Core Maths for the Biosciences

Biological systems are often best explored and explained using the power of maths - from the rate at which enzymes catalyse essential 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, 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.

Reflecting the use of maths in the exploration of biology today, the book shows how computational approaches are applied to probe biological questions, and makes extensive use of computational support to help the reader develop mathematical skills for themselves - both through online graph-plotting software, and interactive ExcelRG workbooks.

Core Maths for the Biosciences is the ideal course companion as you master the mathematical skills you need to complete your undergraduate studies.

Online Resource Centre
The 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
• A test bank of questions for both formative and summative assessment

For students:

• Solutions to around half of the end of chapter exercises
• Access to FNGraph, the graph-plotting software featured in the book
• An extensive range of interactive ExcelR workbooks, to help the reader master some of the concepts presented in the book through hands-on learning

About the Author

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.