Design of experiments

In this article the author reviews and presents the theory involved in the design of experiments for parameter estimation, a process of importance for pharmacokinetics, the study of intermediary metabolism and other sections of biological research. The design of experiments involves both formal and informal aspects. The formal theories of identifiability of parameters and model distinguishability, and the generation of optimal sampling schedules, play major roles. After presenting these theories, both the formal and informal aspects are studied in the examination of a simple but realistic example.