Dr. Bradley Sutton
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Course Details
Description
Engineers and
non-engineering students have traditionally learned human physiology through
absorption of information and behavior concepts. This results in being able to
describe the particular relationships that were examined. However, the material
presented in that form limits the student's ability to retain that knowledge or
extrapolate it to new systems of physiology. Instead, we focus on creating an
appreciation for the basic conservation principles that lead to simple, but
quantitative, mathematical models of physiological behavior. Understanding of
these principles creates an enduring understanding of the physiology and
enables extrapolation.
In addition, simulation
models allow for hundreds of experiments to be virtually performed by students
to create a quantitative feel for the behavior of a system. This must be tied
to several real experiments to validate the models and demonstrate the measurement
of input parameters to the models. We utilize MATLAB and Simulink to generate
computer models for differing physiological systems. Experimental procedures
are performed with the BIOPAC system, and data analysis is done in MATLAB.
