Mathematics for the Life Sciences
Math 152 Section 62583
Fall 2001
Text: Mathematics for the Biosciences by Michael Cullen
Web Page: http://www.math.utk.edu/~maria
Instructor: Maria Siopsis
E-mail:
maria@tiem.utk.edu
Office: Ayres 005
Office Hours: Monday 10-11AM and by appointment
Introduction
This course is the continuation of Math 151 and will provide an introduction to a variety of mathematical topics of use in analyzing problems arising in the biological sciences. It is designed for students in biology, agriculture, forestry, wildlife, pre-medicine and other pre-health professions. The Math 151-152 sequence, and depending upon your curriculum, will partially satisfy graduation requirements for your major. The general aim of the sequence is to show how mathematical and analytical tools may be used to explore and explain a wide variety of biological phenomena that are not easily understood with verbal reasoning alone. Prerequisites are two years of high school algebra, a year of geometry, and half a year of trigonometry, and successful completion of Math 151.
We will make use of computer facilities in the Math Department, in addition
to utilizing software packages designed to aid the instruction of biology students. The textbook
will be followed somewhat more closely than it was in Math 151, but there will be additional topics
discussed, particularly in conjunction with computer assignments. Thus, you should plan to attend
all class sessions, although no formal roll will be taken.
Course Outline
The pace of the material covered will be adjusted as necessary, but the approximate time to
be spent on various topics over the semester are:
| Difference Equations | Text sections 47-49 and some extra material | 2 weeks |
| Limits of functions and continuity | Text sections 6-7 | 1 week |
| Derivatives | Text sections 8-11 | 2 weeks |
| Curve Sketching | Text Sections 12-14 | 2 weeks |
| Exponential and Logarithmic Functions | Text Sections 16-17 | 1 week |
| Antiderivatives and Integrals | Text Sections 18-25 | 3 weeks |
| Trigonometric Functions | Text Sections 29-31 | 1 week |
| Differential Equations and Modeling | Text Sections 33-39 | 2 weeks |
Grading:
Your Grade will be based on several components:
(a) Homework (25% of the final grade) There will be a set of graded homework assignments, generally given upon completion of each section. NO late homework assignments will be accepted, homework is due in instructor's mailbox by 5:00 PM on the due date. The two lowest homework grades will be dropped.
(b) Assignments ( 20% of the final grade) There will be two assignments based on the use of the computer to analyze particular sets of data, or problems, each student must hand his/her own write-up of the assignment. There will also be a third assignment for groups of 2-3 to be discussed later.
(c) Exams (30% of the final grade) There will be a set of three exams during the term, The exams will not be computer based, focusing rather on the key concepts and techniques discussed in the course. Of the three regular exams given, the one with the lowest score will be dropped. The first exam missed will be the one dropped. After that, arrangements may be made for a make up.
The tentative dates for the exams are:
Exam 1 - September 22
Exam 2 - October 20
Exam 3 - November 19
(d) Final Exam (25% of the final grade) Exam will be cumulative and will be given Monday, December 13, 2:45-4:45 PM.