Intro to Maths for Biologists
Intro to Maths for Biologists
Motivation and description of the course: Modern Biology is becoming an increasingly quantitative discipline that requires a high degree of interdisciplinary interactions among scientists. Biologists usually face the most difficult part of interdisciplinary collaborations since the level of mathematics needed to develop a fruitful discussion is relatively high. The goal of this course is to introduce biologists to the most basic concepts of mathematics that are needed for the study of Calculus and to acquire a basic understanding of the language of mathematics to ease interdisciplinary communication.
Teacher: Juanjo Fraire Zamora – IRB Barcelona
Aims and approach: In 10 face to face sessions (1,5h each), participants will be guided through basic concepts of introductory mathematics that are the foundation for the study of Calculus. Instructors will introduce the topics with examples and exercises of biological applications when possible. The face to face sessions will be complemented with the online modules.
Schedule: 14th September- 30th November, Fridays 10:00- 11:30 - Denmark room (north wing, 6th floor)
Maximum nº participants: 20
Audience to be targeted: Biologists with very basic training in mathematics
Application deadline: 7th September 2018
| Session | Title | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The real numbers; - Lines in the plane | 14/09/18 | 10-11:30 |
| 2 | Equation of the circle; - Trigonometry | 19/09/18 | 15-16:30 |
| 3 | Exponentials and logarithms; - Complex numbers and quadratic equations | 28/09/18 | 10:11:30 |
| 4 | What is a function? | 05/10/18 | 10-11:30 |
| 5 | Polynomial functions; - Rational functions | 19/10/18 | 10-11:30 |
| 6 | Power functions; - Exponential functions | 26/10/18 | 10-11:30 |
| 7 | Inverse functions; - Logarithmic functions | 09/11/18 | 10-11:30 |
| 8 | Trigonometric functions; - Graphing and basic transformation of functions | 16/11/18 | 10-11:30 |
| 9 | The logarithmic scale; - Transformations into linear functions | 23/11/18 | 10-11:30 |
| 10 | Applied problems | 30/11/18 | 10-11:30 |
At the end of the course
The students will acquire basic math vocabulary and tools for trigonometry and basic functions (including exponential and logarithmic) and their graphical properties and biological relevance. The students will be able to translate graphs or models into verbal descriptions of biological significance. This course is a pre-requisite for the study of Calculus (derivatives and integrals) which is an advanced course and will potentially be offered in 2019.
