Probability and Stochastic Processes in Biology
Spring 2024--Simon Fraser University
Course Overview
The natural world is inherently random. Describing, understanding, and predicting phenomena in Ecology, Evolution, and Epidemiology therefore requires the use of mathematical models that explicitly include this randomness. In this course we will cover methods and applications of probability, stochastic processes, and computer simulation to these three fields.
Course Content
Class Times
- Lecture: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 12:30-1:20
- Office Hours: Friday 1:30-3:00pm
Holidays
- Feb 19-25: Reading week
- March 29 & April 1: Easter
Litterature Review
For the litterature review we will be discussing chapters from Lande et al. 2003: "Stochastic Population Dynamics in Ecology and Conservation". Each student/pair of students will pick a chapter to review & present. Students are encourage to collaborate to understand and develop connections between chapters. Each student will:
- Submit a 2pg review of their focal chapter. Litterature review should include connection to 1 (3 for 795) additional relevent reference.
- Present a 12min(+3min Q&A) presentation introducing and summarizing the material from their selected chapter, the additional references chosen, and any connections to other chapters.
Homework
Instructions
Complete the following problem set showing your work. Problems may be worked out "by hand" or in "python" or with the assistance of other analytical software (e.g., Mathematica, MatLab). You may use chatGPT to assist in coding.
Solutions must be type written (e.g., in Jupyter, markdown, or latex). Upload PDF solution by question to crowdmark (link will be emailed to you) by 11:59pm on the Saturday of the corresponding week (see syllabus). If you have issues with Crowdmark submission please email solutions to Rebekah Hall (rah11@sfu.ca).
All problems are equally weighted within an assignment. Students in 468 may or may not choose to attempt the challenge question for a bonus pts. Students in 795 are required to complete the challenge question.
Assignments and Due Dates:
- Assignment 1 (Updated Jan 15): Due Jan 20th at 11:59pm
- Extra Credit Assignment (<1pg summary of Rich Lenski's talk): Due Jan 20th at 11:59pm
- Assignment 2: Due Feb 3rd at 11:59pm
- Extra Credit Assignment (<1pg summary of Mark Lewis's talk): Due Feb 3rd at 11:59pm
- Assignment 3: Due Feb 18rd at 11:59pm
- Skip problem 3
- Solutions
- Extra Credit Assignment (<1pg summary of Marc Lipstich's talk): Due March 10th
- Midterm March 1:
- Assignment 4: Due March 10th at 11:59pm
- Extra Credit Assignment (<1pg summary of Ben Kerr's talk): Due March 16rd at 11:59pm
- Assignment 5: Due March 27th at 11:59pm
- Assignment 6: Due April 7th at 11:59pm
Final Exam
- Thursday, April 18th AQ5039 at 3:30-6:30pm