Core Maths for the Biosciences

Description

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.

• The ideal text for any bioscience student wanting a guide to mathematics for the duration of their degree course.
• Starting with the essentials, the book covers a wide range of mathematical concepts to which a student might be exposed during the course of a bioscience degree, in a self-contained and consistent presentation.
• Emphasises the power of computation in solving mathematical problems, reflecting how mathematical tools are applied in biology today.
• Extensive free online support, including a suite of interactive Excel (R) spreadsheets, encourages hands-on learning, helping students to master even the most challenging concepts.

About the Author(s)

Martin B. Reed, Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Bath

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.

Table of Contents

Part 1: Arithmetic, Algebra & 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

Reviews

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

Fantastic. Easy to understand, interactive, biologically relevant and dictated in a way that seemed as though you are almost having a conversation with the author. - James Sleigh, Student, University of Oxford

Coherent and clear. The best I have seen this kind of material treated. - Stephen Hubbard, University of Dundee

This book is by far the best of its kind, a spectacular diamond in the rough. - Helen Smith, student, University of Salford

The interactive spreadsheets are a work of genius. - Stuart Fisk, student, University of Essex