Systems Biology

Full course description

With the progress of genome sequencing and other -omics technologies, a wealth of multilevel data on the molecular nature of biological systems has been generated. Although systems are composed of elements, the essence of a system lies in its dynamics and interactions. It is evident that neither the biologist nor the mathematician can integrate their current expertise and knowledge in the required way. Systems biology must fill that gap. Systems biology is a new approach to biological and biomedical research based on a more holistic perspective and relying on the use of mathematical and computational models, complementing experiments in the lab.

The goal of this course is to provide an overview of systems biology and its building blocks, experimental approaches, and a variety of mathematical models and tools. Students will be introduced to the mathematical basis of dynamic systems, networks, and constraint-based modelling. We discuss many examples from amongst others cancer metabolism (molecular modeling), neuroscience (tissue-level modeling), and diabetes (whole-body level modeling). Practical skills will be trained in computer practicals. Successful participation at this course is the perfect preparation for a Master in Systems Biology.