Programs and Courses

Source: https://programsandcourses.anu.edu.au/2026/course/MATH2307 Parent: https://programsandcourses.anu.edu.au/program/AACOM

• Code MATH2307

• Unit Value 6 units

• Offered by Mathematical Sciences Institute

• ANU College ANU College of Systems and Society
• Course subject Mathematics

• Areas of interest Bioinformatics, Mathematics, Biology

• Academic career UGRD

• Course convener
• Dr Xia Hua
• Mode of delivery In Person
• Co-taught Course
• MATH6100
• Offered in

Second Semester 2026\

See Future Offerings

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Bioinformatics and Biological Modelling (MATH2307)

• Introduction
• Learning Outcomes
• Indicative Assessment
• Workload
• Inherent Requirements
• Requisite and Incompatibility
• Prescribed Texts
• Fees
• Offerings and Dates

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. The course is accompanied by computer lab sessions to gain practice in R, a language and environment for statistical and mathematical computing and graphics.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Understand basic models for the evolution and comparison of biological sequences.
2. Understand and apply basic probabilistic concepts such as conditional probability, Markov chains, and hidden Markov models.
3. Understand the main principles of mathematical modelling in biology.

Indicative Assessment

1. Four assignments (15% each) (60) [LO 1,2,3]
2. Final exam (40) [LO 1,2,3]

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Workload

The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:

• 3 x 1 hour lecturers per week (36 hours) as well as 10 hours of workshop time.
• Approximately 84 hours of self-study per semester which will include preparation for lectures, assignments and other assessment tasks.

Inherent Requirements

Not applicable

Requisite and Incompatibility

To enrol in this course you must have successfully completed 12 units of 1000 levels Mathematics (MATH) courses including either MATH1014 or MATH1116. You are not able to enrol in this course if you have completed MATH6100.

Prescribed Texts

None.

Fees

Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.

Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students\ If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. 

Student Contribution Band: : 2

Unit value: : 6 units

If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) placeor international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.

Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.

Course fees

Domestic International

Domestic fee paying students

International fee paying students

Note: Please note that fee information is for current year only.

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Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

The list of offerings for future years is indicative only. \

Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.

2026

2027

Second Semester

Second Semester