Core Maths for the Biosciences introduces the range of mathematical concepts that bioscience students need to master during thier studies. Starting from fundamental concepts, it blends clear explanations and biological examples throughout as it equips the reader with the full range of mathematical tools required by biologists today.
Core Maths for the Biosciences introduces the range of mathematical concepts that bioscience students need to master during thier studies. Starting from fundamental concepts, it blends clear explanations and biological examples throughout as it equips the reader with the full range of mathematical tools required by biologists today.
Biological systems are often best explored and explained using the power of maths - from the rate at which enzymes BIOL15SDAessential life processes, to the way populations ebb and flow as predators and prey interact. Mathematical tools lie at the heart of understanding biological systems - and mathematical skills are essential for success as a bioscientist.
Core Maths for the Biosciences introduces the range of mathematical concepts that bioscience students may encounter - and need to master - during the course of their studies. Starting from fundamental concepts of arithmetic and algebra, the book blends clear explanations and biological examples throughout as it takes the reader towards some of the most sophisticated yet elegant mathematical tools in use by biologists today: differential equations, dynamical systems and chaos theory.
Three case studies appear in instalments throughout the text, illustrating the theory: Models of Population Growth, Models of Cancer, and Predator-Prey Relationships.
Reflecting the use of maths in modern biology, the book shows how computational approaches are applied to probe biological questions, and makes extensive use of computer support to help readers develop intuitive mathematical skills - both through graph-plotting software, and interactive Excel® workbooks for each chapter.
Core Maths for the Biosciences is the ideal course companion as you master the mathematical skills you need to complete your undergraduate studies and will remain a valuable resource at professional and research level.
Online Resource CentreThe Online Resource Centre to accompany
Core Maths for the Biosciences features
For registered adopters of the book:Figures from the book in electronic format
Solutions to all end of chapter exercises
For students:Solutions to half of the end of chapter exercises
For PC users, access to FNGraph, the graph-plotting software featured in the book, and associated graph files
An extensive range of interactive Excel workbooks, to help you master the concepts presented in the book through hands-on learning
- Links to useful learning resources on other web sites
- Part 1: Arithmetic, Algebra and Functions
- 1: Arithmetic and Algebra
- 2: Units, Precision and Accuracy
- 3: Data tables, graphs, interpolation
- 4: Molarity and dilutions
- 5: Variables, functions and equations
- 6: Linear functions and curve sketching
- 7: Quadratic and Polynomial Functions
- 8: Fitting curves; rational and inverse functions
- 9: Periodic functions
- 10: Exponential and logarithmic functions
- Part 2: Calculus and Differential Equations
- 11: Instantaneous rate of change: the derivative
- 12: Rules of differentiation
- 13: Applications of differentiation
- 14: Techniques of integration
- 15: The definite integral
- 16: Differential equations I
- 17: Differential equations II
- 18: Extension: dynamical systems
Exactly the sort of thing that will be helpful in showing those with biological problems how mathematics can be very useful - and that what is really important is maintaining an intuitive understanding between the mathematics - which is essentially no more, but no less, than a way of thinking very precisely - and the actual phenomena they are dealing with...Very fine indeed. Professor Lord May of Oxford, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford
Dr Martin Reed is a lecturer in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at the University of Bath, and was for the last five years its Director of Teaching. He has taught maths in universities since 1973, both in the UK and overseas (Swaziland, Papua New Guinea, Tanzania); the latter experience has developed his ability to explain subtle concepts in simple, clear language. Prior to his position at Bath, Martin was a member of the Biosciences Department at Brunel University, where he taught core skills to all first year students.
Martin's research interests are in numerical methods and optimization. He has lately worked in the field of evolutionary computation, where biological principles such as natural selection and swarm intelligence are used as inspiration for computer algorithms which can solve challenging practical problems.
Über den Autor
Dr Martin Reed is a lecturer in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at the University of Bath, and was for the last five years its Director of Teaching. He has taught maths in universities since 1973, both in the UK and overseas (Swaziland, Papua New Guinea, Tanzania); the latter experience has developed his ability to explain subtle concepts in simple, clear language. Prior to his position at Bath, Martin was a member of the Biosciences Department at Brunel
University, where he taught core skills to all first year students.
Martin's research interests are in numerical methods and optimization. He has lately worked in the field of evolutionary computation, where biological principles such as natural selection and swarm intelligence are used as inspiration for computer algorithms which can solve challenging practical problems.
Klappentext
Core Maths for the Biosciences introduces the range of mathematical concepts that bioscience students need to master during thier studies. Starting from fundamental concepts, it blends clear explanations and biological examples throughout as it equips the reader with the full range of mathematical tools required by biologists today.
