EZO-23306 Modelling Biological Systems

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

Lectures in Dutch; written materials in English

Assumed knowledge on:

First year courses in biology, including MAT-14803 Mathematics 1 and MAT-14903 Mathematics 2 + MAT-15303 Statistics 1.

Continuation courses:

PPS-20306 Systems Analysis, Simulation and Systems Management; CSA-20806 Population and Systems Ecology; EZO-22306 Concepts and Approaches in Developmental Biology.

Contents:

This introductory course takes fascinating biological phenomena as starting point to develop models of the underlying mechanisms. Biological phenomena dealt with in the course are for instance equilibria (including stability and attractors) and the possibility of alternative equilibria (bifurcation), cycles and chaos, pattern formation in ecology and development, and emergence of complexity. Important steps required in model development will be discussed. First and foremost the reasoning is addressed of how to come from a biological system to a simplified representation: a model. Furthermore, model quantification, verification, simplification, simulation and validation are discussed. For validation experimental data can be gathered from research papers and the internet. The differences and possibilities of analytical and numerical models will be addressed. Finally, attention will be paid to order of magnitude calculations and to the design and interpretation of graphical representations of model simulations and experiments, and especially to the biological significance of models and their relation with reality.

Learning outcomes:

After thoroughly studying the written materials, preparing and critically following the lectures and performing the practicals, the student should be able to:
- demonstrate and motivate how a model for a biological system can be derived, given a specific objective;
- recognize phenomena in a biological system;
- formulate the underlying assumptions of the discussed mathematical formulae;
- estimate orders of magnitude;
- explain the advantages of combining experiments and models;
- distinguish between different types of models;
- design graphical representations of systems and their associated models and interpret numerical and graphical model results;
- explain that the same model can often be used at different temporal and spatial scales, and why this strongly
enhances the insight at and links between different levels such as from the cell to the ecosystem;
- indicate that the same biological phenomenon can be represented by different models, because research questions and objectives can differ.

Activities:

Each week introductory lectures will be given on a biological phenomenon and on how to come from its characteristics to a model. The topics addressed in the lectures will be trained in practical assignments and supervised tutorials. Reports will be prepared concerning the assignments, and how the week phenomenon relates to the student's specialization. An article is read and discussed with the lecturer at the end of each week.

Examination:

- written examination with open questions; minimum mark 5.0 to pass the course; counts for 80% of the final mark;
- reports of each week's case exercises count for 20% of the final mark.

Literature:

A manual can be bought in the WURshop.