Spring Semester 2002

Course: Mathematical Biology: An Introduction, BSC 6932

Location and Time: BSF 102, 5:00 – 6:15 MW

Instructor: Gary Huxel, Department of Biology

Office: SCA 328

Phone: 974-8143

Email: ghuxel@chuma1.cas.usf.edu

Office Hours: MW 4-5 pm

Book: Leah Edelstein-Keshet’s Mathematical Models in Biology

Prerequisites: A basic understanding of calculus is required. A smattering of linear algebra will be used, but the applications for this course will be thoroughly discussed.

Course objectives: The goal of the course is to present a broad spectrum of mathematical biology models and applications of these models to real systems. In particular, model formulation, solution, and interpretation will form the major portion of the lecture material. A critical examination of assumptions of models will be stressed. The reading will in general emphasize more of the experimental and natural history aspects. This division is made primarily for pedagogical reasons.

I expect that after completing the course a student will have an understanding of the role of models in developing questions, and interpreting experimental results. Additionally, I expect that a student would be able to read critically a large portion of the papers involving models appearing in journals common to all biologists, such as BioScience, Science, Nature, The American Scientist, and in various areas of specialization like The American Naturalist, Ecology, Evolution, Cell.

Classroom Policy: Students are expected to demonstrate mature behavior and refrain from disrupting the class and abusive actions towards other students, guests and faculty. Academic disagreements are a part of the academic process, but abusive and intimidating behavior is not. Disruption of the academic process will result in penalties following the University and/or College guidelines. Penalties range from a verbal reprimand to dismissal from the class (with a “W” or “F” depending upon grade at the time of the incident). Disruption of the academic process is defined as an act or words of a student in a classroom or teaching environment which in the reasonable estimation of a faculty member (a) directs attention from the academic matter at hand (such as noisy distractions, persistent, disrespectful or abusive disruptions of lecture, exam or academic discussions); or (b) presents danger to the health, safety or well-being of the faculty member, guests or students.

Grading: Grades will be based on homework (75%) and term paper (25%). Homework will be assigned weekly. The format will be either an original piece of work, a critical review of a single paper, or a synthesis of work in an area. The topic will be approved by the instructor no later than the 8^th of March, 2002. The term paper should have a length of 10-15 typewritten pages and are due the first day of finals (April 27^th, 2002). Click here for guidelines on writing a term paper. Grades are will not be done using the plus/minus system.

Graduate students can take the course for Satisfactory-Unsatisfactory grades, but a S-U contract must be signed by January 25, 2002 (the third Friday of the semester).

Incomplete grades may be awarded only if the term paper is incomplete by the deadline due to grave circumstances.

Attendance Policy: Attendance is expected as information presented will build from earlier classes. If classes are to be missed, see the instructor before the missed date.

Religious Observance Policy: Students who anticipate the necessity of being absent from class due to the observance of a major religious observance must provide notice of the date(s) to the instructor, in writing, by the second class meeting.

Intellectual Property Policy: Taping of the class will be permitted with the permission of the instructor. Students are not permitted to take notes or tape lectures for the purpose of sale.

Grade Dispute and Grievance Policy: Uncollected assignments and/or examinations will not be retained by the instructor longer than 90 days from the date of the final examination (or due date of last assignment). Grades not disputed within 90 days from their assignment will be considered final and no grievance may be filed.