Handbook home
Advanced Biological Modelling: Dynamics (MAST90127)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable (login required)(opens in new window)
Contact information
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 January 2024
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 |
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
| COMP90059 | Introduction to Programming |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (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 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (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 January 2024
Assessment
| 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 January 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Coordinator Pengxing Cao Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 26 February 2024 to 26 May 2024 Last self-enrol date 8 March 2024 Census date 3 April 2024 Last date to withdraw without fail 3 May 2024 Assessment period ends 21 June 2024
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 31 January 2024
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 January 2024