Syllabus for MATH 469, SECTION 500, Fall 2010

Introduction to Mathematical Biology

Office hours: MW 2:30-3:30; T 4:00-5:00; Also, by appointment.

Class time and place: TR 11:10-12:25, BLOC 160.

Section web page: /~phoward/M469.html

Textbook: We won't use a textbook for this course.

Prequisites: M308 (Differential Equations), or consent of instructor.

Course Goal: The goal of this course is to introduce students to some of the mathematical techniques that are routinely used in the life sciences, and to use illustrative applications to give students a sense of the problems these techniques can be effectively applied to and the information that can be obtained by using them. We will focus on the following mathematical topics: (1) difference equations; (2) ordinary differential equations; (3) partial differential equations; and (4) stochastic methods.

Homework Assignments: Homework will be assigned each Thursday, due the following Thursday. 

Exams: There will be two exams for this class, a midterm and a final. The midterm will be Thursday, October 21 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.  The final exam for this class will be Friday, December 10 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Grades: Final grades will be determined in the following manner: Homework assignments: 40%; Midterm: 30%; Final: 30%. Grade ranges will be standard: 89.50-100, A; 79.50-89.49, B; 69.50-79.49, C, 59.50-69.49, D; below 59.50, F.

Make-up policy: Make-ups for exams will only be given if the student can provide a documented University-approved excuse (see University Regulations). According to University Student Rules students are required to notify an instructor by the end of the next working day after missing an exam. Otherwise the student forfeits his or her right to a make-up.

Scholastic Dishonesty: Copying work done by others, either in-class or out of class, is an act of scholastic dishonesty and will be prosecuted to the full extent allowed by University policy. "An Aggie does not lie, cheat, or steal or tolerate those who do." Please refer to the Honor Council Rules and Procedures, available at the Office of the Aggie Honor System.

Copyright policy: All printed materials disseminated in class or on the web are protected by copyright laws. One xerox copy (or download from the web) is allowed for personal use. Multiple copies or sale of any of these materials is strictly prohibited.

Students with Disabilities: The following statement was provided by the Department of Disability Services: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact Disability Services, in Cain Hall, Room B118, or call 845-1637. For additional information visit http://disability.tamu.edu.

Class Schedule: Roughly speaking, we should cover the following material on the following schedule: