Mathematical Applications for the Biological Sciences Calculus 1201

The Course Applied Mathematics Winter term course intended for students in the biological sciences Pre-reqs: Calculus 1000, 1100, or Math 1225 Terminal math course

Course Objective Provide the student with exposure to the tools that will be needed throughout the rest of his/her undergraduate career

It is widely assumed – particularly by statisticians – that the only branch of mathematics necessary for a biologist is statistics. I do not share this view. Statistics is necessary to biologists because no two organisms are identical. But I have the feeling that statistics … has been over-sold – John Maynard Smith

Course Content Linear Algebra –up to eigenvalues and eigenvectors (real) Differential and Difference Equations –systems too –graphical qualitative methods –solutions for linear equations Probability –conditional probability and Markov chains

Format Three 50-min lectures per week given by instructor –200 students, 50-80% attendance One 50-min tutorial per week run by a graduate-student TA –50 students, attendance dismal

Evaluation Quizzes 30% –In class or during tutorial –8-10 of these evenly spaced over the term Mid-term Exam 30 % –3 hours Final Exam 40 % –3 hours

Performance Avg grade 65-70% Range: single digits to mid/high nineties Reasonable distribution of grades

Misconceptions 1.Calculus 1201 is mainly about calculus*. 2.Success in Calculus 1201 can be achieved by memorizing calculations on past-year’s exams. 3.Calculus 1201 is easy. *Professional school requirements

Challenges Common to many courses –students often poorly prepared –students often “grade focused” rather than “learning focused” Common to many math courses –students too timid to take ownership of their learning –students resistant to non-standard activities in lectures and tutorials

Opportunities Coordinated effort (in some sense) –Interests of Calc 1201 students not as disparate as in other courses Biology offers a diverse set of rich examples –E.g. Standard courses on diff eqns