Modeling Dynamic Biological Systems

This book provides an accessible introduction to biological system modeling using STELLA software, focusing on dynamic processes and practical applications.

This volume serves as a comprehensive guide to computer modeling of biological systems using STELLA software. It covers a range of topics, including cell development, the mechanics of the beating heart, and the dynamics of epidemic spread. The book is designed for readers with no prior experience, offering easy-to-use software modules that facilitate learning and application. Biologists and ecologists have long utilized models for theoretical investigations, and this book aims to enhance that practice by focusing on the dynamic aspects of biological processes.

Modeling Dynamic Biological Systems emphasizes the importance of model development, providing essential tools for anyone with a basic understanding of Life Sciences. The examples presented span various biological subdisciplines, from cellular processes to population dynamics and environmental management. Readers will find models that illustrate complex phenomena, including spatial competition, extinction events, and the conditions that lead to chaotic behavior in biological systems.

Key features include user-friendly software, a diverse array of biological examples, and the encouragement for readers to develop their modeling skills independently. By engaging with the material, readers will learn to run models under different assumptions and explore the implications of those assumptions on biological dynamics. Ultimately, Modeling Dynamic Biological Systems equips readers with the skills necessary to assess and understand the dynamics of the biological systems they study.