San Francisco State University

DNA Topology


SPRING 2008

Math 414-01/714-01 (flier)::

Studying DNA Topology with Mathematical and computational
methods

T-Th 2:10-3:25, Room 211 Thornton Hall

Instructor: Mariel Vazquez; mariel@math.sfsu.edu

Office Hours: TH 3:30-4:30, or by appointment


Description: Students from mathematics, computer science and biology will be introduced to mathematical and computational techniques used to analyze DNA structure. Strong interaction between math and biology is emphasized. 414 and 714 are paired courses. The expectations for graduate students will be higher than for undergraduates, and evaluations will be done accordingly.

 

Prerequisite and requirements. Math 228 (Calculus III) with a grade of C or better. Math 325 (Linear Algebra) or instructor's consent.

Number of Units: 3 units

 Syllabus (pdf file)


Materials:

  Required Text: DNA Topology by Bates and Maxwell

 

  Lectures

  Lecture notes will be posted here after each class where a powerpoint presentation is used.

Lecture 1 (January 24, 2008)

Lecture 2 (January 29, 2008)

Lecture 3 (January 31, 2008)

February 5-7 class canceled due to illness. Homework 1 was collected.

Lecture 4 (February 12, 2008)

Lecture 4 part II  (February 12-14, 2008)

Lectures 5 and 6: On February 14th and 19th there was an introduction to Matlab and exercices worked in class. This is not included in a ppt presentation

Lecture 7  (February 21, 2008)

Lectures 8-9  (February 26-28, 2008)

  There will be two midterms and one final project. Grades will be computed as follows: 20% homework, 40% midterms, 40% final project

  Homework

Homework 1 (Due February 5, 2008)

Questions for Homework are in the slides for Lecture 4 and Lecture 4 part II (due February 19, 2008)

Homework 3 (Due February 28, 2008)

Homework 4 (Due March 13, 2008)
 


  Assignments/Requirements: homework will be assigned weekly or bi-weekly. Most homeworks will be graded; the average will count towards 20% of the final grade.