Part A Differential Equations I and Modelling in Mathematical Biology. Part A Differential Equations II is also preferable but not necessary.
Further Mathematical Biology provides an introduction to more complex models of biological phenomena, including spatial models of pattern formation and free boundary problems modelling invasion. The course focuses on applications where deterministic models formulated using discrete, ordinary and/or partial differential equations are appropriate. By using particular modelling examples in ecology, chemistry, biology and physiology, the course demonstrates how applied mathematical techniques, such as linear stability, phase planes, singular perturbation and travelling waves, can yield important information about the behaviour of complex models.
Prof. Helen Byrne
Students will have developed a sound knowledge and appreciation of the ideas and concepts related to modelling biological and ecological systems using discrete, ordinary and partial differential equations.
Enzyme-substrate kinetics, including quasi-steady state assumption inhibition and cooperativity
Trans-membrane ion transport: Hodgkin-Huxley and Fitzhugh-Nagumo models.
Spatial models for a multiple species, including epidemics and morphogen gradients.
Travelling wave propagation with biological examples, including Fisher’s equation.
Biological pattern formation, including Turing's model for animal coat markings, and chemotaxis models.
Moving boundary problems, with biological examples, including colonisation and wound healing.
Discrete-to-continuum models: coagulation and fragmentation models, biased-random walks and chemotaxis.