Lecturer for LS30B Spring 2025 for lIfe Sciences Core Curriculum Program

Department of Life Sciences Core Curriculum Lecturer Position

Available: Spring 2025

Primary role of position:

Primary role of position:

Provide instruction in LS 30B Mathematics for Life Scientists. Duties include the following:

* Lecture 3 hours

* Computational laboratory 1 hour.

* Hold office hours

* Prepare and submit student grades

* Supervise/Mentor Graduate Teaching Assistants and Learning Assistants

LIFE SCIENCE 30B Mathematics for Life Scientists

Course Description:

The course teaches mathematical modeling as a tool for understanding the dynamics of biological systems. We will begin with the fundamental concepts of single-variable calculus, and then develop single- and multi-variable differential equation models of dynamical processes in ecology, physiology and other subjects in which quantities change with time. The laboratory will use the free computer program Sage for problem-solving, plotting and dynamical simulation. The necessary basic programming concepts and skills, such as program flow control and data structures, will be introduced. (No prior programming experience is assumed.)

Student Preparation: three years of high school mathematics (up to Algebra II), some basic familiarity with computers.

Grading:

The final grade will be determined by homework (10%), lab exercises (10%), 2 midterms (20% each) and a (cumulative) final exam (40%). The student will receive either this grade OR the final exam grade less 5 points, in case that is larger. Students receive a Letter grading.

Textbook:

Modeling Life: The Mathematics of Biological Systems, by Alan Garfinkel, Jane Shevtsov, and Yina Guo (https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-319-59731-7)

Submit application materials on-line to:

Lecturer for LS 30B Spring 2025 Salary dependent upon qualifications.

Department: https://www.lscore.ucla.edu/

Qualifications include a Ph.D. degree in a life science discipline (Biology, Microbiology, Physiology, Biochemistry, Neuroscience, Genetics or other related field) or a Ph.D. in Mathematical discipline (Mathematics, Biomathematics). Candidate must have experience in undergraduate teaching at a university level and substantial knowledge of evidence-based pedagogy.

Candidate must also have a strong background in the use of deterministic models in biological systems. The course uses nonlinear multi-variable differential equations as models for processes in ecology, physiology, biochemistry, epidemiology and other subjects in the Life Sciences. Computer simulation of these systems is a critical feature of the course. Most importantly, since our students are freshmen and sophomores, many of whom may not have had calculus, it is absolutely necessary that the instructor have a proven background of being able to talk about mathematical modeling to non-mathematicians, even people whose background is high school math.

• 3-5 letters of reference required

References may be contacted after initial interviews, but prior to making an offer of employment.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy, please visit https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-035.pdf.

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.