Software tools for modeling biomedical systems

Biomedical applications of computer modeling and simulation are manifold and range from virtual reality for training purposes to codification of knowledge of complex physiological systems to formulation and testing of hypotheses about biological phenomena. While development of complex simulation tools and comprehensive modeling requires considerable effort, the use of simple models can, even with minor investments, be useful to experimenters to organize ideas, analyze data efficiently, and plan experiments. Even for this restricted modeling framework, the variety of possible applications with different needs and the number of available software tools are very large. This chapter will therefore draw attention only to a few methodological issues and available software tools specific to biomedical modeling, in particular, model representation paradigms and statistical identification approaches. The intent is not to endorse the use of any particular modeling approach or software tool, but rather to delineate, with a few reference points, a broader modeling perspective that may be tailored to the needs of particular modeling studies on biomedical systems. © 2008 Humana Press Inc.