Lecturer: Bas Kooijman
Affiliation: Dept Theoretical Biology, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam
Seminar: Agricultural University of Norway, 
         Department of Animal Science, Oslo
Date: 2008/3/13
Title: Life history events in DEB theory for metabolic organisation

Abstract:
Metabolic organization of individual organisms is basic to life. It
seems to follow simple quantitative rules that can be understood from
basic physical-chemical principles. These rules quantify how
individuals acquire and utilize energy and nutrients, while cycling
through their life stages. Dynamic Energy Budget (DEB) theory
identifies the most basic rules, and links them together in a
consistent framework.

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 models
turn out to be special cases of the standard DEB model, or very
close numerical approximations. 

The lecture will discuss the following topics
 - the standard DEB model
 - homeostasis & indirect calorimetry
 - allocation
 - embryonic development 
 - life history events and the role of maturity
 - body size scaling relationships
 - parameter estimation

More information about research on DEB theory can be found at
  http://www.bio.vu.nl/thb/deb/

A general introductory paper to the DEB theory can be found at
  http://www.bio.vu.nl/thb/research/bib/SousDomi2008.html