Dr. Vivien Kirk (Department of Mathematics, University of Auckland, New Zealand)
Title: Some issues in model reduction and simplification
Abstract: An important use for mathematical models of physiological processes is to help distinguish between competing hypotheses about the physiological mechanisms underlying observed behaviour; models constructed using different hypotheses can be used to make predictions which can then be verified or refuted by comparison with experiments. In order for this to be feasible, however, models need to be as simple as possible and so a crucial step in model construction is deciding how much detail to include.
In this talk, I will discuss some recent results relevant to the simplification of models of intracellular calcium dynamics, specifically the strengths and limitations of quasi-steady state reduction and the construction of a canonical model of calcium oscillations.
April 26th, 11AM, Room Byron “Beige” Y506
