The course begins with a detailed discussion of sequence alignment algorithms that are critical for assessing the relatedness of DNA, RNA and amino acid sequences. We then proceed to studying Markov chains and hidden Markov models as important examples of biological models for such sequences. The main algorithms and several applications will be explained. Finally, a broad range of examples of applications of mathematics in biology, both at the molecular and macroscopic level, will be given. These may include current research being done at the ANU. The course is accompanied by computer lab sessions where we explore, in particular, major biological databases and sequence similarity search.

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

Assessment will be based on:

• Two assignments (30% each; LO 1-4)
• Take-home examination (40%; LO 1-4)

36 lectures and ten tutorials

12 units of Group A courses in Mathematics, including MATH1014 or MATH1116.