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Quantitative Methods for Biology

Michael Springer

Are you a biologist, health worker, or medical student who needs to learn how to program? Are you a programmer who wants a better understanding of the medical field? Are you looking for an introduction to MATLAB?

For beginners, Quantitative Methods for Biology takes a unique approach, giving you an inside glimpse of a course and its learners. You'll study alongside students who are also learning to code.

Read more

Are you a biologist, health worker, or medical student who needs to learn how to program? Are you a programmer who wants a better understanding of the medical field? Are you looking for an introduction to MATLAB?

For beginners, Quantitative Methods for Biology takes a unique approach, giving you an inside glimpse of a course and its learners. You'll study alongside students who are also learning to code.

For expert programmers, this course has a will help you learn the MATLAB you need without getting slowed down by introductory concepts that you already know. Whether you're already comfortable with Python, Javascript, r, or some other language, we'll help you translate that knowledge to MATLAB.

All learners will be able to access MATLAB Online, which they can use during the run of the course, free of charge.

In this new run of the course, assignments have been simplified and streamlined to ensure greater browser compatibility.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • The basics of matlab
  • How to troubleshoot your code
  • Basic biological and medical applications

Syllabus

This course offers the following modules:
Introduction to MATLAB
Arrays
Images
Read more
Loops
Functions and Scripts
Data Collection and Analysis
Arrays, pt 2
Special Topics
Yeast Showdown
Pro Tips
References and Tools

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Provides foundational skills for beginners in MATLAB, which is a standard for working with data in biological and medical fields
Well-suited for biologist, health workers, and medical students who want to learn MATLAB for data analysis and modeling
Provides hands-on practice with MATLAB Online, allowing learners to apply their knowledge directly
Includes modules on data collection and analysis, arrays, loops, functions, and scripts, providing a comprehensive overview of MATLAB's capabilities
Covers troubleshooting techniques, ensuring learners can identify and resolve coding issues independently
Simplified assignments and enhanced browser compatibility ensure a smooth learning experience for all participants

Save this course

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Quantitative Methods for Biology with these activities:
Review the basics of MATLAB
Solidify a baseline understanding of MATLAB and coding principles to prepare for course content.
Browse courses on MATLAB
Show steps
  • Review online tutorials or documentation on MATLAB basics.
  • Complete practice problems or exercises involving basic MATLAB operations.
Review MATLAB basics
Refresh your understanding of MATLAB fundamentals before starting the course to ensure a strong foundation.
Browse courses on MATLAB Programming
Show steps
  • Go through your notes or previous coursework on MATLAB.
  • Solve basic MATLAB exercises to test your understanding.
Read 'MATLAB for Engineers' by Holly Moore
Supplement course material with a comprehensive reference book on MATLAB for engineers.
View MATLAB for Engineers on Amazon
Show steps
  • Acquire a copy of 'MATLAB for Engineers'.
  • Review chapters relevant to course topics.
  • Use the book as a reference for additional information and examples.
11 other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 14 activities
Organize course materials
Stay organized by compiling and reviewing your course notes, assignments, and quizzes to enhance your learning.
Browse courses on MATLAB Programming
Show steps
  • Create a dedicated folder or notebook for the course.
  • File and organize your materials systematically.
  • Review your materials regularly to reinforce your understanding.
Explore online tutorials
Supplement your learning with guided tutorials to enhance your understanding of MATLAB concepts.
Browse courses on MATLAB Programming
Show steps
  • Follow interactive tutorials on platforms like MATLAB Central or Coursera.
  • Watch video tutorials on YouTube or other video-sharing platforms.
Practice coding exercises
Reinforce your understanding of MATLAB fundamentals through repetitive exercises.
Browse courses on MATLAB Programming
Show steps
  • Solve coding challenges on online platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank.
  • Create your own simple MATLAB programs and practice debugging them.
Solve coding problems using MATLAB
Strengthen coding skills and apply MATLAB knowledge to solve practical problems.
Browse courses on MATLAB
Show steps
  • Find online coding challenges or platforms (e.g., LeetCode).
  • Select problems that align with course topics or concepts.
  • Solve problems using MATLAB and troubleshoot code errors.
Join a study group
Enhance your learning through collaboration by joining a study group to discuss concepts, solve problems, and support each other.
Browse courses on MATLAB Programming
Show steps
  • Identify or form a study group with peers in the course.
  • Meet regularly to review materials, brainstorm ideas, and work on assignments together.
Join a MATLAB study group
Engage with peers to discuss course concepts, share knowledge, and support each other's learning.
Browse courses on MATLAB
Show steps
  • Find or create a study group with classmates or online.
  • Schedule regular meetings to discuss course material.
  • Work together to solve problems, clarify concepts, and prepare for assessments.
Develop a MATLAB project
Apply your MATLAB skills by embarking on a project that challenges your abilities and reinforces your understanding.
Browse courses on MATLAB Programming
Show steps
  • Identify a problem or area of interest that you can solve using MATLAB.
  • Design and implement your project, ensuring it showcases your MATLAB proficiency.
  • Document your project with clear explanations and code comments.
Build a MATLAB project
Apply course knowledge to create a hands-on project that demonstrates MATLAB proficiency and problem-solving abilities.
Browse courses on MATLAB
Show steps
  • Identify a problem or idea that can be solved using MATLAB.
  • Design and implement a MATLAB program to address the problem.
  • Test and debug the program to ensure it meets specifications.
  • Write documentation or a report explaining the project and results.
Explore advanced MATLAB techniques
Expand knowledge and skills in MATLAB by exploring advanced tutorials or courses.
Browse courses on MATLAB
Show steps
  • Identify areas where MATLAB proficiency can be enhanced.
  • Find online tutorials or courses that cover advanced MATLAB techniques.
  • Follow the tutorials and complete practice exercises.
Develop a MATLAB data analysis pipeline
Apply MATLAB skills to build a comprehensive data analysis pipeline for a real-world dataset.
Browse courses on MATLAB
Show steps
  • Identify a dataset and define the analysis objectives.
  • Write MATLAB code to import, clean, and explore the data.
  • Develop algorithms or models for data analysis using MATLAB.
  • Create visualizations and reports to present the results.
Attend a MATLAB workshop or conference
Enhance knowledge and skills through hands-on workshops or conferences focused on MATLAB.
Browse courses on MATLAB
Show steps
  • Find local or online MATLAB workshops or conferences.
  • Register and attend the event.
  • Engage with experts, learn new techniques, and network with professionals in the field.

