Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2024 - MATH 468 D100

Topics in Biomathematics (3)

Stochastic Processes in Biology

Class Number: 6074

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Mon, Wed, Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    MATH 360 and (MATH 348 or STAT 380), both with a minimum grade of C-. Strongly Recommended: Experience with a computing platform such as R, MATLAB, or Python.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

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. Course may be repeated for credit under a different topic.

COURSE DETAILS:

The natural world is inherently random. Describing, understanding, and predicting phenomena in Ecology, Evolution, and Epidemiology therefore requires the use of mathematical models that explicitly include this randomness. In this course we will cover methods and applications of probability, stochastic processes, and computer
simulation to these three fields.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Mastery of the principals of probability and stochastic processes.
  • Learn to develop and analyze probabilistic and stochastic models for applications in Ecology, Evolution, and Epidemiology.
  • Use computational methods to simulate and analyze random events and processes in biology.
  • Develop and sharpen your ability to formulate scientific questions and address those questions with mathematics.
  • Gain skills in scientific writing, this involves the formulation and communication of perspectives and the expression scientific findings in a clear and concise manner.

Grading

  • Bi-Weekly Homework x6 (5% each) 30%
  • Midterm x2 20%
  • Presentation 10%
  • Final Project 40%

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING:

The following texts will be used in this course but are not required.

Otto, Sarah P. & Day, Troy. A Biologists Guide to Mathematical Modelling in Ecology and Evolution. 2007.

Durrett, Rick. Essentials of Stochastic Processes. 1999. ISBN: 0-387-98836-X

Karlin, Samuel & Taylor, Howard. A Second Course in Stochastic Processes. 1981. ISBN 0-12-398650-8.

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.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/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