Collective dynamics of networks of nonlinear systems Examples: information processing in networks of neurons, simultaneous flashing of fireflies, synchrony in powergrids, . . .
Challenges include the development of systematic tools for studying stability, robustness and bifurcation in such dynamical networks Possible MSc projects I
Predicting patterns of oscillation in networks of model neurons
I
Harmonic balancing methods for neural mass models
Dynamics and control of biochemical circuits Building biochemical I
actuators
I
sensors
I
oscillators
for creation of smart drugs
exonuclease
βi
Activator Product
T3
Inhibitor
T5
Template polymerase
γ
T1
α
β
T4
nickase pol. SD
T2
T6
αi building block (DNA circuit)
Toggle switch (sensor + actuator)
δ
Dynamics and control of biochemical circuits
( cont’d)
The dynamics of these DNA circuits are poorly understood. There is a need for I
methods for systematic and robust design of functional circuits
I
model reduction procedures (reduction of number of parameters may simplify design)
I
parameter estimation procedures (for model validation)