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  • © 2009

Mathematical Biology

An Introduction with Maple and Matlab

  • Focuses on issues of contemporary interest, such as cancer, genetics, and the rapidly growing field of genomics
  • Includes new chapters on parasites, cancer, and phylogenetics, as well as an introduction to online resources for DNA, protein lookups, and popular pattern matching tools such as BLAST
  • Introduces emerging field of algebraic statistics its power illustrated in the context of phylogenetics
  • Integrates syntax for both the Maple and Matlab systems in a tandem format
  • Provides graphic visualizations for all mathematical results
  • Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Part of the book series: Undergraduate Texts in Mathematics (UTM)

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Table of contents (15 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages 1-12
  2. Biology, Mathematics, and a Mathematical Biology Laboratory

    • Ronald W. Shonkwiler, James Herod
    Pages 1-8
  3. Some Mathematical Tools

    • Ronald W. Shonkwiler, James Herod
    Pages 9-81
  4. Cells, Signals, Growth, and Populations

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 84-84
    2. Reproduction and the Drive for Survival

      • Ronald W. Shonkwiler, James Herod
      Pages 85-105
    3. Interactions Between Organisms and Their Environment

      • Ronald W. Shonkwiler, James Herod
      Pages 107-140
    4. Age-Dependent Population Structures

      • Ronald W. Shonkwiler, James Herod
      Pages 141-161
    5. Random Movements in Space and Time

      • Ronald W. Shonkwiler, James Herod
      Pages 163-199
    6. Neurophysiology

      • Ronald W. Shonkwiler, James Herod
      Pages 201-228
    7. The Biochemistry of Cells

      • Ronald W. Shonkwiler, James Herod
      Pages 229-280
  5. Systems and Diseases

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 282-282
    2. The Biological Disposition of Drugs and Inorganic Toxins

      • Ronald W. Shonkwiler, James Herod
      Pages 283-321
    3. A Biomathematical Approach to HIV and AIDS

      • Ronald W. Shonkwiler, James Herod
      Pages 323-369
    4. Parasites and Their Diseases

      • Ronald W. Shonkwiler, James Herod
      Pages 371-397
    5. Cancer: A Disease of the DNA

      • Ronald W. Shonkwiler, James Herod
      Pages 399-416
  6. Genomics

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 418-418
    2. Genetics

      • Ronald W. Shonkwiler, James Herod
      Pages 419-460
    3. Genomics

      • Ronald W. Shonkwiler, James Herod
      Pages 461-495
    4. Phylogenetics

      • Ronald W. Shonkwiler, James Herod
      Pages 497-537
  7. Back Matter

    Pages 1-13

About this book

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.

Reviews

From the reviews of the second edition:

“This is a well conceived introduction into some of the most important fields of biomathematics. It aims mainly at undergraduates in mathematics but will be suitable for students who have passed a one-year course of calculus and some linear algebra. … Each chapter starts with a biological motivation and an introduction of the basic biology required.” (R. Bürger, Monatshefte für Mathematik, Vol. 169 (2), February, 2013)

Authors and Affiliations

  • School of Mathematics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, U.S.A.

    Ronald W. Shonkwiler, James Herod

Bibliographic Information

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 79.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 99.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book USD 99.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access