Corequisite major: Quantitative Biology
Description:
Quantitative skills have become an essential ingredient for modern biology. The vast quantities of genomic data generated by sequencing technologies can only be handled and interpreted through computers using algorithms underpinned by sound mathematical and statistical models. Mathematics also finds application in directly modelling biological processes at all levels from the molecular to macroscopic. This specialisation is designed to equip students with an understanding of the mathematics behind the computer programs regularly used by biologists, and an ability to analyse biological data and construct mathematical models. The intersection of mathematics and biology is one of the fastest growing areas of science, with most large biology laboratories now employing bioinformaticians, creating career opportunities in both the public and private sector.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:- Understand how mathematical and statistical models of biological phenomena from biomolecular to macroscopic scales are constructed and analysed.
- Demonstrate the ability to construct mathematical and statistical models of biological phenomena.
- Demonstrate the ability to obtain quantitative results from mathematical and statistical models through analytical and computational methods.
- Communicate the results and limitations of mathematical and statistical models of biological models to non-mathematical stakeholders, e.g. experimental biologists and medical researchers.
- Demonstrate an ability to complete projects in quantitative biology and bioinformatics individually and within groups.
Other Information
Advice
to Students
Students who need further information should contact the academic convener of
the Advanced Quantitative Biology Specialisation.
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Requirements
This specialisation may only be undertaken in conjunction with the Quantitative Biology major.
This specialisation requires the completion of 24 units, which must consist of:
24 units from completion of the following course(s):
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL2202 | Experimental Design and Analysis in Biology | 6 |
| BIOL3157 | Bioinformatics and its Applications | 6 |
| BIOL3161 | Genomics and its Applications | 6 |
| BIOL3206 | Macroevolution and Macroecology | 6 |
| COMP3600 | Algorithms | 6 |
| COMP3630 | Theory of Computation | 6 |
| MATH2306 | Applied Mathematics II | 6 |
| MATH3029 | Probability Modelling with Applications | 6 |
| MATH3501 | Scientific and Industrial Modelling | 6 |
| MATH3512 | Matrix Computations | 6 |
| MATH3514 | Numerical Optimisation | 6 |
| STAT2005 | Introduction to Stochastic Processes | 6 |
| STAT3004 | Stochastic Modelling | 6 |
| STAT3008 | Applied Statistics | 6 |
| STAT3017 | Big Data Statistics | 6 |