MTH4351 Mathematical biology
Faculty of Science
MTH4351 Mathematical biology is a level 4, 6-credit-point, postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Science. It isn't offered in 2026. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Not offered
- Assessment
- Exam 50%
- and 1 other task
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before MTH4351
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After MTH4351
No unit lists MTH4351 as a prerequisite in the 2026 handbook.
Equivalent units
The same content under another code. Only one of them counts.
Overview
This unit is an introduction to some of the most important mathematical concepts in theoretical biology. The coursework for this unit will be entirely mathematical and assumes no prior expertise in biology. The course also includes a significant project whereby you will be paired with students enrolled in M6030 (Master of Biotechnology) to investigate a real biological question in an interdisciplinary setting.
The aim of the course is to introduce both mathematical methods and biological applications and to generate a realisation of the potential of mathematics in biological research. The lectures will be organised by application (population, chemical, physiological, etc) but will focus on mathematical analysis and the insights that they generate.
Whilst 'mathematical biology' has the potential to cover a wide range of activities, we will focus on phenomenological models of continuous, discrete or stochastic natures as opposed to data-driven areas of mathematics such as computational mathematics, statistics, data science, machine learning, etc.
Offerings in 2026
The 2026 handbook lists no offerings for MTH4351.
Assessment
- Continuous assessmentDemonstration50%
- Final assessment - Exam (3 hours and 10 minutes)Examination50%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Apply and extend classical models in mathematical biology.
- 2
Use sophisticated mathematical techniques in the analysis of mathematical models in biology.
- 3
Construct mathematical models for biological systems.
- 4
Apply critical thinking to address problems in an interdisciplinary group setting.
- 5
Communicate effectively across interdisciplinary borders.
Workload and teaching
- Applied sessions12 hours
- Seminars36 hours
- Teaching approachCase-based teaching
- Teaching approachEnquiry-based learning
- Three hours of seminars;
- One hour applied sessions and
- Eight hours of independent study per week
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Mark Flegg
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Mark Flegg
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for MTH4351?
MTH4351 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is MTH4351 offered?
MTH4351 has no offerings listed in the 2026 handbook.
Does MTH4351 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 50% of the final mark, alongside 1 other task.