Lecture 1: The evolution of language
What sets us apart from other animals is the ability to
talk about everything. Mathematical models
help us to formulate an evolutionary theory of
human language. I will discuss how populations
evolve and maintain a coherent lexicon and universal
grammar.
General Lecture: Fairness and cooperation
Darwin's theory of evolution is based on competition and
does not easily account for fairness or cooperation. Yet
many animals, most notably humans, engage in cooperative
and altuistic interactions. In the ultimatum game, humans
prefer fairness over rationality. I will present mathematical
models and games illuminating the evolution of cooperation
and fairness.
Lecture 2: Virus dynamics
Mathematical models have been developed to describe the dynamics of
virus infections. This has led to detailed insights into how viruses
reproduce and evolve within infected patients. The models provide a
quantitative understanding for the success and failure of HIV
combination therapy and help to design efficient treatment regimens.