Syllabus for MATH 469, SECTION 500, Spring 2020

Introduction to Mathematical Biology

Office hours: TR 1:00-2:00; W 3:00-4:00; Also, by appointment.

Class time and place: MWF 1:50-2:40, BLOC 163.

Section web page: www.math.tamu.edu/~phoward/M469.html

Textbook: There is not an assigned textbook for this course, but we will refer to a number of books and journal articles during the semester. See the references document on the course web site.

Prerequisites: 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 that 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 Friday, due the following Friday. 

Exams: There will be two exams for this class, a midterm and a final. The midterm will be Thursday, March 5, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.  The final exam for this class will be Monday, May 4, 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 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.

Learning Outcomes: During the course of M469 students will gain the following knowledge and skills: Students will be able to use both linear and nonlinear regression to estimate parameters in biological models. Students will be able to model biological phenomena with difference equations, differential equations, partial differential equations, and with stochastic methods. Students will be able to non-dimensionalize a variety of biological models. Students will be able to compute fixed points and limit cycles for difference equations and determine whether or not these objects are stable. Students will be able to compute phylogenetic distances between genetically related taxa and use these distances to develop reasonable phylogenetic trees relating the taxa. Students will be able to find exact solutions to systems of difference equations and systems of differential equations. Students will be able to carry out phase plane analyses for systems of two differential equations. Students will be able to locate equilibrium points for ODE systems and categorize such points as stable or unstable.

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 Resources, currently located in the Disability Resources building at the Student Services at White Creek complex on west campus or call 979-845-1637. For additional information visit http://disability.tamu.edu/.

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