This course is designed to introduce students from a variety of life sciences backgrounds to some of the fundamental notions of mathematical modeling.

This course presumes proficiency in Calculus, and some sophistication in science. We will focus primarily on differential equations (systems of ordinary and some partial) that model biological phenomena. In general, there will be an emphasis on understanding the qualitative behavior of systems rather than learning how to "solve" some special equations.

We will also cover some discrete modeling, and, depending on the background and interests of the class, elementary biostatistics. Each new mathematical topic will be motivated by an article from a biological journal (typically Science or Nature) that features an application of that particular mathematical concept.

In addition, there will be computer exercises designed to illustrate technology’s power for both visualization and number-crunching.  Another key issue will be to determine when we can rely on the computer results --  i.e. when does the computer lie?

You might also find useful:
Elementary Differential Equations and Boundary Value Problems, by Boyce and DiPrima
Mathematical Models in Biology, by Leah Edelstein-Keshet
Differential Equations, Second Edition, by Blanchard, Devaney and Hall
Fundamentals of Biostatistics, by Bernard Rosner
Student MATLAB Version (Software and Guide)
Molecular Biology of the Cell, Fourth Edition, by Alberts, et al

You may  browse any of these books in my office during office hours.

Homework, 25%: Assigned weekly and due weekly. Some problems may not be graded. No late homework accepted without a doctor's note. You may consult with classmates but be sure to do most of the work yourself. Assignments will generally be due at the beginning of class on Thursdays.

Midterm Exam, 25%: To be given in class, provisionally on Thursday Oct 17. 

Group Project, 20%: An opportunity to study in greater depth, and subsequently model, a biological system of interest to your group. This could be, for example, an extension whose base was either a relevant seminar or a discussion with a scientist on campus.  We will have a poster session of your projects during a class period and you (as a group) will subsequently turn in a written report (including references and non-technical introduction).   Further details will be given later.

Final Exam, 30%:  Provisionally given on last class day Thursday December 5.