Theoretical
biology is the field of biology where modelling is used to achieve
understanding of biotic phenomena. This includes things like game
theoretical
models in behavioural ecology, optimality models in evolutionary
biology and
population ecological models. Theoretical biology plays an important
role in
all fields of biology. However, theoretical biology is sometimes
considered
problematic in the light of how biological theories are built. Is such
scepticism
warranted? To answer this question we must investigate the aims, domain
and
constraints of theoretical biology.
This study
group approaches theoretical biology from this general perspective of
philosophy of science.
We will tackle questions like: -What
are theories and models, and what are they good for? -What
are laws of nature and do such things exist in biology? -Do
biological theories represent laws of nature? Should they? -Why
are laws of nature typically quantitative in physics, and is this
possible in
biology? -Are
biological phenomena fundamentally different from physical systems, and
are
quantitative laws and theories for this reason problematic in biology?
The study
group is targeted to biology students of all fields. No experience of
mathematical modelling is required. The course will be held in English
if there
are non-Finnish speaking participants.
Time: 2.11. – 14.12., Wednesday 12 – 15. Place: room 6203, Biocenter 3 Methods (3 – 6 credits): Participation in
discussions, writing abstracts of the papers discussed, more credits
can be
obtained by giving a presentation.
The number
of participants is limited, so register beforehand
(heikki.helantera@helsinki.fi, tuomas.pernu@helsinki.fi) by sending us
a short
“CV” with your name, the year when you started your studies, your
major, and a
short description of why you are interested in the course.
Heikki
Helanterä, Department of biological and environmental sciences (heikki.helantera@helsinki.fi) Tuomas K.
Pernu, Department of Philosophy (tuomkas.pernu@helsinki.fi)