Code

COMPM077 (also taught as COMPGV17)

Year

MSc

Prerequisites

Term

2

Taught By

Danny Alexander (50%)

Ivana Drobjnak/ Gary Zhang (50%)

Aims

To expose students to the challenges and potential of computational modelling in a key application area. To explain how to use models to learn about the world. To teach parameter estimation techniques through practical examples. To familiarize students with handling real data sets.

Learning Outcomes

Students successfully completing this module should be able to:

• Understand tha aims of biomedical imaging
• understand the advantages and limitations of model-based approaches and data-driven approaches
• Have knowledge of standard techniques in modelling, experimental design and parameter estimation.
• Understand the challenges of data modelling, experiment design and parameter estimation in practical situations
• gain knowledge of handling real-world data in computer programs.

The course introduces the basics of mathematical modelling: the distinction between models and the real world; when and how models are useful; advantages and disadvantages of explicit model-based approaches.

The course covers a range of model based approaches to biomedical imaging and basic computer science techniques that underpin them. The intention is to introduce the students to standard techniques of parameter estimation in a hands-on practical way within the context of model-based imaging. The course also gives exposure to common applications and challenges in biomedical imaging.

The content draws from examples at a range of lengthscales from molecular imaging, cellular scales in microscopy, regional scales, whole organ and whole population scales. The course uses each example to introduce both new kinds of model and, more fundamentally, new algorithms and techniques for parameter estimation, optimization, sampling and validation.

Lectures and lab classes. 

The course has the following assessment components:

• Coursework 1 (30%)

• Coursework 2 (20%)

• Group and individual project (50%)

To pass this course, students must:

• Acheive a mark of 50% or more from all sections combined

Most of the material will come form journal and conference papers, which will be condensed into lecture notes. A few books provide wider reading:

Keener and Sneyd, Mathematical Physiology, Springer, 1998

Murray, Mathematical Biology, 1993

Tofts, Quantitative MRI of the Brain, 2003