Career center

Learners who complete Quantitative Methods for Biology will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Computational Biologist
Computational Biologists rely on mathematical and computational principles to analyze complex biological systems, often using MATLAB to manage and manipulate large datasets. This course provides a solid foundation in MATLAB, including data collection, analysis, and troubleshooting, which are essential skills for success in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Computational Biologist
Biostatistician
Biostatisticians use statistical methods to analyze and interpret biological data, often using MATLAB for data management and analysis. This course provides a strong foundation in MATLAB, including data collection, analysis, and troubleshooting, which are essential skills for success in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Biostatistician
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use mathematical and computational skills to extract insights from data, often using MATLAB for data management and analysis. This course provides a strong foundation in MATLAB, including data collection, analysis, and troubleshooting, which are essential skills for success in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist
Bioinformatics Scientist
Bioinformatics Scientists use computational tools to analyze and interpret biological data, often using MATLAB for data management and analysis. This course provides a strong foundation in MATLAB, including data collection, analysis, and troubleshooting, which are essential skills for success in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Bioinformatics Scientist
Medical Physicist
Medical Physicists use physics principles to solve problems in medicine, often using MATLAB for data analysis and modeling. This course provides a strong foundation in MATLAB, including data collection, analysis, and troubleshooting, which are essential skills for success in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Physicist
Quantitative Analyst
Quantitative Analysts use mathematical and statistical modeling to analyze financial data, often using MATLAB for data management and analysis. This course provides a strong foundation in MATLAB, including data collection, analysis, and troubleshooting, which are essential skills for success in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Quantitative Analyst
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems, often using MATLAB for data analysis and modeling. This course provides a strong foundation in MATLAB, including data collection, analysis, and troubleshooting, which are essential skills for success in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer
Consultant
Consultants provide expert advice to businesses and organizations, often using MATLAB for data analysis and modeling. This course provides a strong foundation in MATLAB, including data collection, analysis, and troubleshooting, which are essential skills for success in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant
Business Analyst
Business Analysts use data analysis and modeling to improve business processes, often using MATLAB for data management and analysis. This course provides a strong foundation in MATLAB, including data collection, analysis, and troubleshooting, which are essential skills for success in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst
Actuary
Actuaries use mathematical and statistical techniques to assess risk and uncertainty, often using MATLAB for data analysis and modeling. This course provides a strong foundation in MATLAB, including data collection, analysis, and troubleshooting, which are essential skills for success in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Actuary
Statistician
Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data, often using MATLAB for data management and analysis. This course provides a strong foundation in MATLAB, including data collection, analysis, and troubleshooting, which are essential skills for success in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician
Research Scientist
Research Scientists conduct scientific research, often using MATLAB for data analysis and modeling. This course provides a strong foundation in MATLAB, including data collection, analysis, and troubleshooting, which are essential skills for success in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist
Operations Research Analyst
