Course for international guest/part time students
- Faculty
- Faculty of Science
- Organization
- TTK Department of Plant Taxonomy and Ecology
- Code
- szammosb17gm
- Title
- Computer modelling in biology PR
- Usual semester
- Spring
- Published semester
- 2025/26/2
- ECTS
- 6
- Language
- en
- Description
- This course provides a "hands-on" introduction into the whole process of mathematical/computational modelling, including the design and implementation of the model, and the biological interpretation of the results. The course starts with an introductory session on the basics of modelling and R programming, then groups of 3-4 students work on the implementation of a chosen modelling exercise (‘module’) until the end of the semester. Each module comes with a hand-out describing the background of the problem, and a simple starting script. The topics of the modules include population dynamics and population genetics problems, epidemiological models, virus dynamics, the evolution of cooperation, etc. In addition to acquiring technical skills, the interpretation of the results in the context of the biological systems is also a key goal of the course. Evaluation is based on performance during the whole semester, the models developed, and a short presentation on the results of the project at the end of the semester. Group work is aided by the course instructor, but requires a great deal of independent work and initiative. The course is therefore recommended to students who are willing to invest considerable time and effort into it.
- Learning outcomes
- Participants of the course develop practical skills encompassing the whole process of computer modelling, from model design and implementation to the biological interpretation of the results. Further objectives include developing skills related to teamwork, independent literature study, and oral presentation skills.
- Course content
- In the first classes, students learn the basics of modelling and (optionally, based on students' prior knowledge of the freely available R programming language) also the basics of R programming. In the following classes, students work in groups of 3-4 students to develop a selected modelling exercise. For each of the optional topics (modules), a handout with exercises and background material, and a simple starting script are provided. The range of topics includes: logistic population growth, epidemiological models (continuous/deterministic, discrete/stochastic, network), HIV modelling (within-host processes, parameter estimation), evolution of optimal sex ratio, spatial models (host-parasite dynamics and intraspecies competition), multi-species population dynamics; the list may be extended in the future. In addition to technical skills (programming), there is a strong emphasis on the interpretation of the results in the context of the biological system modelled.
- Assessment method
- The mark will be based on the evaluation of the work carried out during the semester and the presentation of the project results at the end of the semester.
- Bibliography
- The module descriptions (handouts) accessible on the website https://tb.ethz.ch/education/learningmaterials/modelingcourse.html and (optionally) the literature sources indicated therein.