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636-0009-00L 6 Credits DR , MSC D-BSSE , D-INFK , D-BIOL , D-MATH
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Evolutionary Dynamics

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Niko Beerenwinkel
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:30:43

Abstract

Evolutionary dynamics is concerned with the mathematical principles according to which life has evolved. This course offers an introduction to mathematical modeling of evolution, including deterministic and stochastic models, with an emphasis on tumor evolution.

Objective

The goal of this course is to understand and to appreciate mathematical models and computational methods that provide insight into the evolutionary process in general and tumor evolution in particular. Students should analyze and evaluate models and their application critically and be able to design new models.

Content

Evolution is the one theory that encompasses all of biology. It provides a single, unifying concept to understand the living systems that we observe today. We will introduce several types of mathematical models of evolution to describe gene frequency changes over time in the context of different biological systems, focusing on asexual populations. Viruses and cancer cells provide the most prominent examples of such systems and they are at the same time of great biomedical interest. The course will cover some classical mathematical population genetics and population dynamics, and also introduce several new approaches. This is reflected in a diverse set of mathematical concepts which make their appearance throughout the course, all of which are introduced from scratch. Topics covered include the quasispecies equation, evolution of HIV, evolutionary game theory, evolutionary stability, evolutionary graph theory, tumor evolution, stochastic tunneling, genetic progression of cancer, diffusion theory, fitness landscapes, branching processes, and evolutionary escape.

Resources

Lecture Notes

No.

Literature

- Evolutionary Dynamics. Martin A. Nowak. The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 2006. - Evolutionary Theory: Mathematical and Conceptual Foundations. Sean H. Rice. Sinauer Associates, Inc., 2004.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DR , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 90 minutes
Aids
None
The final grade is 70% written session examination and 30% project. The practical projects are compulsory continuous performance assessments (60 hours of work, 2 credits) of the course. The project has to be re-run in case of a repetition.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Evolutionary Dynamics
The lecture takes place in person at D-BSSE in BASEL. Attention: lecture and tutorial will start in the second week of the semester.
  • Thu 09:15-11:00 (BSS E 23)
2 h weekly
exercise Evolutionary Dynamics
The lecture takes place in person at D-BSSE in BASEL. Attention: lecture and tutorial will start in the second week of the semester.
  • Thu 11:15-12:00 (BSS E 23)
1 h weekly
independent project Evolutionary Dynamics
Project Work (compulsory continuous performance assessment), no fixed presence required.
No time listed 2 h weekly

Offered In