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Advanced Biological Modelling: Dynamics (MAST90127)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
For information about the University’s phased return to campus and in-person activity in Winter and Semester 2, please refer to the on-campus subjects page.
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Please refer to the LMS for up-to-date subject information, including assessment and participation requirements, for subjects being offered in 2020.
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 |
---|---|
Fees | Look up fees |
This subject builds on your knowledge of how biological modelling provides insight into complex biological phenomena. With a focus on mechanistic modelling and viewing biological systems as dynamic in nature, you will learn how to develop and implement “real-world” models, applicable to current open problems in computational biology. Advanced approaches to model-based analysis of data will be introduced, including Bayesian hierarchical modelling. Software languages and packages for modelling and statistical analysis (e.g. SBML and STAN) will be introduced. Motivating problems will be drawn from across the spectrum of biology from genetics to ecology.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should:
- Have knowledge of and an ability to correctly apply relevant physical and biological concepts to the development of biological models
- Have developed high level modelling (mathematical and computational) skills that can be used to study a range of problems in computational biology
- Be able to use and develop software to run and explore the behaviour of a range of biological models
- Understand and be able to apply relevant statistical techniques for the exploration of model behaviour and the estimation of model parameters
- Be able to interpret and evaluate models of biological processes in a variety of contexts
- Have developed sufficient competency to be apply these skills and techniques to open problems in biology
Generic skills
- In addition to learning specific skills that will assist students in their future careers in science, they will have the opportunity to develop generic skills that will assist them in any future career path. In particular: - modelling skills: the ability to abstract and generalise from observations of a complex system, providing an alternative perspective on the problem - numerical and computer simulation skills: the ability to design computer programs to solve models and test hypotheses - time-management skills: the ability to meet regular deadlines while balancing competing commitments.
Last updated: 31 October 2023
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Students must meet one of the following prerequisite options:
Option 1
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
MAST30032 | Biological Modelling and Simulation | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Option 2
One of
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
MAST30028 | Numerical Methods & Scientific Computing | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
COMP10001 | Foundations of Computing |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
COMP90059 | Introduction to Programming |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
AND
One of
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
MAST20030 | Differential Equations | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
MAST20029 | Engineering Mathematics |
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
PHYC20014 | Theoretical Physics 2 | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
MAST30030 | Applied Mathematical Modelling | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 31 October 2023
Assessment
Due to the impact of COVID-19, assessment may differ from that published in the Handbook. Students are reminded to check the subject assessment requirements published in the subject outline on the LMS
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
2 computer-laboratory practical exercises due in the first and second half of the semester | Throughout the teaching period | 15% |
Written assignment
| Late in the teaching period | 25% |
Exam
| During the examination period | 60% |
Last updated: 31 October 2023
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator James McCaw Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 42 hours - two 1-hour lectures per week and nine 2-hour workshops Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 2 March 2020 to 7 June 2020 Last self-enrol date 13 March 2020 Census date 30 April 2020 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 June 2020 Assessment period ends 3 July 2020 Semester 1 contact information
Last updated: 31 October 2023
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
There are no specifically prescribed or recommended texts for this subject.
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 31 October 2023