• Offered by Mathematical Sciences Institute
  • ANU College ANU Joint Colleges of Science
  • Classification Transitional
  • Course subject Biology
  • Areas of interest Statistics, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Biology
  • Academic career PGRD
  • Course convener
    • Dr Brett Parker
  • Mode of delivery In Person
  • Co-taught Course
  • Offered in First Semester 2021
    See Future Offerings

This course has been adjusted for remote participation in Sem 1 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions. On-campus activities will also be available.

This course equips biology students with skills in basic mathematics, statistics and computing in preparation for areas of biology which require quantitative data analysis. Such skills are important for experimental design and for analysing and interpreting quantitative datasets arising from modern bioinformatics and biological modelling. Topics covered include introductory calculus, linear algebra, probability and statistics, and elementary computer programming. Examples will be given of quantitative problems arising in biological contexts. Laboratory and/or field practicals may be used for data gathering.

Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but will be assessed separately

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
  1. Demonstrate a deep understanding of the mathematical reasoning underlying specific biological techniques.
  2. Demonstrate accurate and efficient use of specific mathematical tools in the analysis of biological data.
  3. Demonstrate capacity for original mathematical reasoning in a broader biological context.
  4. Effectively communicate complex quantitative biology concepts to their peers and academic staff, through carefully written technical reports.

Indicative Assessment

Assessment will be based on:
  • Workshops/quizzes (20%, LO1-3)
  • Practical Assignments (30%, LO 1-3)
  • End of semester exam (30%, LO 1-3)
  • Research project based on a specific example from published scientific literature and biological dataset (20%; LO 4)

The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.

Workload

3 lectures per week, 2 to 3 hours workshops or practical per week, plus individual work.

Requisite and Incompatibility

Incompatible with BIOL2001

You will need to contact the Mathematical Sciences Institute to request a permission code to enrol in this course.

Assumed Knowledge

Assumed knowledge: ACT Mathematical Methods or NSW HSC Mathematics or equivalent.

Fees

Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.  

Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees

Student Contribution Band:
2
Unit value:
6 units

If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.

Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.

Units EFTSL
6.00 0.12500
Domestic fee paying students
Year Fee
2021 $4110
International fee paying students
Year Fee
2021 $5880
Note: Please note that fee information is for current year only.

Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

The list of offerings for future years is indicative only.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.

First Semester

Class number Class start date Last day to enrol Census date Class end date Mode Of Delivery Class Summary
3104 22 Feb 2021 01 Mar 2021 31 Mar 2021 28 May 2021 In Person View

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