Studying at York
Mathematical Ecology & Epidemiology - MAT00055H
- Department: Mathematics
- Credit value: 10 credits
- Credit level: H
- Academic year of delivery: 2022-23
Related modules
Pre-requisite modules
Co-requisite modules
- None
Prohibited combinations
- None
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Spring Term 2022-23 |
Module aims
To introduce students to the enormous diversity and complexity of problems in ecology and epidemiology; to give mathematics students the opportunity to gain familiarity with the vocabulary of biology.
To provide an introduction to the modelling and analysis of solutions of problems in ecology and epidemiology, particularly those that can be addressed via dynamical systems techniques.
Module learning outcomes
Subject content
The module aims to inspire students by introducing them to a range of problems of significant current interest. To this end, the module will address essential elements as below making use of topical examples.
- Population dynamics of a single species in discrete and continuous time, with and without additional structure (such as age-structure and male-female interactions).
- Limits to population growth and harvesting.
- Interactions of two or more species (including predator-prey, competition and symbiosis).
- Dynamics in space and time (including diffusion and directed motion).
- Epidemics (particularly SIR models) and travelling waves.
Academic and graduate skills
- Academic skills: by the end of the module, students should be able to evaluate ecological or epidemiological problems and construct appropriate models. Using these models, they should be able to apply appropriate mathematical tools and techniques to determine solution behaviour.
-
Graduate skills: through lectures, examples, classes, students should develop their ability to assimilate, process and engage with new material quickly and efficiently. Students should develop problem solving-skills and learn how to apply techniques to unseen problems.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 100 |
Module feedback
Current Department policy on feedback is available in the undergraduate student handbook. Coursework and examinations will be marked and returned in accordance with this policy.
Indicative reading
- J. D. Murray. Mathematical Biology I. An Introduction. Springer.
- J. D. Murray. Mathematical Biology II. Spatial Models and Biomedical Applications. Springer.
- W Gurney and R Nisbet, Ecological Dynamics, Oxford University Press (1998).