Response surface methods of fitting stochastic biological models : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Statistics at Massey University

Abstract

Response surface methods are discussed, with emphasis on the particular experimentation problems encountered in their use. A brief outline of simulation and modelling is given. This includes an indication of the role of randomness. Two specific uses of computer simulation of biological phenomena are considered. The first is fitting growth curves to some cell growth data. This was done largely to develop techniques. The second and more significant use is in fitting stochastic selection values to some genotypic frequency data. To date, only deterministic estimates have been found from this data. Attention is given to the careful design of simulation experiments, in order to reduce the number of simulation runs needed. Response surface methods were used and proved to be efficient experimentation techniques.