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Advanced Topics in Mathematical Biology unit (KMA457)

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Unit year 2025

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Location: Hobart

Introduction

“Mathematics Is Biology's Next Microscope, Only Better; Biology Is Mathematics' Next Physics, Only Better” - Joel E Cohen (2004) The topics covered in this unit may differ slightly from year to year based on staff availability and students’ interests. Topics will be broadly chosen from applications of mathematics (and statistics) to solve problems in evolution and ecology. For example, topics may include • Stochastic models of DNA sequence evolution and their application to phylogenetic inference • Application of mathematical methods to behavioural, community, and evolutionary ecology. • Modern statistical methods for assessing biological models using real data • Dynamic programming and combinatorial optimisation for sequence alignment and phylogenetics • Applications of algebraic structure in evolution This unit is an optional unit for students enrolled in Honours Mathematics, Statistics & Decision Science, or by permission of the Unit Coordinator.

Summary

Unit name Advanced Topics in Mathematical Biology
Unit code KMA457
Credit points 12.5
College/School Sciences and Engineering
School of Natural Sciences
Discipline Mathematics
Coordinator Professor Barbara Holland
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Honours

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Hobart Semester 1 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Hobart Semester 2 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

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Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 2 21/07/2025 19/08/2025 08/09/2025 26/10/2025
Semester 1 24/02/2025 25/03/2025 14/04/2025 01/06/2025

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2025 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2025 will be available from the 1st October 2024. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Apply a wide range of mathematical approaches to solve problems in mathematical biology
  • Provide clear written and verbal presentation of mathematical reasoning applied in a biological context.
  • Identify and explain the way problems arising in biology have motivated mathematical solutions.

Fee Information

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
010199 $578.00 $578.00 not applicable $2,780.00
  • Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
  • HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
  • FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Teaching

AssessmentPresentation (10%)|Test (30%)|Assignment (multiple) (60%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

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