The use of models in Dynamic Energy Butget theory. 
Bas Kooijman, dept Theoretical Biology, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam NL
bas@bio.vu.nl; http://www.bio.vu.nl/thb/

2005/02/23 Lecture given at 
SENSE workshop Ecological-Hydrological-Environmental modelling, Nijmegen

Most (mathematical) models in biology aim to describe particular
phenomena quantitatively. Although useful in particular contexts,
models can be really strong when they are used to understand
phenomena. For this application, they have to satisfy a number of
constraints on the way they are constructed from a set of assumptions
about mechanisms. Only few models satisfy these constraints.

The lecture will discuss the rationale behind various criteria for
explanatory models, and illustrate their use in the Dynamic Energy
Budget (DEB) theory for the (most basic) rules in the metabolic
organization of individual organisms.

The DEB theory applies to all species of organisms (unicellular as
well as multicellular ones) and links various levels of biological
organization; this multi-level approach is considered to be essential
for the understanding of life processes. Many popular empirical
(i. e. descriptive) models turn out to be special cases of the
standard DEB model, or very close numerical approximations. The (new)
theory behind the models can be used to identify conditions under
which the models apply, and when they don't apply.

A general introductory paper to the DEB theory can be found at
 http://www.bio.vu.nl/thb/research/bib/Kooy2001.html
The registration for the 2005 tele-course on DEB theory closes at feb 3
 http://www.bio.vu.nl/thb/deb/course/deb/