“How I Learned to Stop Worrying (about the maths) and Love Modelling”

Hosted by : INRA-AgroParisTech Research Unit: Systemic Modelling Applied to Ruminants, 16 Rue Claude Bernard, 75005, Paris, France

This workshop is designed to provide an introduction to systemic modelling for biologic sciences students who have little or no prior experience of modelling. The emphasis will be on: the key concepts involved in constructing a model of a biological system, how to make this operational, and how to extend such models to incorporate variation between individuals (genetic aspects). The workshop time will be split evenly between lectures and hands-on time in which you will develop your own model using examples with the help of our expert tutors. By the end of the course you will have acquired the basic tools to elaborate a simple but functional model in the area of systemic modelling.

The workshop leaders will be: Nicolas Friggens (trade-offs between life functions), Daniel Sauvant (mechanistic models of rumen function and metabolism), Olivier Martin (dynamic models of physiological systems), Laurence Puillet (animals within herd system models), Peter Amer (modelling genetic variation and selection). 

Subjects covered will include : 
- Why do we bother modelling?
- What is systemic modelling?
- Defining objectives and developing a conceptual model 
- Secrets to turning concepts into a working model
- How to estimate parameters, response rules, meta-analysis
- Good modelling practice
- Putting genetic variation into biological models


Please 
e-mail to : marie-paul.poulin@agroparistech.fr 
note that there will be a maximum of 20 participants, and that availability of accommodation is dependant on early booking.