Operations Research Analysts use mathematical and analytical techniques to solve problems in business and industry, often using MATLAB for data analysis and modeling. This course provides a strong foundation in MATLAB, including data collection, analysis, and troubleshooting, which are essential skills for success in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts use financial data to make investment recommendations, often using MATLAB for data analysis and modeling. This course provides a strong foundation in MATLAB, including data collection, analysis, and troubleshooting, which are essential skills for success in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst
Data Analyst
Data analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data, often using MATLAB for data management and analysis. This course provides a strong foundation in MATLAB, including data collection, analysis, and troubleshooting, which are essential skills for success in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Quantitative Methods for Biology.
Cover image
Numerical Methods for Engineers
Save
Comprehensive guide to MATLAB programming for engineers and scientists. It covers the basics of the language as well as more advanced topics such as data analysis, visualization, and optimization. It valuable resource for both beginners and experienced MATLAB users.
Numerical Methods for Engineers
Paperback
Check
Numerical Methods for Engineers
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Numerical Computing with MATLAB
Save
Classic introduction to numerical computing with MATLAB. It covers the basics of numerical analysis as well as more advanced topics such as linear algebra, optimization, and differential equations. It valuable resource for both beginners and experienced MATLAB users.
Numerical Computing with MATLAB
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
Simulating, Analyzing, and Animating Dynamical...
Save
Comprehensive guide to MATLAB for computational biology. It covers the basics of the language as well as more advanced topics such as data analysis, visualization, and modeling. It valuable resource for both beginners and experienced MATLAB users.
Simulating, Analyzing, and Animating Dynamical...
Paperback
$$$$
Simulating, Analyzing, and Animating Dynamical...
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
MATLAB for Machine Learning
Save
Comprehensive guide to MATLAB for machine learning. It covers the basics of the language as well as more advanced topics such as data analysis, visualization, and machine learning algorithms. It valuable resource for both beginners and experienced MATLAB users.
MATLAB for Machine Learning - Second Edition:...
Paperback
$$
MATLAB for Machine Learning: Practical examples of...
Paperback
$$$
MATLAB for Machine Learning: Unlock the power of...
Kindle Edition
$$
MATLAB for Machine Learning
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
MATLAB Deep Learning
Save
Comprehensive guide to deep learning with MATLAB. It covers the basics of deep learning as well as more advanced topics such as convolutional neural networks, recurrent neural networks, and generative adversarial networks. It valuable resource for both beginners and experienced MATLAB users.
MATLAB Deep Learning: With Machine Learning, Neural...
Kindle Edition
$$
MATLAB Deep Learning: With Machine Learning, Neural...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
An Introduction to Multiphase, Multicomponent...
Save
Friendly and accessible introduction to MATLAB for students. It covers the basics of the language as well as more advanced topics such as data analysis, visualization, and programming. It valuable resource for both beginners and experienced MATLAB users.
An Introduction to Multiphase, Multicomponent...
Paperback
$$$
An Introduction to Multiphase, Multicomponent...
Kindle Edition
$$$

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Course image
Effort
3 to 5 hours per week for 10 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
Harvard University
Instructor
Michael Springer
Language
English
Transcript
English
Good to know
Provides foundational skills for beginners in MATLAB, which is a standard for working with data in biological and medical fields
Well-suited for biologist, health workers, and medical students who want to learn MATLAB for data analysis and modeling
Provides hands-on practice with MATLAB Online, allowing learners to apply their knowledge directly
Includes modules on data collection and analysis, arrays, loops, functions, and scripts, providing a comprehensive overview of MATLAB's capabilities
Covers troubleshooting techniques, ensuring learners can identify and resolve coding issues independently
Simplified assignments and enhanced browser compatibility ensure a smooth learning experience for all participants
Share and help others discover this course.
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