MTH3241 - Mathematics for bioinformatics

Leader: Dr A Sudbury

Offered

Clayton First semester 2007 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit introduces the methods of stochastic processes and statistics used in the analysis of biological data. At the completion of the unit students will understand the application of classical statistical inference to the analysis of single and multiple DNA and protein sequences, the use of the theory of the random walk in comparing DNA and protein sequences (BLAST), hidden Markov models and evolutionary models. Apart from applications in molecular biology, students will gain an insight into statistical inference and stochastic processes. The unit does not require a background in biology.

Objectives

On completion of the unit, students will understand the application of classical statistical inference to the analysis of single and multiple DNA and protein sequences, the use of the theory of the random walk in comparing DNA and protein sequences (BLAST), hidden Markov models, and evolutionary models. Apart from applications in molecular biology, students will gain an insight into statistical inference and stochastic processes applicable in other contexts.

Assessment

40% Assignments, 60% final exam

Contact hours

3 lectures, 1 support class per week

Prerequisites

MTH2010, MTH2032, MTH2222, STA2022 or STA3022. MTH2222 is highly recommended.