READING:
Diekmann, Odo ; Heesterbeek, Hans ; Britton, Tom
Mathematical tools for understanding infectious disease dynamics.
Otto, Sarah P. & Day, Troy. A Biologists Guide to Mathematical Modelling in Ecology and Evolution. 2007.
REQUIRED READING NOTES:
Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.
Graduate Studies Notes:
Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.
To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION
Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.