INTRODUCTION TO MATHEMATICAL BIOLOGY - 2023/4

Module Overview

This module aims at providing students with the problem-solving skills required to construct and solve simple mathematical models of biological systems. Together with BMS3072, this module offers an excellent opportunity to become proficient in quantitation of biological systems, of relevance in the current landscape of research in the academia and industry. Dynamical modelling will be introduced, using population dynamics and molecular networks (metabolic reactions and gene regulation) as case studies. The students will be provided with the general techniques to study such models, and analyse them numerically with the aid of a computer, using dedicated software. Derivation of qualitative features of different networks motifs (for instance feedbak loops, of relevance in genetic switches) will also be discussed. The module will also provide the students with the opportunity to develop poster presentation skills, and become acquainted with the relevant literature in mathematical/computational biology. 

Module provider

School of Biosciences

Module Leader

ROCCO Andrea (Biosciences)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 6

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

N/A  

Module content

Indicative content includes:

1   Revision of Maths

2   Dynamical modelling of biological systems
Differential equations
How to solve differential equations with a computer

3   Population dynamics
Case study: Bacterial growth – Log and stationary phases
Case study: Antibiotic killing – Bacterial persistence

4   Differential equations for molecular networks – The Law of Mass Action
Case study: Michaelis-Menten kinetics – Hill functions
Case study: Gene expression models – Activators and repressors, cooperativity, ‘AND’ and ‘OR’ gates, Competitive activation

5   Steady states and stability
Multistability
Case study: A genetic model for bacterial persistence

6   Feedback loops – Genetic switches
Case study: Lac operon
Case study: Lambda phage
Case study: Quorum sensing

7   Oscillations
Case study: Glycolytic oscillations
Case study: Circadian rhythms

8   Introduction to noise in molecular networks
Stochastic differential equations
How to solve stochastic differential equations with a computer
Case study: Stochastic gene expression

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

If the poster requires re-assessment this may be by the submission of an electronic copy of a poster addressing an alternative biological question. If only the poster presentation session was missed this may be carried out in the form of a short, viva style assessment carried out by two members of academic staff.

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to recognise biological problems and to select and apply the most appropriate mathematical solutions in order to solve them.

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

·         Poster presentation (40%): each student will present their critical review of an individual paper or topic representing the mathematical solution to a biological question.  They will be expected to review the strategies undertaken, including their strengths and limitations.  Assessment will occur during a poster presentation session, in which students will defend and discuss their review with the module organiser and at least one other member of academic staff.  The poster will also be submitted electronically via SurreyLearn.

·         2 hour exam (60%): Questions will represent problem-solving exercises in which the students will demonstrate their ability to select and justify appropriate analysis methods.  Students will need to select 2 questions from a total of 3.

Formative assessment and feedback

Students will be able to obtain ongoing feedback during the practical sessions, which will provide opportunities to practice approaches discussed in lectures.  Further feedback and formative assessment will be available via the comprehensive series of tutorials timetabled within this module; these will give students an opportunity to discuss issues that arise during lectures and practicals, as well as to discuss their solutions to problems.

Module aims

• Introduce students to the field of Mathematical Biology.
• To provide students with a theoretical understanding of dynamical systems modelling in Biology, in particular with respect to population dynamics and molecular networks modelling
• To provide students with a theoretical understanding of dynamical systems modelling in Biology, in particular with respect to identification of steady states, multistability, and oscillatory behaviours
• To provide students with a theoretical understanding of dynamical systems modelling in Biology, in particular with respect to model solving by computer simulations
• To provide students with a theoretical understanding of dynamical systems modelling in Biology, in particular with respect to analysis of a number of case studies

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to teach students the practical and problem solving skills required to tackle mathematically complex biological questions.  As such the teaching strategy places equal importance on lecture content and practical skills; for each topic covered in lectures there is an equivalent computer-based session. In addition to this students will have further learning opportunities afforded by the provision of self-study worksheets and “drop-in” tutorials at which they can discuss their progress.

The learning and teaching methods include:

• lectures
• computer-based practical sessions
• hours of self-study
 

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: BMS3090

Other information

Resourcefulness & resilience:

The mathematical content and methodology of the module forces students to develop problem solving skills, and encourages critical thinking and reflection.  Students take up this extra challenge very well, and show a high degree of committment, resourcefulness and resiliance.

Global & cultural capabilities:

The very interactive character of the module favours communication and ideas exchange among students. This enhances students' cultural capabilities.

Sustainability:

The module content is largely based on the development of mathematical modelling techniques, which can be used to anticipate experimental results, refine them, and avoid them if not predicted useful. Therefore the modules directly contirbutes to the 3Rs.

Digital capabilities:

The module covers the use of mathematical software (Matlab) to explore and solve biological dynamical systems. The acquired skills are very much appreciated by the students.  

Employability:

By enhancing the mathematical and problem solving skills of the students, the module offers large scope for increased employability.

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2023/4 academic year.