Einführung in die Theoretische Biologie
Instructors: Jun.-Prof. Dr. Janina HesseShortname: 08.079.25108
Course No.: 08.079.25108
Course Type: Vorlesung
Requirements / organisational issues
Fridays, 23. Oct. 2026 - 13. Feb. 2026, 12:15h-13:45h in room 04 422, Staudingerweg 9, 55128 MainzLecture and examination in English.
Contents
Aim: Introduction to theoretical reasoning by exposing the students to a number of different topics of theoretical biology, i.e. how can we use math to understand biology? This course aims to provide the basics for understanding theoretical studies, also helpful in future collaborations between theoreticians and experimenters, as it establishes a joined language. An interest in math and programming is recommended; the course can be followed with solid pre-university math knowledge.Planned topics:
Population Dynamics – e.g., exponential vs. bounded growth of bacteria or COVID-19 infections.
Population Genetics – e.g., stable distribution of blood groups across generations
Chronobiology – circadian (day/night) rhythms, chronotherapy
Epidemiological Models
Excitable cells
Neuronal excitability
Neuronal networks
Additional information
Qualification objectives / learning outcomes / competenciesAfter completing the module, students should be able to:
• explain basic concepts of theoretical biology,
• recognize connections between differential equations and their biological context,
• simulate selected models computationally,
• explain basic principles of the dynamics of complex systems, in particular critical phase transitions and early warning signals.
Dates
| Date (Day of the week) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 10/23/2026 (Friday) | 12:15 - 13:45 | 04 422 2413 - Neubau Physik/Mathematik |
| 10/30/2026 (Friday) | 12:15 - 13:45 | 04 422 2413 - Neubau Physik/Mathematik |
| 11/06/2026 (Friday) | 12:15 - 13:45 | 04 422 2413 - Neubau Physik/Mathematik |
| 11/13/2026 (Friday) | 12:15 - 13:45 | 04 422 2413 - Neubau Physik/Mathematik |
| 11/20/2026 (Friday) | 12:15 - 13:45 | 04 422 2413 - Neubau Physik/Mathematik |
| 11/27/2026 (Friday) | 12:15 - 13:45 | 04 422 2413 - Neubau Physik/Mathematik |
| 12/04/2026 (Friday) | 12:15 - 13:45 | 04 422 2413 - Neubau Physik/Mathematik |
| 12/11/2026 (Friday) | 12:15 - 13:45 | 04 422 2413 - Neubau Physik/Mathematik |
| 12/18/2026 (Friday) | 12:15 - 13:45 | 04 422 2413 - Neubau Physik/Mathematik |
| 01/08/2027 (Friday) | 12:15 - 13:45 | 04 422 2413 - Neubau Physik/Mathematik |
| 01/15/2027 (Friday) | 12:15 - 13:45 | 04 422 2413 - Neubau Physik/Mathematik |
| 01/22/2027 (Friday) | 12:15 - 13:45 | 04 422 2413 - Neubau Physik/Mathematik |
| 01/29/2027 (Friday) | 12:15 - 13:45 | 04 422 2413 - Neubau Physik/Mathematik |
| 02/05/2027 (Friday) | 12:15 - 13:45 | 04 422 2413 - Neubau Physik/Mathematik |
| 02/12/2027 (Friday) | 12:15 - 13:45 | 04 422 2413 - Neubau Physik/Mathematik |