• Total units 48 Units
  • Areas of interest Bioinformatics
  • Major code QBIO-MAJ
Quantitative Biology Major

Biological systems are characterised by complex interactions that may be understood through the construction and application of mathematical models. Quantitative analysis is becoming an increasingly important component of biological research as a result of technological developments, which generate unprecedented amounts of biological data. Recent trends in the way biological research is done have generated rapid growth in the fields of bioinformatics, biostatistics and mathematical modelling of biological systems. Quantitative and computational  approaches are now needed to address many of the important unsolved problems of modern biology.                        

                                                                                                                       

This major will equip students with appropriate skills in mathematics to complement a solid foundation in biology.  It is intended to be accompanied by further studies in mathematics, biology, statistics, or computer science. This  major is also suitable for students who wish to continue to postgraduate research in one of these areas.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Master the ideas and concepts of Calculus, Linear Algebra and Differential Equations and develop the ability to apply the acquired knowledge to analyse a specific problem and identify the mathematics that is required to find its solution.
  2. Gain a basic understanding of the ideas and concepts of Probability and Statistics.
  3. Apply conceptual knowledge of biological principles and processes including evolution and diversity of organisms, inheritance, storage and utilisation of information and the structure and function of molecules, cells and biological systems, to a range of disciplinary and inter-disciplinary contexts. 
  4. Design biological experiments, and analyse and interpret experimental results using appropriate quantitative methods.
  5. Demonstrate capacity for mathematical reasoning through analysing, proving and explaining concepts from bioinformatics and biological modelling.
  6. Describe and apply a variety of methods in bioinformatics and functional genomics, including scientific programming, interpret current literature in areas of bioinformatic practice and evaluate research methodology in the context of bioinformatic analysis of DNA sequence data.

Other Information

Which courses should you take in first year?

To complete this major students must also complete the following courses:


Depending on other course selections you may need to take


Additional advice:

  • BIOL1004 and either STAT1003 or STAT1008 (prerequisite for 2000-level STAT) may maximise later year choices.
  • If you think you may want to do honours in Mathematics you are advised to take MATH1115 and MATH1116.
  • Students interested in doing a Major in Quantitative Biology but who do not have an appropriate Mathematics background to enrol in MATH1013 may do MATH1003 before beginning MATH1013.
  • For students taking BIOL3023, BIOL3208 or MATH3349 as part of this specialisation, the research project/topic must be in the field of quantitative biology.


Academic or enrolment advice:

Students can seek further advice from the academic contact for this major (details above), or the College of Science Student Services Team (students.cos@anu.edu.au).

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Requirements

Courses marked with an asterisk (*) have 1000-level prerequisites which must be selected in the first year of study and will contribute towards satisfying the 1000-level course requirements of the Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Honours).


Please check individual courses for details however the courses listed below will cover most 1000-level requirements for 2000-3000- level courses listed in this major. Not all courses will need to be taken depending on later year course selection.


This major requires the completion of 48 units, of which:

12 units must come from the completion of the following compulsory courses:

*BIOL2151 Genetics (6 units)

*MATH2307 Bioinformatics and Biological Modelling (6 units)


6 units must come from the completion of a statistics course from the following list:

*BIOL2001 Introduction to Quantitative Biology (6 units)

*BIOL2202 Experimental Design and Analysis in Biology (6 units)

*STAT2001 Introductory Mathematical Statistics (6 units)


30 units must come from the completion of courses from the following list:

BIOL3023 Special Topics in Biology (6 units)

BIOL3130 Quantitative Ecology (6 units)

BIOL3157 Bioinformatics & Its Applications (6 units)

BIOL3207 Data Science for Biologists (6 units)

MATH2305 Applied Mathematics I (6 units)

MATH3349 Special Topics in Mathematics (6 units)

MATH3353 Advanced Mathematical Bioinformatics (6 units)

MATH3511 Scientific Computing (6 units)

MEDN3007 Computational Biomedicine Project (6 units)


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