| Course Title | Equations of Life | ||
| Course Code | BS211S | ||
| Offered | Study Year 2, Sem 1 | Study Year 2, Sem 2 | ||
| Course Coordinator | Lu Lanyuan (Assoc Prof) | lylu@ntu.edu.sg | 6316 2866 |
| Pre-requisites | None | ||
| AU | 3 | ||
| Contact hours | Technology-enhanced Learning: 36 | ||
| Approved for delivery from | AY 2018/19 semester 1 | ||
| Last revised | 3 Feb 2019, 11:42 | ||
This course aims to provide you with the general knowledge and basic training of mathematics in biology. In this course, you will go back to the early days of biological research to recognize that some great discoveries in biology were possible only through application of mathematics. Additionally, you will study a few biological phenomena that most of you are familiar with, such as Mendelian genetics, population genetics, gene mapping, bacterial mutation, and enzyme catalysis. During the online course, you will learn how to 'translate' a biological problem into 'mathematical language' called an equation. Then you solve the equation by using mathematical tools and arrive at a 'solution' which is one of the equations of life. Finally, you will apply the equation to life situation to test whether the equation has been able to unravel the mystery that you were concerned with at the beginning.
Upon successfully completing this course, you should be able to:
Linear and exponential functions
Logarithms
Binomial and Poisson distributions
Calculus
Math applications in chemical kinetics
Math applications in gene mapping and population genetics
| Component | Course ILOs tested | SBS Graduate Attributes tested | Weighting | Team / Individual | Assessment Rubrics |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continuous Assessment | |||||
| Mid-semester Quiz | |||||
| Multiple Choice Questions | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | 2. e 7. d | 40 | individual | See Appendix for rubric |
| Examination (2.0 hours) | |||||
| Multiple Choice Questions | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | 2. e 7. d | 60 | individual | See Appendix for rubric |
| Total | 100% | ||||
These are the relevant SBS Graduate Attributes.
2. Critically evaluate and analyze biological information by applying the knowledge, scientific methods and technical skills associated with the discipline
e. Analyze the validity of qualitative and quantitative scientific data
7. Demonstrate information literacy and technological fluency
d. Complete online learning independently
All of the learning outcomes will be addressed by the following feedbacks:
1.The score of mid-term quiz will be released to you, and you will be able to discuss the results with the course coordinator.
2. An examiner's report will be uploaded to NTULearn, where all common issues on the final exam paper will be analyzed.
3. The interactive questions from online materials provide feedback according to the answer you input.
| Technology-enhanced Learning (36 hours) | You will be able to access nine online lectures on NTULearn. These online lectures consist of multi-media slides and interactive pre- and post-lecture questions. All course materials are designed to ensure the intended learning outcomes (1-6). |
No specific reference is recommended for BS211S.
1. You are required to complete the online lectures on NTULearn. There is no classroom lecture in BS211S.
2. Information on course schedule and assessment is given at the beginning of each period via NTULearn announcement. You can have additional information from the NTULearn course site and emails by course coordinator and/or school secretary.
3. You are encouraged to clear your doubts on course materials by consultation. Rules on arranging a consultation can be found on NTULearn.
4. You can contact the course coordinator for any question on course materials and/or administrative matters.
Good academic work depends on honesty and ethical behaviour. The quality of your work as a student relies on adhering to the principles of academic integrity and to the NTU Honour Code, a set of values shared by the whole university community. Truth, Trust and Justice are at the core of NTU’s shared values.
As a student, it is important that you recognize your responsibilities in understanding and applying the principles of academic integrity in all the work you do at NTU. Not knowing what is involved in maintaining academic integrity does not excuse academic dishonesty. You need to actively equip yourself with strategies to avoid all forms of academic dishonesty, including plagiarism, academic fraud, collusion and cheating. If you are uncertain of the definitions of any of these terms, you should go to the Academic Integrity website for more information. Consult your instructor(s) if you need any clarification about the requirements of academic integrity in the course.
| Instructor | Office Location | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lu Lanyuan (Assoc Prof) | 03s-82 | 6316 2866 | lylu@ntu.edu.sg |
| Week | Topic | Course ILO | Readings/ Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Linear and exponential functions | 3, 6 | |
| 2 | Logarithms | 3, 6 | |
| 3 | Calculus | 3, 6 | |
| 4 | Binomial and Poisson distributions | 3, 6 | |
| 5 | Math applications in chemical kinetics | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | |
| 6 | Math applications in gene mapping and population genetics | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 |
As a result of this course, it is expected you will develop the following "big picture" attributes:
A realization on the necessity and importance of mathematic tools in life sciences
A quantiative view of biological principles and problems
A good habit of adopting numerical methods in biological research
Get rid of the unfounded fear of mathematics, and will look forward to undertake challenges related to quantitative biology