The course begins with a detailed discussion of sequence alignment algorithms that are critical for assessing the relatedness of DNA, RNA and amino acid sequences. We then proceed to studying Markov chains and hidden Markov models as important examples of biological models for such sequences. The main algorithms and several applications will be explained. Finally, a broad range of examples of applications of mathematics in biology, both at the molecular and macroscopic level, will be given. These may include current research being done at the ANU and readings published research papers. The course is accompanied by computing exercises which explore the implementation of algorithms and their assessment though analysis of synthetic data.
This course is co-taught with undergraduate students but assessed separately, with extra assignment questions set at an advanced level.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Explain thoroughly models for the evolution and comparison of biological sequences and their applications.
- Demonstrate a deep understanding of probabilistic concepts such as probability spaces, conditional probability, Markov chains, and stationary distributions.
- Demonstrate a deep understanding of the main principles of mathematical modelling in biology and the capacity to construct mathematical models.
Indicative Assessment
- Four assignments (15% each) (60) [LO 1,2,3]
- Final exam (40) [LO 1,2,3]
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Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to face component which may consist of 3 x 1 hour lectures per semester (total 3 hours per week) plus 1 x 1 hour workshop per week.
- Approximately 82 hours of self-study which will include preparation for lectures and other assessment tasks.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
None.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7546 | 27 Jul 2026 | 03 Aug 2026 | 31 Aug 2026 | 30 Oct 2026 | In Person | N/A |