Mathematical Biology and Ecology - 2023 entry
MODULE TITLE | Mathematical Biology and Ecology | CREDIT VALUE | 15 |
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MODULE CODE | ECM3905 | MODULE CONVENER | Prof Stuart Townley (Coordinator) |
DURATION: TERM | 1 | 2 | 3 |
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DURATION: WEEKS | 11 | 0 | 0 |
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) | 20 |
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This module will give you the opportunity to learn how mathematics may be applied to the biosciences in order to quantify population and demographic phenomena. The subject matter has been selected so as to give a wide-ranging overview of the role applied mathematics has to play in the biological disciplines. Some use of software will enable you to build and analyse models using real world examples from nature. As an example, you may study the population dynamics of insects, animals or fish, or the competitive exclusion of species, and be able to draw conclusions about likely behaviours.
Prerequisite modules: “Differential Equations" (ECM2903) or equivalent
This module is designed to illustrate the application of mathematics to the biological science, and emphasises realistic situations throughout. These include: population dynamics (spruce budworms, whales) and stage-structured population models incorporating complex demographies. They also include harvesting models; competitive exclusion of species; reaction kinetics; biological waves; diffusion-driven instabilities and the effects of geometry on pattern formation in animals. On this module, you will learn how to use core applied mathematics techniques, such as differential equation modelling and matrix algebra. However, no previous biological knowledge will be assumed.
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities | 33 | Guided Independent Study | 117 | Placement / Study Abroad | 0 |
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Category | Hours of study time | Description |
Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 33 | Lectures, example classes |
Guided independent study | 117 | Lecture and assessment preparation; wider reading |
Form of Assessment | Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) | ILOs Assessed | Feedback Method |
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Four Coursework Sheets | 5-6 questions per sheet | 1-11 | Feedback sheet and in-class review of model |
Coursework | 20 | Written Exams | 80 | Practical Exams | 0 |
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Form of Assessment |
% of Credit |
Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) |
ILOs Assessed |
Feedback Method |
Coursework – based on questions submitted for assessment |
20 |
2 assignments, 30 hours total |
All |
Annotated script and written/verbal feedback |
Written Exam |
80 |
2 hours |
1-7 |
Written/Verbal on request, SRS |
Original Form of Assessment | Form of Re-assessment | ILOs Re-assessed | Time Scale for Re-assessment |
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All above | Written Exam (100%) | All | August Ref/Def period |
If a module is normally assessed entirely by coursework, all referred/deferred assessments will normally be by assignment.
If a module is normally assessed by examination or examination plus coursework, referred and deferred assessment will normally be by examination. For referrals, only the examination will count, a mark of 40% being awarded if the examination is passed. For deferrals, candidates will be awarded the higher of the deferred examination mark or the deferred examination mark combined with the original coursework mark.
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener
Basic reading:
ELE: ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.
Web based and Electronic Resources:
Other Resources:
Reading list for this module:
Type | Author | Title | Edition | Publisher | Year | ISBN |
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Set | Caswell, H. | Matrix Population Models: Construction, Analysis, and Interpretation | 2nd | Sinauer Associates | 2001 | 9780878930937 |
Set | Murray, J.D. | Mathematical Biology | 2nd | Springer | 1993 | 000-3-540-57204-X |
Set | Jones, D.S. & Sleeman, B.D. | Differential Equations and Mathematical Biology | Electronic | Allen & Unwin | 2003 | 000-0-045-15001-X |
Set | Fife P.C. | Mathematical aspects of reacting and diffusing systems | Springer | 1979 | 000-3-540-09117-3 | |
Set | May, R.M. | Theoretical Ecology. Principles and Applications | Electronic | Blackwell Scientific Publications | 2007 | 000-0-632-00762-1 |
Set | Alstad, D. | Basic Populus Models of Ecology | Prentice-Hall | 2001 | 978-0130212894 | |
Set | Britton, N.F. | Essential Mathematical Biology | Springer | 2005 | 978-1852335366 |
CREDIT VALUE | 15 | ECTS VALUE | 7.5 |
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PRE-REQUISITE MODULES | ECM2903 |
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CO-REQUISITE MODULES |
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) | 6 | AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING | No |
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ORIGIN DATE | Tuesday 10th July 2018 | LAST REVISION DATE | Wednesday 18th January 2023 |
KEY WORDS SEARCH | Mathematical biology; Ecology; Nonlinear dynamics; Systems biology; Population dynamics; Mathematical Modelling; Linear Algebra; Differential Equations |
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Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.