Quantitative Methods for Biology from edX

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.

What's inside

Learning objectives

The basics of matlab
How to troubleshoot your code

Basic biological and medical applications

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

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Introduces MATLAB, which is widely used in biological research for data analysis, modeling, and simulations, making it a valuable tool for professionals in these fields

Helps translate existing programming knowledge in languages like Python, Javascript, and R to MATLAB, allowing programmers to quickly adapt to MATLAB for biological applications

Covers troubleshooting techniques, which are essential for new programmers to independently resolve issues and improve their coding skills in MATLAB and other languages

Focuses on biological and medical applications, providing relevant context and examples for learners in these fields to understand how MATLAB can be applied to their specific areas of interest

Provides access to MATLAB Online, which removes the barrier of software installation and ensures all learners can participate fully in the course regardless of their computer setup

Includes a module on data collection and analysis, which are fundamental skills for researchers and professionals who need to process and interpret experimental data using MATLAB

Reviews summary

Matlab fundamentals for biology

According to learners, Quantitative Methods for Biology provides a solid introduction to MATLAB for beginners, especially those in biological fields. Access to MATLAB Online is a major benefit, simplifying software setup. The curriculum covers foundational concepts like arrays, loops, and functions. Reviewers noted that the pace can be uneven for the mixed audience of biologists and programmers, and experienced coders might find the content somewhat basic. However, the biological examples and applications are highly relevant and engaging. Reports suggest assignments have been simplified in newer versions, making them more manageable.

Applications ground learning in biology.

"The examples using biological data were really helpful and kept me engaged."

"I found the modules on images and data analysis particularly useful for my research."

"Seeing how MATLAB is applied to real biology problems made the concepts click."

Convenient way to use the software needed.

"I really appreciated having MATLAB Online provided for free during the course."

"Using the online version made it easy to follow along with the lectures."

"No need to install software, the online access was a huge plus for me."

Builds a strong base in MATLAB basics.

"This course gave me a really solid foundation in MATLAB, starting from scratch."

"The explanations of arrays, loops, and functions were very clear."

"I feel much more confident using MATLAB after completing the basic modules."

May lack depth for experienced coders.

"As someone with a coding background, I was hoping for more advanced topics or optimization."

"The course covers the basics well, but doesn't go deep into specific MATLAB features."

"Felt a bit too introductory in parts for my programming skill level."

Assignments were challenging but improved.

"Some of the assignments were quite tricky, especially early on."

"I heard previous runs had tougher assignments, the simplified ones felt manageable."

"Completing the assignments was crucial for understanding, even when they were difficult."

Pace challenging for varied programming levels.

"As a biologist with no coding background, the pace felt quite fast at times."

"For me as a programmer, the initial modules were a bit slow, but it picked up."

"Bridging the gap between biology and coding concepts was the hardest part for me."

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:

Brush up on basic programming concepts

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Reviewing fundamental programming concepts will help you grasp MATLAB syntax and logic more easily.

Browse courses on Programming Fundamentals

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Review variables, data types, and operators.
Practice writing simple programs with conditional statements and loops.
Familiarize yourself with debugging techniques.

Review 'MATLAB for Dummies'

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Reading 'MATLAB for Dummies' will provide a solid foundation in MATLAB, making it easier to follow the course material.

View MATLAB For Dummies on Amazon

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Read the chapters covering basic syntax and data structures.
Work through the examples provided in the book.
Try to apply the concepts learned to simple biological problems.

Practice coding with a classmate

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Collaborating with a classmate will help you solidify your understanding of MATLAB and troubleshoot your code more effectively.

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Choose a classmate to work with.
Work together on the assignments.
Review each other's code and provide feedback.

Four other activities

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Complete MATLAB coding exercises

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Practicing coding exercises will reinforce your understanding of MATLAB syntax and logic.

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Find online resources with MATLAB coding exercises.
Complete the exercises, focusing on areas where you struggle.
Review the solutions and identify areas for improvement.

Analyze biological data using MATLAB

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Working on a project will allow you to apply your MATLAB skills to a real-world problem.

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Find a biological dataset to analyze.
Use MATLAB to perform data analysis and visualization.
Write a report summarizing your findings.

