Integrated modeling and optimization

Course coordinator

Natal van Riel, Eindhoven University of Technology

Lecturers

• Prof. Natal van Riel, Eindhoven University of Technology (course coordinator)
• Dr. Aalt-Jan van Dijk, Wageningen University & Research
• Prof. Jaap Molenaar, Wageningen University & Research
• Dr. Hans Stigter, Wageningen University & Research
• Dr. Dragan Bosnacki, Eindhoven University of Technology
• Dr. Robert Smith, Wageningen University & Research

Course description

Living organisms are characterized by an amazing degree of hierarchical complexity. Although our ability to collect measurements at different spatial levels and time-scales has grown dramatically, it has become clear that only measurements cannot provide the answer to unravelling biological complexity. This is because the dynamical behavior of complex systems cannot be reduced to the linear sum of the functions of their parts. Hence, computational modelling is an absolute requisite to gain understanding of the mechanisms underlying patterns observed in experimental data, in particular when studying dynamic phenomena. Mathematical models allow in a relatively cheap way to generate and test hypotheses about these mechanisms. However, given the huge complexity and peculiar features of biological systems, it is necessary to carefully understand the specific modelling requirements they pose, in order to define what a good model should look like. In this way one could say that modelling is a craftsmanship, that can only be learned via intense exercising and ‘learning by doing’. In this course we offer the participants the possibility to learn and exercise the modeling process.

In validating models one always meet with the need to fit models to data. So, the parameters that are present in any realistic model have to be chosen based on comparison of model predictions with data. In this matching process optimization techniques are indispensable. That’s why a considerable part of this course is spent on getting you acquainted with the optimization techniques that are nowadays available and widely used. Numerical optimization also is the basis for so-called flux balance analysis (FBA), commonly used to study large metabolic networks. This type of models and their analysis and simulation is also introduced in the course.

The course is a mixture of theory sessions and computer practicals. The course is completed with an assignment to be finalized afterwards, for those who want to acquire 3 ECTS.

Learning objectives

The students will be provided with a theoretical basis, a variety of methods, and a computational hands-on experience to set-up systems biology models and handle numerical optimization.

In the course the students will learn:

• To understand the common ground and the differences for applications of dynamic modeling in metabolic, regulatory, signaling, and multi-scale biological processes
• How to set-up a dynamic model to represent biological networks using different interaction mechanisms
• To implement, simulate and analyze dynamic network models
• To understand the wide variety of problems in modelling that can be solved with optimization
• To apply different types of numerical optimization methods
• The combination of dynamic modeling and optimization to integrate experimental data in modelling, estimate model parameters and design experiments.
• To understand how numerical optimization (linear programming) works in flux balance analysis to simulate metabolic network models.

Techniques include:

• Nonlinear differential equations, numerical simulation, parameter sensitivity analysis.
• Parameter estimation, identifiability, uncertainty quantification, experimental design, regularization.
• Global and local search methods: steepest descent, Levenberg-Marquardt, genetic algorithms, linear programming.

Target audience

The course is aimed at PhD students with a background in bioinformatics, systems biology, computer science or a related field, and life sciences. Participants from the private sector are also welcome. A working knowledge of mathematics, especially differential equations, is recommendable, but we will distribute preparation material to be studied by students missing the required background. Furthermore, at the start we offer a math refresher to help those participants who are not (yet) involved in modelling on a daily basis.

Software

Examples and computer practical make use of Matlab. A computer with a working version of Matlab is needed and some programming experience and knowledge of Matlab are required to take the course. A short introductory training in Matlab will be made available (online) for those without Matlab skills.

Registration

Registration

The registration fees for this 5-day course are:

• PhD student: 400 euro (excl. VAT)
• Academic researcher (PI/Postdoc): 600 euro (excl. VAT)
• Industry: 900 euros (excl.VAT)

The course fee includes:

• Course material
• Catering: coffee, tea and lunch will be provided.

There is room for max. 25 participants.

You can register and pay for the course via this registration form.

Find the general enrollment information here.