COURSE ANNOUNCEMENT
                        MATH 405 Section # 55456
                             SPRING 1996

                          MODELS IN BIOLOGY

Instructor:    Lou Gross, Professor of Mathematics and Ecology
 
Time:          9:05 - 9:55 Monday, Wednesday and Friday

Place:         Ayres Hall (Room TBA)

This course will provide an overview of mathematical modeling in the biological 
sciences. The aim is to show how mathematical and analytical tools may be used 
to explore and explain a wide variety of biological phenomena that are not 
easily understood with verbal reasoning alone. We will begin by discussing the 
various purposes for which one might construct a mathematical model, and 
proceed with a description of the modeling process. This will be followed by an 
introduction to several mathematical areas which have been found to be extremely
useful in biological modeling, in particular difference equations, and ordinary 
and partial differential equations. Applications of these mathematical 
techniques will be illustrated in a host of biological fields including 
molecular, cellular, physiological, ecological, genetical, and agricultural 
ones.

The course is oriented towards biological sciences students who may not have a 
strong mathematical background. Prerequisites are a year of calculus (e.g. Math 
141-142, 151-152, or the equivalent) as well as some exposure to biology at the 
300-level. The course is available for graduate credit, and one of the course 
objectives is to provide enough insight into biological modeling that 
participants without a strong math background will be able to read with 
understanding theoretical papers appearing in the current literature in their
respective biological fields of study. Note: this course does not satisfy math 
requirements for either undergraduate or graduate students majoring in 
mathematics. If such a student desires to learn about biological modeling, he 
or she should contact the instructor about a special reading course in 
conjunction with this one.

The text for the course is: 
Mathematical Models in Biology
by Leah Edelstein-Keshet. Participants will be expected to regularly work 
problems from this text and in addition will work on a individual project in a 
biological area of particular interest to themselves. Any questions about the 
course should be directed to the instructor in Ayres 208, phone 974-4295 or 
e-mail to gross@math.utk.edu.