Cursus
Orientation on mathematical modelling in biology
Aim of the course
After completing the course students should be able to build, programme, analyse, and simulate simple deterministic models. Moreover, they should know of and understand the application of more complex dynamic models in biology.
Rationale
Many biological phenomena can be seen as dynamical systems: one or more variables that change in time. Our research is often aimed at quantifying the parameters that determine the dynamics and to unravel the underlying mechanisms. To understand the dynamics, the inverse is also important: to calculate the variables when parameters are given and to see what types of dynamics are possible.
Programme
Monday
Introduction to modelling (The knowledge cycle: modelling-measuring-modelling, type of models, type of analysis) - Getting acquainted with the work of the participants.
Teachers: Johan van Leeuwen & Mart de Jong
Introduction to software to be used in this course (Symbolic algebra, numerical integration, simulation, software tools)
Computer practical: practice writing and analysing simple models
Teachers: Lia Hemerik & others
Tuesday
Introduction to single and coupled ordinary differential equations applied to biological problems.
Computer practical
Teachters: Lia Hemerik & others
Wednesday
Evolutionary game theory: theory and practice, e.g. prisoners dilemma, and hawk-dove interactions
Teachers: Lia Hemerik & others
Adaptive dynamics, theory and practice.
Teacher: Odo Diekmann (Utrecht) (to be confirmed)
Thursday
Immunological models: theory and practice
Teachers: Mart de Jong & others
Modelling of muscles, theory and practice
Teacher: Johan van Leeuwen
Friday
Simple stochastic models of epidemics: analysis and Monte Carlo simulation
Teachers: Mart de Jong & Johan van Leeuwen
Model validation, sensitivity analysis and complex models: an overview
Evaluation of the course (feed back by the participants)
Teachers: Mart de Jong, Lia Hemerik & Johan van Leeuwen