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2022/2023

Mathematics

Code: 100814 ECTS Credits: 6
Degree Type Year Semester
2500251 Environmental Biology FB 1 1

Contact

Name:
Enric Nart Viņals
Email:
enric.nart@uab.cat

Use of Languages

Principal working language:
catalan (cat)
Some groups entirely in English:
No
Some groups entirely in Catalan:
Yes
Some groups entirely in Spanish:
No

Teachers

Silvia Cuadrado Gavilan

Prerequisites

The prerequisites of this subject are those given at the preparatory course in mathematics offered by the Facultat de Biociències.

Objectives and Contextualisation

For a university degree in Biologia Ambiental it is important to achieve a solid mathematical formation. In this sense, this subject has a double aim. On one hand, to give the student the necessary mathematical background in the fields of linear algebra and differential calculus, allowing him/her, and this is the second aim, to build up mathematical models for some biological problems.

Competences

  • Design models of biological processes.
  • Display basic knowledge of mathematics, physics and chemistry.
  • Focus on quality.
  • Reason critically.
  • Solve problems.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Focus on quality.
  2. Handle exponential, logarithmic and potential functions with ease, and apply these to solving problems in biology: acceleration of metabolism with the temperature, decomposition of organic matter, allometries.
  3. Handle vectors and matrices with ease, and appreciate how these can simplify problem-solving in biology: projection of the size of a population, quantitative genetics and ordering methods in multivariable analysis.
  4. Reason critically.
  5. Solve problems.
  6. Use rudimentary calculus by formulating and solving models of interest in biology: model of exponential growth of populations.

Content

Part I. Fundamental mathematics

1. Real numbers and functions in one variable

2. Limits and derivation of functions

    2.1 Limits and continuity.

    2.2 Derivative. Geometric and kinematical interpretations. Chain rule.

3.  Graphical representation of functions

    3.1 Domain of definition and asymptotes.

    3.2 Increase. Convexity. Maximal and mínimal values.

4.  Integration of functions

    4.1  Primitives. Integral. Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.

    4.2  Computation of areas and volumes.
 

Part II. Biomathematics.

5. Differential equations

    5.1 Separation of variables. Exponential growth, radioactive disintegration, logistic equation.

    5.2 Linear equations. Examples.

6.  Population dynamics

    6.1 Matrices, proper vectors and proper values. Diagonalization.

    6.2 Linear population growth. Ecosystems with species in competence.

 

Methodology

Oral expositions will be devoted to transmit the different topics and scientific knowledge of the subject to the student.

Problem sessions are fundamental for the student to achieve a deep understanding of these contents. These classes are organized around a list of problems that the students try to solve.

This is complemented with individual tutorial assistance to clarify some doubts, or to discuss the results of the diferent evaluation activities.

The student will have to solve some special exercices, which contribute with a 15% to the final marks.

Annotation: Within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.

Activities

Title Hours ECTS Learning Outcomes
Type: Directed      
oral expositions 26 1.04 1, 6, 4, 5
practical classes 25 1 1, 6, 4, 5
Type: Supervised      
tutorial assistance 6 0.24 1, 6, 4, 5
Type: Autonomous      
Problem solving 30 1.2 1, 6, 4, 5
Special exercises 15 0.6 1, 6, 4, 5
Studying 34 1.36 1, 6, 4, 5

Assessment

The partial exam will be taken by the half of the term and it will include the topics explained up to then. The global exam wil include the whole content of the subject.

Besides these two exams there will be a recovery exam for those students who did not pass the subject. This recovery exam will weight 85% of the final mark. The resting 15% will continue to be the submission of exercises mark, which admits no reevaluation.

The student who did not pass the course and does not take the recovery exam will receive a qualification of "No Avaluable".

Assessment Activities

Title Weighting Hours ECTS Learning Outcomes
1. Partial exam 35% 4 0.16 1, 2, 3, 6, 4, 5
2. Global exam 50% 6 0.24 1, 2, 3, 6, 4, 5
3. Submission of exercises 15% 4 0.16 1, 2, 3, 6, 4, 5

Bibliography

There is no text book fitting exactly the content of the subject. The following text books cover different parts of the course.

- Matemàtiques i modelització per a les ciències ambientals, Jaume Aguadé, Dipòsit digital de documents de la UAB

- Matemáticas para ciencias de C. Neuhauser (Pearson, Prentice Hall)

- Matemáticas básicas para biocientíficos de  E. Batschelet (Editorial Dossat)

- Mathematical ideas in Biology de J. Maynard Smith (Cambridge U.P.)

Software

No mathematical software is used