Systems and Synthetic Biology (BMEN90027)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Not available in 2022

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Overview

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AIMS:

This subject introduces mathematical and computational modelling, simulation and analysis of biological systems. The emphasis is on developing models, with examples, using MATLAB.

INDICATIVE CONTENT:

Topics include:

Modelling biochemical reactions. Law of mass action. Enzymes and regulation of enzyme reactions. Thermodynamics of reversible biochemical reactions. Cellular homeostasis. Application of ordinary differential equations to these problems.

Modelling large reaction networks. Flux balance analysis and constraint-based methods. Genome-scale models. Regulation of gene expression. Gene regulatory networks in systems and synthetic biology. Network inference and statistical modelling of –omic data. Knowledge-based modelling in systems biology.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject the student is expected to:


  • Evaluate the role for mathematical and computational modelling of biological systems;
  • Employ the law of mass action to develop ODE models for biochemical reactions;
  • Develop and analyse models for enzyme catalysed reactions in cellular bioengineering and synthetic biology;
  • Demonstrate the use of ODE and PDE models in molecular and cellular physiology;
  • Understand the premise of systems and synthetic biology;
  • Develop and analyse large-scale network models for biosystems and synthetic biology;
  • Understand the role of knowledge-based modelling in systems biology;
  • Evaluate and employ the measurement technologies and sources of data underlying systems and synthetic biology, including data repositories and different modelling approaches.

Generic skills

On completion of this subject students should have developed the following generic skills:

  • Ability to apply knowledge of science and engineering fundamentals.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, with the engineering team and with the community at large.
  • Capacity for lifelong learning and professional development.
  • Profound respect for truth and intellectual integrity, and for the ethics of scholarship.

Last updated: 12 November 2022

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
MAST20029 Engineering Mathematics
Summer Term (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
 12.5

OR

One of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
MAST20009 Vector Calculus
Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
 12.5
MAST20032 Vector Calculus: Advanced
Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
 12.5

AND

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
MAST20030 Differential Equations
Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
 12.5

OR

Equivalent Mathematics subject

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: 12 November 2022

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Participation in up to six workshops in Weeks 2 to 12, of which 4 are assessed with a written assignment of approximately 500 words, requiring 13-15 hours of work including preparation (10% each).

  • 13-15 hours (of work required)
From Week 2 to Week 1240%

One mid-semester test

  • 1 hours
Week 710%

One written examination

  • 2 hours
Hurdle requirement: The examination must be passed to successfully complete the subject.		End of semester50%

Additional details

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1 to 8 are assessed in the final written examination, assignments and workshop reports. ILOs 1 to 4 are also assessed in the mid-semester test.



Last updated: 12 November 2022

Dates & times

Not available in 2022

Time commitment details

200 hours

Last updated: 12 November 2022

Further information

  • Texts

    Prescribed texts



  • Related Handbook entries

    This subject contributes to the following:

    TypeName
    Specialisation (formal)Biomedical
  • 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.

    Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants

    Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.

    Additional information for this subject

    Subject coordinator approval required

  • 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: 12 November 2022