Mathematics for the Life Sciences

"This is the book I always wanted to write, a masterful and thorough introduction to the basic mathematical, statistical, and computational tools one needs to address biological problems, punctuated with solid and motivational applications to biology. The book is a seamless and authoritative treatment, with broad scope, that makes an ideal text for an introductory course."--Simon A. Levin, editor of The Princeton Guide to Ecology"This book presents mathematics as the Esperanto of science, which it truly is. The authors provide salient topics in understandable form, selecting examples that capture the interest of biologists. Mathematics for the Life Sciences is as useful as it is stimulating."--Rita Colwell, University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies"This book does an admirable job of covering the mathematical topics that are essential for studying and analyzing biological systems. By bringing them together in a single coherent and well-written volume, the authors have produced a text that will truly serve undergraduate students in biology. The exercises are particularly well done."--Alan Hastings, University of California, Davis"This is a thorough, self-contained introductory textbook for training undergraduate students in basic mathematical and statistical methods that are important in biological sciences. Students are introduced to topics ranging from probability and statistics to matrix theory and calculus, with a brief introduction to modeling using difference and differential equations. Two unique features of this textbook are the inclusion of real-world biological data to motivate particular methods and the use of MATLAB for computational purposes."--Linda J. S. Allen, Texas Tech University "This spectacular book develops the reader's ability to quantitatively analyze problems arising in biology, and illustrates the great utility of mathematical models and computing to provide answers to key questions. The biological examples and student projects are excellent."--Carlos Castillo-Chavez, Arizona State University "This is a good introductory text for life sciences undergraduates who do not have a strong background in mathematics and need to familiarize themselves with core math concepts and their applications to biology. The problems and examples are well chosen, and the book is written in a style that is clear and makes it easy for students to use on their own."--Joceline Lega, University of Arizona There are no other books quite like this one on the market. Other texts on the subject do not have nearly the amount of statistics and probability that this one has, nor do they do as much to help build practical MATLAB skills. The abundance of data-driven examples, exercises, and student projects also sets this book apart from its competitors."--Trachette L. Jackson, University of Michigan