Natural Science 0352 - Mathematical Bio: Rhythms

Rhythmic activity is observed in many biological systems, such as with pacemaker neurons, hormone secreting systems, sleep-wake circuits, and cardiac muscle contractions. In this course, we will explore the biological mechanisms and mathematical representations of biological rhythms. Mathematical topics may include periodic functions, factor analysis, differential equations, and Fourier transforms. We will consider examples of periodicity from different time scales, including those that affect behavioral activity. Students will work as a class on questions drawn from primary research literature and analyze equations and patterns, with room for individual projects at the end of the course. Students should have had Calculus in Context (or equivalent)and at least one college-level biology course, such as physiology, prior to this course. Prerequisites: Calc I (or equivalent) and one college-level biology course.

Writing and Research Quantitative Skills Prerequisites: Calc I (or equivalent) and one college-level biology course. In this course students are generally expected to spend at least six to eight hours a week of preparation and work outside of class time.