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MATH 145

Calculus for Life Sciences

The proposed two-semester interdisciplinary course lies at the interface of mathematics and biology and it addresses the needs of life sciences freshmen/sophomore students. Differential equations, which are built on calculus, represent one of two powerful tools - the other being applied statistics - for modeling and analysis in quantitative life sciences. The proposed courses will combine mathematical training with extensive modeling of biological and natural phenomena by assuming a style that will maintain rigor without being overly formal. Mathematical topics to be covered in MATH 145 (Calculus for Life Sciences) include functions, basic principles of modeling, limits, continuity, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometric functions, rates of change, differentiation, optimization, integration and in MATH 146 (Mathematical Modeling for Life Sciences) includes modeling using differential and difference equations, basic computational methods, functions of several variables, partial derivatives, higher-order approximations.

Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits
Science and Mathematics 1 course