Create a MATLAB tutorial for a specific biological application

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Creating a tutorial will help you solidify your understanding of MATLAB and share your knowledge with others.

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Choose a specific biological application to focus on.
Write a step-by-step tutorial with code examples.
Share your tutorial with others online.

Review 'Essential MATLAB for Engineers and Scientists'

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Reading 'Essential MATLAB for Engineers and Scientists' will provide a more in-depth understanding of MATLAB, allowing you to tackle more complex biological problems.

View Essential MATLAB for Engineers and Scientists on Amazon

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Read the chapters covering advanced programming techniques.
Work through the examples provided in the book.
Try to apply the concepts learned to more complex biological problems.

Career center

Learners who complete Quantitative Methods for Biology will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Bioinformatics Analyst

A bioinformatics analyst uses computational tools to analyze biological data, often focusing on genomics, proteomics, and other large datasets. With a foundation in programming through MATLAB, you will be well-equipped to handle the data analysis aspects of this role. This course helps familiarize you with the basics of MATLAB and its biological applications. The modules on data collection and analysis, as well as arrays, are particularly relevant, helping you to wrangle and interpret complex biological datasets. For aspiring bioinformatics analysts, this course prepares you to handle the quantitative aspects of biological research. You will gain exposure to image processing with MATLAB and its applications to biology and medicine.

See salaries and explore the career path for Bioinformatics Analyst

Biostatistician

Biostatisticians apply statistical methods to biological and health-related research. Quantitative Methods for Biology helps you gain proficiency in MATLAB, a valuable tool for statistical analysis. The skills acquired directly support the creation of statistical models and the interpretation of complex biological datasets. The modules on data collection and analysis, functions, and special topics help you apply statistical programming in research. For aspiring biostatisticians, this course helps you approach biological research with a quantitative mindset.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biostatistician

Computational Biologist

Computational biologists develop and apply computational methods to model and analyze biological systems. This course will be useful because it helps build a foundation in MATLAB, a tool for biological modeling. It helps you apply programming skills to creating simulations of biological processes. The modules on functions and scripts and on loops will be particularly useful for creating these simulations. For aspiring computational biologists, MATLAB will be an essential tool for simulating complex biological interactions. The course may be useful for programmers of all levels.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computational Biologist

Research Scientist

Research scientists design and conduct experiments, analyze data, and report findings. Quantitative Methods for Biology will be useful for any scientist who needs to process numerical data stemming from experiments. By taking this course, you gain an understanding of how to analyze your data with MATLAB. With modules on data collection and analysis, functions and scripts, and other special topics, you will be able to streamline your research process. This course may be useful to scientists of all levels, including those who have some familiarity with other programming languages, because it gives you an overview of MATLAB and its uses.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist

Medical Researcher

Medical researchers investigate diseases and develop new treatments. This course may be useful because it helps you programmatically analyze data. By taking this course, you will learn how to use MATLAB in your research. You will learn MATLAB while studying alongside biology and medical students. If you are already comfortable with programming, you will learn the MATLAB you need without getting bogged down by introductory concepts. You will be able to apply your existing programming knowledge to a new language while broadening your understanding of the medical field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Researcher

Genomic Data Analyst

Genomic data analysts focus on analyzing genomic data to understand genetic variations and their impact on health. This course may be useful because it teaches users how to analyze genomic data. This course's modules on arrays and data collection and analysis will be particularly useful here. The course gives you exposure to MATLAB, which is used across biological and medicine fields. This will help you apply programming skills to genomic analysis. The course may be useful for those who already know other programming languages.

