Computational Methods

4.0 credits

The course deals with computational methods to analytically intractable mathematical problems in biological research. For the first half of the course, general numerical analysis topics are reviewed such as linear algebra, ODE and PDE. Through homework assignments, students write their own computer code. Sufficient sample solutions are given to practice various numerical methods within limited time. The rest of the course is comprised of case studies and projects. Examples of computational analyses are drawn from life science problems such as biodynamics of human loco motion, ion channel kinetics, ionic diffusion, and finite element analysis of cells/tissues. For final project, students bring their own research problems, express them in mathematical equations, solve them using custom written computer programs and interpret the solutions.