Introduction to Dynamical Models in Biology

Are you curious about the quantitative principles governing living systems? This course introduces you to the fundamental concepts of dynamical modeling, providing the tools to analyze complex biological phenomena. You will learn to translate biological observations into mathematical frameworks, unlocking a deeper understanding of how living systems evolve and interact over time. Upon completing this course, you will be able to construct, interpret, and critically evaluate basic mathematical models of biological systems. You will gain a solid foundation for further exploration into computational biology and systems biology. What you'll learn: * Understand the core concepts of dynamical systems and their relevance in biological contexts. * Learn to formulate mathematical models using ordinary differential equations and difference equations. * Analyze the behavior of biological models, including equilibrium points and stability. * Practice applying modeling techniques to classic biological examples such as population dynamics and disease spread. * Explore foundational principles of numerical simulation for analyzing more complex biological models. * Develop skills in interpreting model outputs and understanding basic approaches to model validation. This course begins with essential terminology and foundational mathematical concepts, progressing through various modeling techniques and their applications to diverse biological scenarios. Each section builds upon the last, guiding you from basic principles to practical model construction and analysis. This course is designed for beginners with no prior experience in dynamical modeling or advanced mathematics. All necessary concepts will be introduced from the ground up. Embark on your journey to quantitatively understand the intricate world of biology.