Kursusinformation

Modelling of physiological processes and tissues is a valuable tool in both research and industry. Modeling can give insights that can be difficult or even impossible to obtain using experimental methods. Such modelling can lead to a better understanding of physiological processes and, furthermore, it can help reducing the amount of experimental work needed in both research and development. As computational power is increasing, more advanced models can be solved using standard laptop computers. This allows more refined investigations as well as optimizing existing models. When using models, it is essential to ensure validity of the models, either by experimental validation or comparison to reference values and data. Furthermore, when doing physiological modelling there is a number of potential pitfalls, which have to be taken into account, considering for example selection and implementation of the appropriate numerical minimization algorithm.

This course introduces a number of generic modelling principles and addresses specific methods, ranging from identifiability analysis, model complexity, and parameter estimation to numerical solutions, which may be applied in your own research. The course also focuses on ensuring validity of the applied models. Through this course you will be introduced to and gain experience using the finite element method, which can be used to model a large variety of different physics such as force/strength/strain/displacement; heat transfer; electric transfer. You will gain knowledge and experience using compartmental models, typically used to study kinetics of materials in physiological systems from a whole-body perspective to the cellular level. Finally, you will gain insight into modelling excitable membranes, e.g. the modelling of the excitable membrane found in nerves, muscle fibers and cardiac tissue.

 Contents of lectures:

• Introduction to modelling
• Ensuring validity of the model
• Finite element modelling
• Compartment modelling
• Modelling of excitable membranes

Associate Professor Steffen Frahm, email: ksf@hst.aau.dk 

Associate Professor Steffen Frahm, Associate Professor Lars Pilegaard, Associate Professor Carsten Dahl Mørch, Professor Johannes Struijk, Postdoc Jenny Tigerholm, and invited lectures

Dates: 21, 28 September, 5, 12 and 19 October 2020 (8.15-12.00)

Place: Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7D, room D2-106

Deadline: 4 September 2020

Literature

Notes, literature and exercise instruction will be distributed at the course

Prerequisites

None

Evaluation

Important information concerning PhD courses: We have over some time experienced problems with no-show for both project and general courses. It has now reached a point where we are forced to take action. Therefore, the Doctoral School has decided to introduce a no-show fee of DKK 3,000 for each course where the student does not show up. Cancellations are accepted no later than 2 weeks before start of the course. Registered illness is of course an acceptable reason for not showing up on those days. Furthermore, all courses open for registration approximately four months before start. This can hopefully also provide new students a chance to register for courses during the year. We look forward to your registrations.