621.126 Seminar on Optimization and Control in Physiological Systems
(for Mathematicians and Life Scientists, 2st.)

F. Kappel1, T. Kenner2, D. Schneditz2, M. Moser2, J. Batzel1,
R. Pilgram2, D. Auerbach2, M. Bachar1, M. Fink1

1Department of Mathematics

2Department of Physiology

Karl-Franzens University

Graz, Austria

Homework Policy

  • For students wishing credit for this course, homework will be posted on this page by July 10. PLEASE, NOTE THAT THERE ARE BOTH MATH AND PHYSIOLOGY SECTIONS TO THE HOMEWORK. Please do both sections and return the homework by Sept. 14.

  • You are allowed and encouraged to work together on this homework as some students will be stronger in Mathematics and other in Physiology.

  • Grading will depend both on the correctness of the answers and the thoroughness of the explanations and analysis.

  • If you have any question please feel free to email us and we can either correspond or set a meeting time.

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    Philosophy with which to approach these questions

    The purpose of this seminar was to gain insight into issues surrounding the modeling of physiological control systems and to familiarize the student with mathematical techniques which can be used in this endeavor. The homework questions are designed to further that purpose and your answers should be directed to that goal as well. We are looking for answers which reflect analytical approaches and in some cases there may not be a single right answer. Keep in mind the following themes:

    What are basic problems in biological systems?

    What balance must be maintained between the need for abstraction and simplification versus the need for modeling accuracy?

    What techniques are used in the approach to studying complex systems?