In all fields of Biology, scientists have now to face with a huge amount of biological sequences which cannot be interpreted without the help of mathematical models. Conversely, it is now possible to design experiments for estimating parameters underlying complex models. However, students in biology often lack basics which could help them to develop model based approaches.The aims of the IP are to make students in biology more familiar with mathematics and modelling, and learn how to translate a biological problem into a model. The course is organized with lectures, practicals and conferences, including students presentations, during which participants will learn some of the mathematics that are currently used for modelling dynamic systems, stochastic processes, and statistical modelling through relevant biological examples.
The 2009 edition of the course will be held at
For whom is this course intended for?
- For biologists who feel that they would need to learn more in mathematics for their research
What are you going to learn?
- Recalling of some basics in programming (algorithmics)
- Recalling of some basics in mathematics (linear algebra, derivatives)
- Recalling of some basics in probability theory (probability distributions, Bayes' theorem)
- Programming with an object-oriented langage (SCILAB)
- What Ordinary Differential Equations are
- What Partial Differential Equations are
- Probabilistic approaches in biology (Markov Chains, Birth and Death processes)
- Short introduction to statistical modelling
- Translating a biological problem into a model and its corresponding (system of) equations and/or computer program.
What are you not going to learn?
- Basic knowledge in Biology
- Advanced concepts in Probability theory
- Data analysis
- Advanced concepts in Mathematics
Prerequisites:
- The prerequisite in biology is general knowledge corresponding to a Master degree in Biology in a European University.
- This course is intended for biologists who need to refresh their knowledge in mathematics. Some basic knowledge is required to fully benefit from the course
- calculus : function, derivatives
- probability theory : random variable, probability distribution, conditional probabilities
- programming : basic algorithmics (loops, conditional testing)
- This kind of knowledge should normally have been acquired after a Master degree in Biology in a European University.
Applications:
The course is open to everybody but priority will be given to phD students from the university partners. An online registration webpage has been set-up (section application form and teaching material). Each university partner will select 4 students. Registrations are closed now. Please fill the Application form in thesection "Application form and teaching material".
Contact – AgroParisTech, Institutional Coordinator of the IP : Alice François
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Fees:
The IP is funded by the Erasmus EC program and by the university partners.
Members of the partners universities: The registration fees are 150 euros and cover for teaching material and accomodations (rooms, lunches, welcoming and closing dinner). Additionally, 75% of the travel costs are paid by the IP (see the section Application form).
Other students: Registration fees are 800 euros and cover for teaching material and accomodations (rooms, lunches, welcoming and closing dinner).
The course is an integrated part of the teaching program of a network of European graduate schools with PhD students as target group. There are no prerequisites in mathematics except a Master degree in Biology. The IP is academically recognized and is attributed 7 ECTS credits. Outputs are publication of teaching material in the web-site, e-learning. The IP is supported by the growing interest in graduate schools in the new EU members.
