Experience with Teaching Different Modeling Techniques on the example of Glucose Insulin Regulation Model

Area of Science:

• Systems biology
• Computational modeling
• Biomedical engineering education

Background:

• Effective teaching of complex system modeling is crucial for students in scientific fields.
• Various modeling paradigms exist, each with unique strengths and weaknesses.
• Understanding these differences enhances critical assessment of scientific literature and system analysis capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate and compare different modeling techniques including equation-based, block-schema based, compartment, and component-based modeling.
• To utilize the acausal and object-oriented modeling language Modelica for hands-on implementation.
• To educate students on the advantages and disadvantages of each modeling approach using a glucose-insulin regulation system as a case study.

Main Methods:

• Implementing equation-based and block-schema based models for rapid prototyping from literature.
• Developing compartment-based and component-based models for deeper understanding of the modeled system.
• Utilizing Modelica, an acausal and object-oriented modeling language, for all implementations.
• Comparing the techniques through a practical application to the glucose-insulin regulatory system.

Main Results:

• Equation-based and block-schema based models allow for quick implementation.
• Compartment-based and component-based models provide a more profound understanding of the biological system.
• Hands-on experience with diverse modeling techniques improves students' critical evaluation of scientific papers.
• Students gain enhanced capabilities for complex system analysis after this comparative modeling experience.

Conclusions:

• A comparative approach to teaching modeling techniques, using Modelica and a relevant biological system, effectively conveys the pros and cons of each method.
• Experiential learning through diverse modeling paradigms fosters critical thinking and advanced analytical skills in students.
• Component-based and compartment-based modeling are particularly valuable for achieving a deeper comprehension of biological systems and improving research critique.