Focusing on discrete models across a variety of biological subdisciplines, this introductory textbook includes linear and non-linear models of populations, Markov models of molecular evolution, phylogenetic tree construction from DNA sequence data, genetics, and infectious disease models. Assuming no knowledge of calculus, the development of mathematical topics, such as matrix algebra and basic probability, is motivated by the biological models. Computer research with MATLAB is incorporated throughout in exercises and more extensive projects to provide readers with actual experience with the mathematical models.
1. Dynamic modeling with different equations; 2. Linear models of structured populations; 3. Non-linear models of interactions; 4. Modeling molecular evolution; 5. Constructing phylogenic trees; 6. Genetics; 7. Infectious disease modeling; 8. Curve fitting and biological modeling; Appendix A. Basic analysis of numerical data; Appendix B. For further reading.
"The exercises throughout this book are excellent. Mathematical Models in Biology: An Introduction presents nontrivial and current topics in mathematical biology for first-and second-year undergraduate majors in mathematics or biology. With its brisk writing style, clear handling of the mathematics and the biology, and thorough exercises, this text is positioned to meet the needs of mathematics students interested in biology as well as biology students who need to see the serious role of mathematics in their chosen area of study." James V. Rauff, Millikin University, Mathematics and Computer Education
"Highly recommended." CHOICE
"This remarkable book is one of the best introductory threatments that I have seen, and it is an ideal text for a beginning undergraduate course in mathematical biology."
The Mathematical Association of America, Gerald B. Folland