Ronald W. Shonkwiler, James Herod (auth.)9780387709833, 0387709835
This text presents mathematical biology as a field with a unity of its own, rather than only the intrusion of one science into another. It updates an earlier successful edition and greatly expands the concept of the “computer biology laboratory,” giving students a general perspective of the field before proceeding to more specialized topics. The book focuses on problems of contemporary interest, such as cancer, genetics, and the rapidly growing field of genomics. It includes new chapters on parasites, cancer, and phylogenetics, along with an introduction to online resources for DNA, protein lookups, and popular pattern matching tools such as BLAST. In addition, the emerging field of algebraic statistics is introduced and its power illustrated in the context of phylogenetics.
A unique feature of the book is the integration of a computer algebra system into the flow of ideas in a supporting but unobtrusive role. Syntax for both the Maple and Matlab systems is provided in a tandem format. The use of a computer algebra system gives the students the opportunity to examine “what if” scenarios, allowing them to investigate biological systems in a way never before possible. For students without access to Maple or Matlab, each topic presented is complete. Graphic visualizations are provided for all mathematical results.
Mathematical Biology includes extensive exercises, problems and examples. A year of calculus with linear algebra is required to understand the material presented. The biology presented proceeds from the study of populations down to the molecular level; no previous coursework in biology is necessary. The book is appropriate for undergraduate and graduate students studying mathematics or biology and for scientists and researchers who wish to study the applications of mathematics and computers in the natural sciences.
Table of contents :
Front Matter….Pages 1-12
Biology, Mathematics, and a Mathematical Biology Laboratory….Pages 1-8
Some Mathematical Tools….Pages 9-81
Front Matter….Pages 84-84
Reproduction and the Drive for Survival….Pages 85-105
Interactions Between Organisms and Their Environment….Pages 107-140
Age-Dependent Population Structures….Pages 141-161
Random Movements in Space and Time….Pages 163-199
Neurophysiology….Pages 201-228
The Biochemistry of Cells….Pages 229-280
Front Matter….Pages 282-282
The Biological Disposition of Drugs and Inorganic Toxins….Pages 283-321
A Biomathematical Approach to HIV and AIDS….Pages 323-369
Parasites and Their Diseases….Pages 371-397
Cancer: A Disease of the DNA….Pages 399-416
Front Matter….Pages 418-418
Genetics….Pages 419-460
Genomics….Pages 461-495
Phylogenetics….Pages 497-537
Back Matter….Pages 1-13
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