The study of life has seen significant change over the past century. Much like the transformation that occurred in physics in the late 1600's under the leadership of Isaac Newton, descriptive approaches to biology are now giving way to approaches rich in quantitative analysis. Recent studies in such fields as ecology, evolution, genetics, development, physiology, and molecular biology require an understanding of calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, probability, statistics, and computer science. For aspiring mathematicians - this means that there is a wealth of interesting projects to pursue in the field of biology. For aspiring biologists - this means that you should empower yourself by acquiring a knowledge of mathematics!

The Models of Life homepage features some of the work being done at Kenyon (and elsewhere) in computational biology.

Course Information

Course Syllabus: BLOCK I & BLOCK II

Course Resources

Nkululeko Moyo '02 Kulu is from Zimbabwe. He is a double math/econ major and a member of Kenyon's soccer team!

Topic: Modeling the Construction of a Spider Web. Summer Science, 2000 Abstract: The web of a spider can appear very complex in its design and construction. However, observation has revealed that the common garden spider, or cross spider, constructs its web by following a few relatively simple rules. In this project we developed a spider web model using the software package Maple. Our model simulated the way the cross spider constructs its web as observed and described in the existing literature. We assumed that the spokes and frame were already in place and simulated the construction of the spider's capture spiral, assuming an arithmetic spiral geometry. The most difficult part of the project was modeling the switchbacks in the web, that is, those places where the spider changes directions. Read more about my project here.

Joshua White '01 Josh is a physics major and a star on Kenyon's swimming team!

Topic: Modeling Tree Structure and Growth using L-systems and Java3D. Summer Science, 2000 Abstract: In this project, I modeled the growth of trees using L-systems and Java. In particular, I wrote a Java program that rendered cylinders of appropriate size and position. I included an element of randomness to make the model more realistic, and my model was desiged in "modular form", allowing for future modifications (e.g., one can easily adapt my program to model a specific species of tree). The cylinders were processed and rendered for real time three dimensional rotatable viewing using the software package Java-3D. They also include such enhancements as a bark texture on the cylinders, broadening of the trunk at the base, multiple light sources, and a plane to imitate ground at the base of the tree. To learn more, click here.

Llewellyn Jones '01 Llewellyn is a double math and economics major. He recently ran the Columbus Marathon with Professor Brad Hartlaub (of Mathematics).

Topic: Modeling Branching Patterns with Lindenmayer systems. Summer Science, 1999 Abstract: The goal of this project was to model branching patterns in trees using L-systems and turtle geometry. I used the computer software package Maple and the work of biologist Aristid Lindenmayer. Click here for more details.

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Last Modified: August 23, 2003