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Mathematical Applications for the Biological Sciences

Mathematical Applications for the Biological Sciences. Calculus 1201. The Course. Applied Mathematics Winter term course intended for students in the biological sciences Pre-reqs: Calculus 1000, 1100, or Math 1225 Terminal math course. Course Objective.

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Mathematical Applications for the Biological Sciences

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  1. Mathematical Applications forthe Biological Sciences Calculus 1201

  2. The Course • Applied Mathematics • Winter term course intended for students in the biological sciences • Pre-reqs: Calculus 1000, 1100, or Math 1225 • Terminal math course

  3. Course Objective • Provide the student with exposure to the tools that will be needed throughout the rest of his/her undergraduate career

  4. It is widely assumed – particularly by statisticians – that the only branch of mathematics necessary for a biologist is statistics. I do not share this view. Statistics is necessary to biologists because no two organisms are identical. But I have the feeling that statistics … has been over-sold – John Maynard Smith

  5. Course Content • Linear Algebra • up to eigenvalues and eigenvectors (real) • Differential and Difference Equations • systems too • graphical qualitative methods • solutions for linear equations • Probability • conditional probability and Markov chains

  6. Format • Three 50-min lectures per week given by instructor • 200 students, 50-80% attendance • One 50-min tutorial per week run by a graduate-student TA • 50 students, attendance dismal

  7. Evaluation • Quizzes 30% • In class or during tutorial • 8-10 of these evenly spaced over the term • Mid-term Exam 30 % • 3 hours • Final Exam 40 % • 3 hours

  8. Performance • Avg grade 65-70% • Range: single digits to mid/high nineties • Reasonable distribution of grades

  9. Misconceptions • Calculus 1201 is mainly about calculus*. • Success in Calculus 1201 can be achieved by memorizing calculations on past-year’s exams. • Calculus 1201 is easy. *Professional school requirements

  10. Challenges • Common to many courses • students often poorly prepared • students often “grade focused” rather than “learning focused” • Common to many math courses • students too timid to take ownership of their learning • students resistant to non-standard activities in lectures and tutorials

  11. Opportunities • Coordinated effort (in some sense) • Interests of Calc 1201 students not as disparate as in other courses • Biology offers a diverse set of rich examples • E.g. Standard courses on diff eqns

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