Physiology 472/572
Quantitative modeling of biological systems (3 units)
Fall 2008
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Coordinator: |
Timothy W. Secomb, Ph.D. Professor, Physiology and Mathematics Department of Physiology Office: Phone: 626-4513, Email: secomb@u.arizona.edu |
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Instructors: |
Timothy W. Secomb, Ph.D. Christopher Bergevin, Ph.D. Visiting Assistant Professor, Mathematics Office: Mathematics 214 Phone: 621-2170, Email: cbergevin@math.arizona.edu |
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Time, location: |
9:30-10:45am Tuesday and Thursday, Optical Sciences 432 |
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Website: |
http://www.physiology.arizona.edu/people/secomb/472inf08.html |
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Grading: |
Regular grades are awarded for this course: A B C D F |
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Prerequisite(s): |
MATH 129 or equivalent. A course in ordinary differential equations is recommended but not required. |
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Description: |
Techniques for development of mathematical models for biological phenomena. Examples of molecular, cellular, tissue-level and population-level processes are considered. Underlying mathematical and biological concepts are introduced as needed. |
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Textbook: |
No textbook is required. Selected readings from research literature will be provided. The following references are recommended: Mathematical Physiology, by James Keener and James Sneyd. Springer, 1998. Modeling and Simulation in Medicine and the Life Sciences, second edition, by Frank C. Hoppensteadt and Charles S. Peskin. Springer, 2002. |
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Homework: |
Weekly assignments will review basic mathematical techniques and biological knowledge and will provide examples of model development for biological phenomena. |
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Examinations: |
A midterm and a final examination will be given. Examinations will test biological knowledge, mathematical skills, and ability to formulate models for biological systems related to those discussed in the course. |
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Graduate students: |
In addition to the homework and examinations, graduate students will be required to develop a mathematical model on a topic chosen in consultation with the instructors, to write a written report, and to make a short oral presentation on their work in class. The performance on this project will form part of the final grade. |
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Course structure: |
Weeks 1 - 5: Molecular and cellular phenomena. Diffusion, membrane transport, nerve impulse conduction. Weeks 6 - 9: Tissue-level phenomena. Compartmental models, oxygen transport, blood flow, the inner ear. Weeks 10-13: Population-level phenomena. Population dynamics, infectious diseases. Weeks 14-15: Student presentations. |