BIOS1101 ¨C Introduction to computational models for Biosciences

Course content

We can often understand more of a complex reality by examining simplified models of it. In this course computers and the programming language Python is used to create a virtual biological laboratory to answer problems derived from genetics, evolution, ecology and bioinformatics.

Learning outcome

After completing this course, you

• can perform basic Python programming using selected data structures, functions and modules, as well as loops and conditionals
• can use simple classes and objects to simulate biological objects
• can organize and register simple biological data, read and write such data to and from files and create graphical representations
• can model simple biological systems, mathematically and using programming
• can document, present and communicate models of simple biological systems

Admission to the course

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for?in Studentweb.

Special admission requirements

In addition to fulfilling the?Higher Education Entrance Qualification, applicants have to meet the following special admission requirements:

• Mathematics R1 (or Mathematics S1 and S2)

And in addition one of these:

• Mathematics R2
• Physics (1+2)
• Chemistry (1+2)
• Biology (1+2)
• Information technology (1+2)
• Geosciences (1+2)
• Technology and theories of research (1+2)

Mathematics R2 was a requirement up until and including the study year 2021/2022, as part of a trial arrangement. From and including the study year 2022/2023, Mathematics R2 is no longer a requirement.

The special admission requirements may also be covered by?equivalent studies from Norwegian upper secondary school or by other equivalent studies?(in Norwegian).

Formal prerequisite knowledge

The following course must be completed before the mandatory field module:

• HMS0504 ¨C Field Safety

Overlapping courses

• 7 credits overlap with BIOS1100 ¨C Introduction to computational models for Biosciences (continued).
• 7 credits overlap with GEO-KJM1040 ¨C Introduction to programming with applications in geosciences and in chemistry (discontinued).
• 7 credits overlap with IN1000 ¨C Introduction to Object-oriented Programming.
• 7 credits overlap with IN1900 ¨C Introduction to Programming with Scientific Applications.
• 7 credits overlap with GEO1040 ¨C Introduction to programming with applications in geosciences (discontinued).
• 7 credits overlap with INF1001 ¨C Grunnkurs i objektorientert programmering (discontinued).
• 7 credits overlap with INF1100 ¨C Introduction to programming with scientific applications (continued).
• 7 credits overlap with IN-GEO1900 ¨C Introduction to Programming for Geosciences.
• 7 credits overlap with IN-KJM1900 ¨C Introduction to Programming for Chemists.
• 6 credits overlap with INF1000 ¨C Introduction to object-oriented programming (continued).
• 5 credits overlap with MAT-IN1105 ¨C Programming, Modelling and Computations (discontinued).
• 5 credits overlap with MAT-INF1100L ¨C Programming, Modelling and Computations (continued).
• 5 credits overlap with JUS5080 ¨C Programming for lawyers.
• 5 credits overlap with JUR1080 ¨C Programming for lawyers (discontinued).

Teaching

The teaching consists of:

• Lectures

• Participatory live coding

• Organized group tutorials (mandatory)

• Exercise session (mandatory)

• Field module (mandatory)

• Open hour: working with exercises with learning assistants present

Mandatory course work must be approved to sit the exam.?

Approved mandatory coursework?is?valid for 3 years.

Attendance is mandatory for the first lecture. This also applies for those on the waiting list. You will lose your seat on the course if notice is not given to the student administration studieinfo@ibv.uio.no prior to the first lecture.

As the teaching involves laboratory and/or field work, consider taking out your own travel and personal injury insurance. Read about?insurance for students.

Access to teaching: A student who has completed compulsory instruction and coursework and has had these approved, is not entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework. A student who has been admitted to a course, but who has not completed compulsory instruction and coursework or had these approved, is entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework, depending on available capacity.

Examination

Midterm written exam that counts 20 % towards the final grade.

Final written exam which counts 80 % towards the final grade.?

This course has mandatory exercises that must be approved before you can sit the final?exam.

Examination support material

No examination support material is allowed?during the midterm exam.

Some examination support material,?such as the textbook and exercise materials, will be made available during the final exam.

Language of examination

The examination text is only given in Norwegian (bokm?l). You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.

Resit an examination

This course offers both postponed and resit of examination. Read more:

• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Withdrawal during an examination / Resitting an examination

More about examinations at UiO

• Use of sources and citations
• How to use AI as a student
• Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
• Withdrawal from an exam
• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Explanation of grades and appeals
• Resitting an exam
• Cheating/attempted cheating

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.