Modeling with Calculus for the Life Sciences

4.0 credits · Undergraduate

The goal of this course is to give students a strong basis in quantitative skills needed in the life and social sciences. We will focus on modeling using fundamental concepts from calculus developed in the course, including derivatives, integrals, and introductory differential equations. Examples from the life sciences are used throughout the course, including predator-prey populations. We will discuss mathematical models describing the evolution of these populations, analyze quantitative and qualitative properties to make predictions about these populations, and discuss assumptions and limitations of these models. Derivatives and integrals will be covered with a more applied focus than in MATH 1110 or a typical high school calculus course. Students who plan to take more than one semester of calculus should take MATH 1110 rather than MATH 1106.