It is our pleasure to invite you to the first MPC Seminar of the summer on Wednesday July 26th. Please extend an invitation to your students to attend as well.

Time: Wednesday July 26th at 4pm (tea and cookies at 3:30pm)

Location: Von Neumann Hall

Speaker: Dr. Angelyn R. Lao, Department of Mathematics, De La Salle University, Philippines 

Title: Systems Approaches in Making Sense of Data and Providing Meaning to Biological Models

Abstract: Systems biology is an interdisciplinary approach that aims at understanding the dynamic interactions between components of biological system. It is also an approach by which biological questions are addressed through integrating experiments in iterative cycles with computational modelling, simulation and theory. This approach is best applied when there is synergistic usage of the models and data. As such that the models established are meaningful and make sense to the collected data. Depending on the types, quality, and amount of data and the purpose of the model, the kind of modeling approaches will also vary. Modelling is not the final goal, but is a tool to increase understanding of the system, to develop more directed experiments and finally allow predictions.

Why model? By modeling, we aim to guide data collection, discover new questions, formulate hypotheses, and reveal simplicity in complexity. There are different ways of modeling. One of the most popular approaches is the use of ordinary differential equations (ODE) to model the interactome among the components of a system. Other modeling approaches include stochastic modeling, Boolean modeling, agent-based modeling and etc.

Systems biology is a cross talk between different disciplines. It requires interdisciplinary collaboration between fields like biology, physics, computer science and engineering, with the goal of having a deeper insight of the functional bases of life.  

For another look at the seminars, our webpage is: http://mathv.chapman.edu/mathcs/index.php/MathCS_Seminar