MT5853 Spatial Models and Pattern Formation in Mathematical Biology

2024 to 2025 Semester 1

Curricular information may be subject to change

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 11

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

9am, Monday (odd weeks), Wednesday, Friday

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Prof A J Stewart

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module will explore real world applications of mathematics to biological and medical problems (e.g. cell movement, pattern formation in animal coat markings, spread of infectious diseases). The mathematical models that will be considered are mostly formulated in terms of nonlinear partial differential equations whose solutions can exhibit a range of interesting behaviour. The module will be useful to students who wish to specialise in Applied Mathematics in their degree programme.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS MT3504

Anti-requisites

YOU CANNOT TAKE THIS MODULE IF YOU TAKE MT5852

Assessment pattern

50 minute class test = 10%, 2-hour written examination = 90%

Re-assessment

Oral examination = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2.5 lectures (x 10 weeks), 10 tutorials (x 10 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

117

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

Define mathematical models for the spatio-temporal evolution of biological systems using partial differential equations
Formally derive mathematical models formulated in terms of partial differential equations from underlying random walks
Analysing travelling wave solutions of partial differential equations
Use linear stability analysis to explore the conditions for the emergence of spatial patterns in systems of partial differential equations