MTH5351 Mathematical biology
Faculty of Science
MTH5351 Mathematical biology is a level 5, 6-credit-point, postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2025 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2025
- Semester 2
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 50%
- and 1 other task
This is the 2025 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before MTH5351
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After MTH5351
No unit lists MTH5351 as a prerequisite in the 2025 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 and a more in depth investigation into an elective area of interest. The coursework for this unit will be entirely mathematical and assumes no prior expertise in biology. The course also includes a significant project whereby students 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 seminars will be organised by application (population, chemical, physiological, etc) but will focus on mathematical analysis and the insights that they generate.
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. One of the core components of the unit will be elected by each student enrolled in MTH5351 and an extension reading course will be organised in this area.
Offerings in 2025
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Continuous assessmentDemonstration50%
- Final assessment - Exam (3 hours and 10 minutes)Examination50%
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.
- 6
Individually manage student-directed learning and research concentrating on a particular area of mathematical biology at a level above that of the lecture material.
Workload and teaching
- Seminars36 hours
- Applied sessions12 hours
- 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 MTH5351?
MTH5351 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is MTH5351 offered?
In 2025, MTH5351 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.
Does MTH5351 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 50% of the final mark, alongside 1 other task.