- SB5005 - Introductory Mathematics and Modelling
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- Credit Points
- 15
- Course Coordinator
- Dr Carmen Romano
Pre-requisites
A BSc Hons at class 2.2 or above in a science subject.
Overview
This course covers the fundamental mathematical concepts required for the description of biological systems e.g. ordinary differential equations and their numerical integration. Students will also use analytical methods based on CAS (Computer Algebra Systems e.g. Maple) to address typical modelling problems.
Some of the concepts from analysis and algebra which will be introduced are: functions, series, derivatives, integrals, systems of equations, eigenvalues & eigenvectors, ordinary differential equations, stochastic equations (Langevin Equations), and basic partial differential equations.Structure
2 one-hour lectures and one-hour tutorial (to be arranged).
Assessment
1st attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (40%); continuous assessment (60%).
Resit: Two-hour written exam (100%). - SB5006 - Regulation in Cellular Biochemistry
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- Credit Points
- 15
- Course Coordinator
- Dr Ian Stansfield
Pre-requisites
A BSc Hons at class 2.2 or above in a science subject.
Overview
This course will consider the mechanisms and complexity of biochemical regulation. Beginning with basic descriptions of enzyme kinetics, it will introduce concepts of inhibition of enzyme systems, including allosteric regulation, and feedback control of whole enzyme systems. The course will end with the introduction of the concept of Metabolic Control Analysis (MCA), and the use of flux control coefficients to describe the steady-state control behaviour of multi-enzyme pathways.
Structure
16 one-hour lectures, 2 three-hour computer practical, and 2 one-hour tutorials.
Assessment
1st attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (70%), continuous assessment (30%).
Resit: Two-hour exam (100%). - SB5505 - Biological Modelling Principles and Practice
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- Credit Points
- 15
- Course Coordinator
- Dr Oliver Ebenhoeh
Pre-requisites
A BSc Hons at class 2.2 or above in a science subject.
Overview
Selected mathematical models from the literature will be discussed. For the course, simplified versions will be developed. These models will be theoretically analysed in lectures and the practical implementation in modelling software will be performed in computer tutorials.
Structure
2 one-hour lectures and 1 two-hour computer practical per week.
Assessment
1st attempt: Continuous assessment (50%), oral exam (50%).
Resit: Oral exam (100%). - SB5506 - Research Tutorials and Systems Data Manipulation
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- Credit Points
- 15
- Course Coordinator
- Dr Ian Stansfield
Pre-requisites
A BSc Hons 2.2 class or above in a science subject.
Overview
This course focuses on intensive study of the primary literature to learn from published examples of systems biology and the application of mathematics in biology. A series of published systems biology papers will form case studies as the basis of this course. Supported by tutorials, the students will study in detail 6 key papers in systems biology, developing presentations on this material and other linked papers to support their learning. In parallel, students will also carry out a series of quantitative analyses of biological systems in computer workshops, providing the students with skills needed for model parameterisation. The course will also contain significant statistical analysis content, taught through the computer workshops. Assessment will be by essay exam.
Structure
6 two-hour tutorials supported by 3 one-hour presentation sessions. 3 three-hour computer data analysis workshops.
Assessment
1st attempt: Essay exam (100%).
Resit: Essay exam (100%). - SB5507 - Research Project Model Development
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- Credit Points
- 15
- Course Coordinator
- Dr Ian Stansfield
Pre-requisites
A BSc Hons 2.2 class or above in a science subject.
Overview
This course involves the student working in teams with other students on the course, and with their project supervisor, to develop a mathematical model of the biological systems that will form the basis of their summer research project. Supported by a series of 'advice surgeries' and workshops, the student will design a model representation of their systems, develop and code the model, before finally parameterising it and moving to first steps in model validation. The model development exercise will be written up in the form of a paper, and a presentation given of the research undertaken. Assessment will be undertaken of the presentation, and of the manuscript describing the research.
Structure
4 one-hour tutorials and 3 three-hour workshops to support model development.
Assessment
1st attempt: Scientific paper assessment (80%) and viva examination of presentation (20%).
Resit: Oral exam of revised scientific paper (100%).