BENG 304 Modeling and Control of Physiological Systems

BENG 304: Modeling and Control of Physiological Systems
Spring 2011
Credits 3
MW 3:00 pm -4:15 pm
Science and Technology II, Rm 012
Instructor:
Siddhartha Sikdar, PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Office: Nguyen Engineering Building, Room 3908
Email: ssikdar@gmu.edu
Phone: 703-993-1539
Office hours: Monday/Wednesdays 2:00-3:00 pm and by appointment
Prerequisites:
1. Calculus and differential equations (MATH 214 or equivalent)
2. Elementary physics (PHYS 260 or equivalent)
3. Signals and Systems (BENG/ECE 320 or equivalent)
Textbook (Required):
Physiological Control Systems: Analysis, Simulation and Estimation
By: Michael C. K. Khoo
Publisher: Wiley IEEE Press, 1999
Course Description: The human body is a fascinating interconnection of organ systems
that work together in complex ways. One aspect of bioengineering aims to utilize
quantitative techniques to understand the function of the human body, both for basic
science research as well as for diagnosis and treatment of disease. This course will
introduce the basic concepts and tools for modeling physiological systems using
engineering principles and analogies, and discuss several practical applications. The
course will involve hands-on modeling using SIMULINK.
Course Objectives: In this course, students will learn (1) how to apply knowledge of
mathematics, physics, biology and engineering to analyze physiological systems and
evaluate the results; (2) how to use computational tools to understand living systems; (3)
how to seek out and integrate relevant information from multiple sources when faced
with an unfamiliar problem.
Grading:
Two midterm exams (40%)
Homework (30%)
Final Project (30%)

Module Week Topics
Module 1.
Introduction to
physiological
1
(1/24,
1/26)
modeling 2
(1/31,
Module 2.
The mathematical
tools
Module 3 A.
Building blocks:
Cardiovascular and
Respiratory system
Module 3 B.
Building blocks:
Nervous system.
Module 3 C.
Building blocks:
Musculoskeletal
system.
Module 3 D.
Building blocks:
Endocrine system
Module 4.
Putting it all
together: Modeling
complex
physiological
control systems
2/2)
3
(2/7,
2/9)
4
(2/14,
2/16)
5
(2/21,
2/23)
6
(2/28,
3/2)
7
(3/7,
3/9)
3/14-
3/20
9
(3/21,
3/23)
10
(3/28,
3/30)
11
(4/4,
4/6)
12
(4/11,
4/13)
13
(4/18,
4/20)
14
(4/25,
• What is a model? Why model?
• Multiscale organization of living organisms: cell to organ
• Homeostasis. Examples of physiological control systems.
• Review of linear systems concepts
• Fourier series: Modeling signals using Fourier series
• Deterministic and stochastic signals and systems
• Basic concepts of control systems; Open vs. closed loop
• Steady state and transient analysis of control systems
• Linear models vs nonlinear models
• Distributed vs. lumped parameter models
• Compartment models
• Circulatory system. Key events in the cardiac cycle.
• Blood pressure and flow, vascular impedance
• Lumped parameter models, windkessel model of
circulation
• Cardiac mechanics.
• Respiratory mechanics, lung models
• Mid term Exam 1
Spring Break
• Review anatomy and physiology of nerves. Review basics
of bioelectricity.
• Action potentials
• Hodgkin-Huxley model
• Review anatomy and physiology of muscle. How muscles
contract
• Hill model of muscle contraction
• Muscle stretch reflex
• Enzymes and hormones
• Michaelis-Menten enzyme kinetics
• Examples of endocrine control: glucose-insulin system,
thyroid hormone system.
• Mid term Exam 2
Modeling regulation of cardiac output
• Starling’s law, pressure-volume curves
• Coupled model of cardiopulmonary system
Modeling blood pressure regulation
• Baroreceptor reflex.
• The role of the kidney in blood pressure regulation
Modeling blood glucose regulation
• Insulin control of glucose

Module 5.
Wrap up
4/27) • Glucose utilization in muscle
15
(5/2,
5/4)
16
(5/16)
• Model parameter estimation, sensitivity analysis.
• Course review.
• Final Project Presentations
• Project report due
Course structure:
The course will consist of two weekly lectures, homework assignments, two
midterm exams and a final project. The homework assignments will involve some
programming in SIMULINK and analysis of SIMULINK models. The exams will be
closed book and closed notes. The project will involve hands-on implementation of a
model of a physiological sub-system.
Homework:
There will be assigned homework throughout the semester. The homework will
involve processing and analysis of real signals, and will involve programming and
analysis of models. Homework submitted after the due date will be penalized (15%
penalty for each day late). No homework will be accepted after one week from the due
date.
5 points of the homework grade is reserved for class participation. One student
will be assigned each week on a rotating basis to take the lead on compiling a summary
of the discussions in class. The student should compare notes with other students and post
their summary on the discussion board on the class home page. These summaries should
be used as a supplement to the lecture slides in preparing for examinations. The class
participation grade will be based on the quality of these discussion summaries.
Midterm Exams:
The midterm exams will be closed book and notes. They will consist of a mixture
of essay-type, multiple-choice type questions and numerical problems. Absence from
exams must be notified ahead of time and alternative arrangements made with the
instructor.
Project:
The students will be required to do an individual course project that will integrate
the material learnt in the course. The project presentations and final project report will
substitute for a traditional final exam. The project topic can be chosen from a list of
suggested topics. Typically the project will involve development and analysis of a model
of a physiological sub-system. The student will be expected to seek out and integrate
relevant information and demonstrate an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics,
physics, biology and engineering to analyze physiological systems and evaluate the
results. Students will develop sections of the project report throughout the semester and
receive feedback.
Academic Honesty and Collaboration:

The integrity of the University community is affected by the individual choices
made by each of us. GMU has an Honor Code with clear guidelines regarding academic
integrity. Three fundamental and rather simple principles to follow at all times are that:
(1) all work submitted be your own; (2) when using the work or ideas of others, including
fellow students, give full credit through accurate citations; and (3) if you are uncertain
about the ground rules on a particular assignment, ask for clarification. No grade is
important enough to justify academic misconduct.
With collaborative work, names of all the participants should appear on the work.
Homework problems are designed to be undertaken independently. You may discuss
your ideas with others and conference with peers; however, it is not appropriate to give
your work to someone else to review. You are responsible for making certain that there
is no question that the work you hand in is your own. If only your name appears on an
assignment, your professor has the right to expect that you have done the work yourself,
fully and independently.
Plagiarism means using the exact words, opinions, or factual information from
another person without giving the person credit. Writers give credit through accepted
documentation styles, such as parenthetical citation, footnotes, or endnotes.
Paraphrased material must also be properly cited. A simple listing of books or articles is
not sufficient. Plagiarism is the equivalent of intellectual robbery and cannot be tolerated
in the academic setting. If you have any doubts about what constitutes plagiarism, please
see the instructor.
Relevant Campus and Academic Resources
Disability Services
Any student with documented learning disabilities or other conditions that may
affect academic performance should: 1) make sure this documentation is on file with the
Office of Disability Services (SUB I, Rm. 222; 993-2474; www.gmu.edu/student/drc) to
determine the accommodations you might need; and 2) talk with the instructor to discuss
reasonable accommodations.
Office of Diversity Programs and Services
SUB 1, Rm. 345; 993-2700; www.gmu.edu/student/msaf/index.html
Writing Center
Robinson A116; 993-1200; writingcenter.gmu.edu.