Applications of Calculus to Medicine and Biology, Math 4  


Advanced Calculus and Dynamics in Biology and Medicine, Math 27  


Spring 2017


Instructor: Professor Dorothy Wallace (10A)


From the ORC: This course will prepare students to read the technical literature in mathematical biology, epidemiology, pharmacokinetics, ecological modeling and related areas. Topics include systems of nonlinear ordinary differential equations, equilibria and steady state solutions, phase portraits, bifurcation diagrams, and some aspects of stability analysis. Emphasis is placed on the student’s ability to analyze phenomena and create mathematical models. This interdisciplinary course is open to mathematics majors, biology majors, and students preparing for a career in medicine. 


Students with strong mathematical backgrounds, including completion of Math 22, should sign up for math 27 and expect to use a wider range of mathematical tools to do research. Students whose backgrounds are less mathematical should enroll in Math 4, which will assume a knowledge of basic calculus. 


Grades

Your final grade will be calculated based on three research projects that you will complete in class, usually in pairs. 


Attendance and other details: We spend class time on many examples not included in either text. Attendance is required, as we have difficulty teaching you when you are not there. A fair amount of class time is devoted to your own research projects. Do not schedule other activities during x hour, even if the syllabus says it is not being used. This is when most office hours are scheduled.  


Text: Math 4 is using an unpublished text developed by Ryan and Wallace, which will be provided as a PDF for free this quarter. Math 27 is welcome to a copy, but should also obtain “Essential Mathematical Biology” by Britton. 


Office hours: Wallace's office: Kemeny 204. Office hours as listed in syllabus or by appointment.


Honor principle: For the three research projects you may consult with others but you must credit them in your report. Any suspicion of plagiarism will be forwarded to the COS.


Religious observance: Some students may wish to take part in religious observances that occur during this academic term. If you have a religious observance that conflicts with your participation in the course, please meet with me before the end of the second week of the term to discuss appropriate accommodations.


Students with disabilities enrolled in this course and who may need disability-related classroom accommodations are encouraged to make an appointment to see your instructor before the end of the second week of the term. All discussions will remain confidential, although the Student Accessibility Services office may be consulted to discuss appropriate implementation of any accommodation requested. As a first step, if students have questions about whether they qualify to receive accommodations, they should contact the Student Accessibility Service office. 


Approximate Syllabus

This schedule is approximate. We meet at the 10A period: T Th 10:10-12:00, X hour W 3:30-4:20. Office hours as listed each week or by appointment.