Biology, Math Modeling

Model Complexity in Mathematical Biology

Most biological systems consist of many moving parts that happen at slightly different timescales. A true-to-life biological model of a sub-network might include dozens of parameters and biological species, regardless of the scale. Constructing a model with an appropriate level of complexity is one of the challenges in mathematical biology. Why is model complexity an… Continue reading Model Complexity in Mathematical Biology

Biology, Computation, Data analysis, Math Modeling, Statistics

What makes a model good?

How can we identify a good mathematical model? Over focusing on one aspect of modeling (fitting, inference) may not be the best approach. Here are 6 qualities that defines a good model: Reflects data accurately Not overly complex Has predictive power Consistent with general knowledge of the system Can be studied mathematically Can be simulated… Continue reading What makes a model good?

Biology, Computation, Math Modeling

Iterative curve fitting of biological systems

As I discussed in my post on sensitive parameters, optimizing parameter values may sometimes be difficult for reasons other than a poorly defined model. Initial parameter values have a high impact on the ability of the optimizer to find a solution, unless you are using a global optimizer. The solution is iterative curve fitting. What… Continue reading Iterative curve fitting of biological systems

Data analysis, Math Modeling

Identifying sensitive parameters

Identifying the sensitive parameter(s) in a system of equations is not so much difficult as not often considered during the problem solving process. As the term implies, the degree to which a parameter is sensitive will be visible by the effect it's values have on the simulation. It is analogous to the effect of a… Continue reading Identifying sensitive parameters

Computation, Math Modeling, Statistics

Different Types of Models: Mathematical and Statistical

There are two broad categories of models: statistical and mathematical. Statistical Models Statistical models are a subset of mathematical models. I am dividing them into two broad categories, although it is a fairly arbitrary distinction. Models to Identify Relationships Statistical models may be used to find relationships between inputs and outputs of a system. These… Continue reading Different Types of Models: Mathematical and Statistical