INF5560 – Computational Physiology
Course description
Course content
This course give a thorough introduction to mathematical models for physiological processes in the heart. The particular focus is on cell physiology, electrical signal propagation in nerves and muscle tissue, and the interaction between biochemical processes and mechanics in the heart. This course also introduce relevant numerical methods and software tools for solving ordinary and partial differential equations. The course includes a mandatory assignment in the form of a small research project,
which is conducted in collaboration with the University of California, San Diego.
Learning outcome
After this course you will:
- have a fundamental understanding of heart physiology
- know how to describe chemical, physical and biological processes with mathematics
- know relevant numerical methods and computational tools for modeling heart physiology.
Admission
Students at UiO must apply for courses in StudentWeb.
20 students can be admitted INF5560 and INF9560. The students will be prioritized as followed:
1) Master students at the master programs Informatics; programming and networks or Informatics; technical and scientific applications with INF5560 on their approved study plan
2) Master students having past at least 30 ECTS from master level with a grade average of B.
3) Master students having past at least 30 ECTS from master level
4) Other qualified students
In addition, all applicants must write a statement of purpose that must contain a short presentation of their professional background and explaining their motivation for the course. The statement of purpose can also include the name of another applicant for whom one would like to work with on the mandatory project. This statement of purpose is only meant for the lecturer to gain a better understanding of the dynamics of the admitted students and as an administrative tool when pairing the students for the course's project."
Prerequisites
Recommended previous knowledge
Fundamental knowledge of ordinary differential equations and their numerical solution, corresponding to INF1100 and MAT-INF1100, or equivalent. It is also useful to have a basic knowledge of partial differential equations, corresponding to the introductory parts of MAT-INF3360, or similar.
Overlapping courses
- 10 credits overlap with INF5610 – Mathematical modeling in medicine (discontinued)
- 9 credits overlap with INF-MED
- 10 credits overlap with INF9560
- 10 credits overlap with INF9610 – Mathematical modelling in medicine (discontinued)
Teaching
The course is organized as a summer school, in collaboration with the Simula School of Research and Innovation (SSRI) and University of California, San Diego. The first two weeks will be held in Oslo in late June, and consists of approximately 50 hours of theoretical lectures, plus time for self study and preparations. Students will work in small groups to complete a mandatory project assignment in July, and the course concludes with a week of project presentations and reviews in early August. The August component of the summer school is held at the University of California San Diego campus in La Jolla, California. Over this time the students will be required to do an extensive literature review, and to put the results of their investigation into an international research perspective. Master students will be examined during the presentations in San Diego. Travel support is provided by SSRI. For further details and to apply for travel funding, see https://www.simula.no/sscp
Examination
- Written project report
-Oral presentation of project report
The mandatory assignments must be approved prior to the exam and must be completed and approved in the same semester.
Examination support material
All printed and hand-written material
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.
Explanations and appeals
Resit an examination
Students who can document a valid reason for absence from the regular examination are offered a postponed examination at the beginning of the next semester.
Re-scheduled examinations are not offered to students who withdraw during, or did not pass the original examination.
Special examination arrangements
Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.