Principles of Systems Biology

COURSE OBJECTIVE
This course aims to give a broad overview over topics related to Systems Biology. In addition it intends to fill gaps in your background
knowledge to ensure you can take more advanced systems biology courses.

COURSE CONTENT
Theoretical topics:
- The two branches of systems biology
- Data structure, geometrical mapping, PCA, distance metrics, clustering
- Cellular composition, diffusion, time scales, rates
- Mass-action, mass balances, reactions, equilibria, stable/unstable steady states equilibrium binding, affinity, conformational change,
ultrasensitivity, transduction cascades, autoregulation, mutual inhibition/activation, bistability, feed-forward loops, steady state metabolism, regulation of metabolism and regulation by demand

Practical:
- Exercises during/in between lectures in which methods of systems biology will be applied to several topics.

- Conversion classes
Depending on their background, students will also be assigned to one out of three deficiency classes where they will be working to fill gaps in their knowledge in mathematics, programming and/or biology.

TEACHING METHODS
- Lectures (two hour lecture in the morning, two days per week)
- Computer- and modelling practicals

TYPE OF ASSESSMENT
Exam of the Systems Biology subjects

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
This course may only be followed by students enrolled in the BSc minor Bioinformatics and Systems Biology.