620-151 Introduction to Biomedical Mathematics

This subject is only available to Bachelor of Biomedical Science students.

Students may only gain credit for one of 620-151, 620-161 and [02]620-163.

VCE Mathematical Methods 3/4.

This subject develops elementary rules for manipulating matrices; concepts of basic functions of one variable; and basic procedures for the solution of differential equations and linear programming problems. Students should develop manipulative skills in the use of matrices and standard functions; the skills to find derivatives and antiderivatives of functions of one variable; and an ability to apply these skills to word problems in bioscience. This subject demonstrates the sequential conceptual structure of the mathematics of functions and the value of differential equations in bioscience.

Matrices topics include row operations, systems of linear equations, graphical and matrix methods for linear programming; duality; and applications in bioscience. Calculus topics include functions of one real variable; differentiation and integration of standard functions; related rates of change; differential equations, including simple simultaneous equations and their applications to population dynamics and physiological systems; and numerical solution of differential equations.

Up to 25 pages of written assignments due during the semester (10%); a 45-minute written test held mid-semester (either 0% or 15%); a 3-hour written examination in the examination period (75% or 90%). The relative weighting of the examination and the mid-semester test will be chosen so as to maximise the student's final mark.