This text depicts mathematical biology as an area with inherent coherence rather than simply the incursion of one scientific discipline into another. It modernizes an earlier edition that was well received and significantly expands the concept of a “computer biology laboratory,” which provides students with an overall perspective of the area before moving on to a more focused subject matter. This book focuses on issues relevant in the modern world, such as cancer, genetics, and the rapidly developing subject of genomics. There are new chapters on parasites, cancer, and phylogenetics, as well as an introduction to online resources for DNA, protein lookups, and well-known pattern matching programs such as BLAST. In addition, the burgeoning topic of algebraic statistics is presented, and the usefulness of this area of study is demonstrated concerning phylogenetics.
Incorporating a computer algebra system into the flow of ideas in the book in a supportive but unobtrusive capacity is a distinctive aspect of the book that sets it apart from similar works. The syntax for both the Maple and Matlab systems is presented in a format that is known as a tandem. Students are given the ability to research “what if” scenarios, which enables them to investigate biological systems in a manner that was not possible thanks to the utilization of a computer algebra system. Each covered topic is comprehensive, even for pupils who do not have access to Maple or Matlab. All of the mathematical solutions come with corresponding graphical representations.
Mathematical Biology features many challenging problems, exercises, and examples. To comprehend the material provided, you must have completed one year of calculus together with linear algebra. The biology discussed begins with the study of populations and continues down to the molecular level; however, prior training in biology is not required. Students at the undergraduate and doctoral levels studying mathematics or biology, as well as scientists and researchers interested in exploring the applications of mathematics and computers in the natural sciences, will find this book useful.
