Overview | Summary of Courses

Offered By:

ANU Joint Colleges of Science

Quantitative skills have become an essential ingredient for modern biology. The vast quantities of genomic data generated by sequencing technologies can only be handled and interpreted through computers using algorithms underpinned by sound mathematical and statistical models. Mathematics also finds application in directly modelling biological processes at all levels from the molecular to macroscopic. This specialisation is designed to equip students with an understanding of the mathematics behind the computer programs regularly used by biologists, and an ability to analyse biological data and construct mathematical models. The intersection of mathematics and biology is one of the fastest growing areas of science, with most large biology laboratories now employing bioinformaticians, creating career opportunities in both the public and private sector.

Prerequisites

Students completing the specialisation in Quantitative Biology and Bioinformatics will be able to:

 

1. Understand how mathematical and statistical models of biological phenomena from biomolecular to macroscopic scales are constructed and analysed.

2. Demonstrate the ability to construct mathematical and statistical models of biological phenomena.

3. Demonstrate the ability to obtain quantitative results from mathematical and statistical models through analytical and computational methods.

4. Communicate the results and limitations of mathematical and statistical models of biological models to non-mathematical stakeholders, e.g. experimental biologists and medical researchers.

5. Demonstrate an ability to complete projects in quantitative biology and bioinformatics individually and within groups.

Requirements

Advice To Students

Students doing the Specialisation will need in first year to complete BIOL1003  because of biology prerequisites and co-requisites.  They will also need to complete either BIOL2151 or BIOL3161 (and its prerequisites) as prerequisites to BIOL3157. 
They will need to complete MATH1014 or MATH1116 in first year as prerequisites to MATH2307 and STAT1003 or STAT1008 in first year and STAT2001 in second year as prerequisites to MATH3353. 
Students will be required to complete the second year course MATH2307 (Bioinformatics and Biological Modelling), the third year course MATH3353 (Topics in Bioinformatics Honours), the third year biology course BIOL3157 (Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics), and one of BIOL2202, BIOL3161 or MATH2306.  They are strongly encouraged to do further biology and mathematics courses and are recommended to do COMP1100 or COMP1730, CHEM1001 and CHEM1201.

This specialisation should be taken in conjunction with a Biology Major, Mathematics Major or Mathematical Modelling Major. 

Assessment

This Specialisation requires the completion of 24 units, 18 units are compulsory, which must include.

• MATH2307 - Bioinformatics and Biological Modelling (LG 1-3)
• MATH3353 - Topics in Bioinformatics Honours  (LG 2-5)
• BIOL3157 - Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics (LG 1-3)

An additional 6 units is required from,

• BIOL2202 - Experimental Design and Analysis in Biology (LG 1-5)
• MATH2306 - Partial Differential Equations and Applications (LG 3)
• BIOL3161 - Genomics and Its Applications  (LG 4-5)

The information published on the Study at ANU 2013 website applies to the 2013 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2012 website.