Mathematical Modeling in the Life Sciences – Summer 2025 Crash Course

The Mathematical Modeling in the Life Sciences course, led by Dr. Nicola Vassena (Leipzig University), will take place in April 2025 as an intensive introduction to mathematical approaches in biological sciences. Designed for bioinformatics students, the course emphasizes conceptual understanding rather than technical details, making it accessible to those with no prior background in mathematics.

Course Structure

The course will be held over five days, with each day comprising a lecture introducing fundamental mathematical concepts and an interactive session for discussions and problem-solving. The curriculum covers a range of topics demonstrating the role of mathematics in biological systems:

• Order and Chaos: Exploring chaotic systems and unpredictability in biological processes.
• Evolution Models: Understanding population dynamics, epidemiology, and biochemical networks through differential equations.
• Reaction Networks and Graph Theory: Analyzing how biological interactions shape system behavior.
• Pattern Formation in Biology: Investigating reaction-diffusion systems and the mathematics of natural patterns.

A fifth session will provide flexibility for extended discussions and student-driven exploration of specific research interests.

This course offers students a valuable opportunity to gain insight into how mathematical modeling enhances the study of biological systems. Further details, including registration information, can be found on the course's official webpage—here.