See salaries and explore the career path for Genomic Data Analyst

Research Associate

Research associates support research projects by collecting data, conducting experiments, and analyzing results. Quantitative Methods for Biology may be useful because it gives you the tools you need to fulfill your responsibilities. This course helps improve proficiency in MATLAB, aiding in data analysis. The modules on image processing and data analysis with MATLAB will be directly applicable to your daily tasks. For research associates, this course offers a practical approach, teaching you how to analyze diverse types of biological data with confidence. You will also learn how to troubleshoot your code.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Associate

Data Scientist

Data scientists analyze large datasets to extract meaningful insights and inform decision-making. The course, Quantitative Methods for Biology, may be useful because it introduces the basics of MATLAB, a powerful tool for data analysis. The MATLAB skills you gain are directly transferable to the data science field, especially in areas dealing with biological or medical data. The course helps build foundational knowledge in MATLAB, including data collection and analysis techniques, image processing, and the use of functions and scripts. For aspiring data scientists, this course offers a unique entry point by focusing on biological applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Pharmaceutical Scientist

Pharmaceutical scientists are involved in the research and development of new drugs and therapies. The course helps you learn MATLAB, which may be useful for analyzing data related to drug development. You will learn how to troubleshoot, as well as how to identify basic biological and medical applications. Through the course, you will also learn how to collect and analyze data using MATLAB. This course may also give you a useful introduction into the world of computer programming. It also offers a look into coding alongside health workers and medical students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Pharmaceutical Scientist

Medical Informatics Specialist

Medical informatics specialists manage and analyze healthcare data to improve patient care and outcomes. This course may be useful because it introduces the basics of MATLAB, which is used to analyze healthcare data. Modules such as Data Collection and Analysis, Arrays, and Functions and Scripts, will be particularly useful. By taking this course, you can translate your existing programming knowledge to MATLAB. In addition, all learners will have access to MATLAB Online free of charge.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Informatics Specialist

Statistical Programmer

Statistical programmers develop and maintain software for statistical analysis. This course may be useful because it teaches you how to use MATLAB. By taking this course, you will learn how to use MATLAB for biological and medical applications. The course also includes modules on data collection and analysis, functions and scripts, and more, which may be useful to statistical programmers. This course is especially useful for programmers who know other languages but want to learn MATLAB. The course will directly help you translate your language skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistical Programmer

Laboratory Technician

Laboratory technicians perform tests and experiments in a laboratory setting. This course may be useful because it teaches you how to use MATLAB in a lab setting. By taking this course, you will be introduced to the basics of MATLAB, including troubleshooting your code. You will also learn the basics of biological and medical applications. The skills you learn in this course will also help you collect and analyze data. The data collection and analysis module will be particularly useful.

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Clinical Data Manager

Clinical data managers oversee the collection, storage, and analysis of data from clinical trials. Quantitative Methods for Biology may be useful because it gives you the tools to wrangle data. This course will help familiarize you with the basics of MATLAB, which may be used in your work with clinical trials. The modules on data collection and analysis, as well as arrays, are particularly relevant, helping you manage and interpret clinical datasets. For aspiring clinical data managers, this course may be a practical tool.

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Healthcare Analyst

Healthcare analysts use data to improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. This course may be useful because it introduces the basics of MATLAB, a tool for data analysis. By taking this course, you will be able to apply your data analysis skills to the healthcare field. The course will also expose you to the basics of healthcare research. This course may be useful to those who already know other programming languages, because it introduces a new language while broadening your understanding of medicine.

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Software Engineer

Software engineers design, develop, and test software applications. This course may be useful because it introduces MATLAB. Even if you are already an expert programmer, you can use this course to directly translate your knowledge into MATLAB. The course includes modules on loops, functions and scripts, and arrays. Because you can access MATLAB Online for free during the run of the course, you can begin practicing your skills right away. Further, you will be able to study the basics of biological and medical applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Reading list

We've selected two 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.

Essential MATLAB for Engineers and Scientists

Save

Comprehensive guide to MATLAB, covering a wide range of topics from basic syntax to advanced programming techniques. It is particularly useful for students who want to delve deeper into MATLAB and learn how to use it for more complex tasks. The book includes numerous examples and exercises, making it an excellent resource for self-study. It is commonly used as a textbook in engineering and science courses.

Essential MATLAB for Engineers and Scientists

Kindle Edition

MATLAB For Dummies

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Provides a gentle introduction to MATLAB, covering the basics of the language and its applications. It is particularly useful for beginners who have little to no prior programming experience. The book offers a step-by-step approach to learning MATLAB, making it easy to follow along and understand the concepts. It can be used as a reference tool throughout the course.

MATLAB For Dummies

Paperback

Quantitative Methods for Biology

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Matlab fundamentals for biology

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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