3515.18 - Mathematics and Statistics for Biologists


Course number
3515.18
Title
Mathematics and Statistics for Biologists
ECTS
7.5
Prerequisites
Upper Secondary School with B-level in mathematics.
Purpose
To give the students basic knowledge to mathematics and statistics and their use in biology.
Content
Difference equations. Logistic growth and other growth rates. Matrices. Inverse matrix, eigenvalue and eigenvectors. Models for age groups and species, predator and prey, competition, symbiosis. Prediction of polulations with matrices and eigenvectors. Equilibria, oscillations and stability. Basic statistics. Population, sampling, data management and presentation. Measures of central tendency and dispersion. Basic probability concepts and distributions. Normal, binomial, and poisson distributions. Estimation and confidence interval. Hypothesis testing. Analysis of frequencies. Correlation and simple regression analysis. Comparisons of means. Exercises and projects from biology.
Learning and teaching approaches
Lectures and problem solving.
Learning outcomes
As a result of this course, the student will be able to - demonstrate basic knowledge regarding population mathematics and difference equations, matrices and eigenvalues, population and sampling statistics, probability and probability distributions, estimation and hypothesis testing. - point out simple mathematical and statistical models in biology and explain variables and parameters in the models. - make calculations in the models and interpret the results within a biological context.
Assessment method
A 4 hour written examination counting 75% of the grade. All auxiliary material allowed excluding computer. Six compulsory homeworks, of which four to be approved, and the last two count 25% of the grade.
Examination
External
Marking scale
7-
Bibliography
Mathematical models in biology – an introduction. E.S. Allman & J.A. Rhopes, 2004. Essential Biostatistics - a non mathematical approach. H. Motulsky, 2016.
Contact
Benadikt Joensen