A mathematical model is a description of a system using mathematical concepts and language. Mathematical modelling is used throughout biomedical science to describe, illustrate and simulate research. One of the most interesting examples is the Blue Brain Project, an attempt by Swiss researchers to use a supercomputer to create a synthetic brain by reverse-engineering the mammalian brain down to the molecular level. The aim of the project is to study the brain’s architectural and functional principles, and eventually shed light on the nature of consciousness.
Dr. Jan Medlock, Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences is offering a new course for OSU graduate students: VMB631 (CRN 40115), Mathematical Modelling of Biological Systems. The course will introduce students to mathematical modeling to advance biological sciences. They will focus both on the contribution the modeling makes to the scientific application, and on the modeling methods themselves. Substantial time will be devoted to implementing models in R Statistical Software.
The 3-credit course is available Winter 2014, Tuesdays 2:00PM–3:20PM & Thursdays 2:00PM–4:40PM, and has a pre-requisite of graduate standing or instructor permission.