Getting Started with SimBioSys (pronounced sym-bio-sis) Version 2.x
BI-274, Dr. C. S. Tritt, Fall '03

SimBioSys is a numerical physiological simulation program. It allows virtual investigation of human physiological processes. The simulated “patients” respond to interventions and treatment just as real patients would (although the rate of action of some drugs have been sped up to make the simulations more interesting). Interventions are not scripted. You can do whatever you want to your virtual patient. You don’t even need to get their informed consent. Keep in mind that while the SimBioSys is quite good, there are limitations with all numerical simulations. This is particularly true as the physiological state of a simulated patient becomes quite unusual and/or pathological.

Work in groups of two on the following exercises. Submit a brief write-up for each exercise containing a short introduction, your results (including tables of numeric values and discussion as appropriate). Your write-ups are due next Friday (9/26).

Starting SimBioSys

SimBioSys is currently installed in the individual laptop hard drives as part of the “nursing image.” Therefore, you do not have to log onto the Novell to use it. However, you may want to connect to the network so you can print.

Getting Familiar with the SimBioSys Interface

Start the SimBioSys program by double clicking on the SimBioSys desktop icon or clicking on the Windows’ Start button and selecting Programs | SimBioSys | SimBioSys Physiology Labs.

Familiarize yourself with the SimBioSys system by:

Selecting Help | Physiology Help | What is SimBioSys? on the menu bar at the top of the SimBioSys window and reading about SimBioSys.

Selecting Help | Using SimBioSys and reading all the subtopics.

SimBioSys Exercises

Complete the attached SimBioSys Respiratory Mechanics exercise E7. Be sure to load the exercise files into SimBioSys using File | Load Exercise | c:/program files/SimBioSys Physiology/ before beginning to work through the procedures. You may want to minimize the Clinical View window before proceeding with the exercises. These exercises should introduce you to the SimBioSys software and further your understanding of the respiratory mechanics material we are covering.