2026 CMS Winter Meeting
Montreal, Dec 11 - 14, 2026
Theory and Applications of Dynamical Systems in Biology
Org: Afroditi Talidou (University of Calgary)
Org: Afroditi Talidou (University of Calgary)
- MUHAMMAD AHMAD, McGill University
- CHRISTINA ATHANASOULI, Williams College
- MAURICE CHACRON, McGill University
- WEN CHUNG, Toronto Metropolitan University
- NICOLAS DOYON, Université Laval
- ANDRÉ RICKES, University of Calgary
- TURNER SILVERTHORNE, University of Toronto
- MARIA SISKAKI, University of California, Los Angeles
Dynamical Systems from Day One: Reimagining the First University Math Course for Life Science Majors [PDF]
- CHRISTINA ATHANASOULI, Williams College
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Modern biology requires foundational quantitative competencies such as modeling nonlinear feedback mechanisms, analyzing point and limit cycle attractors, classifying stability, and interpreting bifurcations. However, standard undergraduate curricula channel students through the calculus sequence, which is a pathway that emphasizes analytical techniques at the expense of dynamical systems modeling. Consequently, calculus is increasingly scrutinized as the default math prerequisite for biological sciences. In this talk, I present UCLA’s alternative approach: an introductory course on dynamical systems targeting first-year students, without requiring the standard calculus pipeline. This course is aligned with national reports on quantitative biology education, and provides an immediate, relevant foundation in dynamical systems techniques starting from the students’ very first term in college.
- AFRODITI TALIDOU, University of Calgary