Multi-scale modelling of
Biological Systems
Ruxandra Bărbulescu
CONTENTS
Systems Biology
The MMM
Abstraction levels of hierarchical biological organization
Multi-scale methods in modelling of biological systems
Two consecutive levels: multiscale modelling and model reduction
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Systems Biology
 holistic as opposed to reductionist approach: system-level analysis
 hybrid: theoretical foundation consists of quantities, principles, laws and techniques
from other fields such as: biology, physics, biochemistry, mathematics, control and
computational sciences.
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The MMM:
Multiscale
TIME levels:
Molecular: 10-9 – 10-6s
Cellular: 10-1s
Macro : 105 – 109s: days to years
Multirate
Multiphysics
SPACE levels:
Molecular: 10-10 – 10-7m
Cellular: 10-6 – 10-4m
Tissue/organ: 10-2 – 1m
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Abstraction levels of hierarchical
biological organization:
Continuous vs. discrete
Deterministic vs. stochastic
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MULTI-SCALE METHODS IN MODELLING OF BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS
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Multiscale modelling and model reduction for two consecutive levels:
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Biological Networks
model molecular, sub-cellular and cellular processes such as:
genes and protein coding, protein-protein interactions,
signaling (within and between cells).
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