本課程將介紹如何透過程式語言(Python)使用電腦對數種生物系統的動態模型進行數值模態(numerical simulation)。由於電腦硬體的進展，科學家應用個人電腦模擬及分析生物系統之門檻已經大為降低。本課程所介紹的生物模型包括分子層次的酵素化學動態，流行病學中疾病傳播模式，以及生態尺度中的族群生長及互動模式。本課程的設計理念鼓勵生物學領域以外的同學加入跨領域的合作及對話。課程強調的另一個重點將放在程式的邏輯分析及模組化結構。最後，在課程的後段將簡短地介紹圖形(視窗)化介面程式的編寫方法。雖然教學內容會使用微分方程式，但數學能力並非學習的關鍵。

This course will introduce how to use computers to conduct numerical simulation of dynamic models of several biological systems through programming language (Python). Due to the advancement of computer hardware, the threshold for scientists to use personal computers to simulate and analyze biological systems has been greatly lowered. The biological models introduced in this course include enzyme chemical dynamics at the molecular level, disease transmission patterns in epidemiology, and population growth and interaction patterns at the ecological scale. The design concept of this course encourages students outside the field of biology to join in cross-field collaboration and dialogue. Another focus of the course will be on the logical analysis and modular structure of programs. Finally, the method of writing graphical (window) interface programs will be briefly introduced at the end of the course. Although differential equations will be used in the teaching content, mathematical ability is not the key to learning.

Swaroop CH, A byte of Python, 4rd ed., https://www.gitbook.com/book/swaroopch/byte-of-python/details, 2016.

John W. Shipman, Tkinter 8.5 reference: a GUI for Python, New Mexico Tech Computer Center, http://www.nmt.edu/tcc/help/pubs/tkinter/, 2015.

Peter Wentworth, Jeffrey Elkner, Allen B. Downey, and Chris Meyers, How to think like a computer scientist – Learning with Python 3, Rhodes Local Edition, http://openbookproject.net/thinkcs/python/english3e/, 2012.

Bill Lubanovic, Introducing Python, 2nd ed., O’Reilly Media, Inc., 2015

Swaroop CH, A byte of Python, 4th ed., https://www.gitbook.com/book/swaroopch/byte-of-python/details, 2016.

John W. Shipman, Tkinter 8.5 reference: a GUI for Python, New Mexico Tech Computer Center, http://www.nmt.edu/tcc/help/pubs/tkinter/, 2015.

Peter Wentworth, Jeffrey Elkner, Allen B. Downey, and Chris Meyers, How to think like a computer scientist – Learning with Python 3, Rhodes Local Edition, http://openbookproject.net/thinkcs/python/english3e/, 2012.

Bill Lubanovic, Introducing Python, 2nd ed., O’Reilly Media, Inc., 2015