Networks and Systems Biology

The course delves into the intricate study of biological systems and their interconnectedness. Students explore how molecular components within living organisms interact to form complex networks, allowing a comprehensive understanding of biological processes. The curriculum covers various computational and analytical tools used to model and analyze these intricate systems. Topics include signalling pathways, gene regulatory networks, and the integration of omics data. Through practical applications, students gain insights into the dynamics of cellular processes and the emergent properties of biological systems. This course equips learners with the skills to unravel the complexities of living organisms at the molecular and systems levels.

This undergraduate course has been designed to introduce you to the fascinating interplay between biological systems and network theory, exploring how living organisms can be understood through the lens of interconnectedness and complex relationships.

This course offers an interdisciplinary exploration of complex biological systems using network-based approaches and systemslevel thinking. From understanding the structure and function of gene regulatory networks to modeling complex biological systems, this course aims to equip you with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for exploring the intricate web of interactions within living organisms.

By the end of this course, students will

• Understand core principles in systems biology, biological networks, and graph theory concepts.
• Construct, visualize, and analyze biological networks such as PPI networks and gene regulatory networks.
• Learn to preprocess and integrate multi-omics datasets into meaningful biological insights.
• Simulate biological processes using Boolean models, Petri nets, and state-space representations.
• Investigate evolutionary adaptations and their impact on system robustness and disease progression.
• Utilize machine learning and network pharmacology to predict disease outcomes and identify drug targets.
• Formulate and address research-driven questions using systems and network biology approaches.

By the end of this course, a student will be ableto

• Develop a solid foundation in the principles of biological networks and systems biology – Foundational Understanding.
• Acquire hands-on experience with network analysis tools and mathematical modeling techniques for studying biological systems – Analytical Skills.
• Explore the integration of data from various omics levels and understand how this integration enhances our understanding of biological networks - Integration.
• Investigate real-world applications of networks and systems biology in research, medicine, and industry- Applications.
• Foster critical thinking skills by analyzing and interpreting complex biological data within the context of network theory – Critical Thinking.

• Covert, Markus. Fundamentals of systems biology: from synthetic circuits to whole-cell models
• Newman, Mark: Networks, Second Edition
• Andreas D Baxevanis and B.F. Francis Ouellette. Bioinformatics: A practical guide to the analysis of genes and proteins

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