Core Maths for the Biosciences

Professor Lord May of Oxford, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford Exactly the sort of thing that will be helpful in showing those with biological problems how mathematics can be very useful - and that what is really important is maintaining an intuitive understanding between the mathematics - which is essentially no more, but no less, than a way of thinking very precisely - and the actual phenomena they are dealing with...Very fine indeed.

James Sleigh, Student, University of Oxford Fantastic. Easy to understand, interactive, biologically relevant and dictated in a way that seemed as though you are almost having a conversation with the author.

Stephen Hubbard, University of Dundee Coherent and clear. The best I have seen this kind of material treated.

Helen Smith, student, University of Salford This book is by far the best of its kind, a spectacular diamond in the rough.

Stuart Fisk, student, University of Essex The interactive spreadsheets are a work of genius.

Dr. Martin Reed is Director of Teaching in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at the University of Bath, and 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.

PART 1: ARITHMETIC, ALGEBRA & FUNCTIONS; 1. Arithmetic and Algebra; 2. Units, Precision and Accuracy; 3. Data tables, graphs, interpolation; 4. Molarity and dilutions; 5. Variables, functions and equations; 6. Linear functions and curve sketching; 7. Quadratic and Polynomial Functions; 8. Fitting curves, and reciprocal and inverse functions; 9. Periodic functions; 10. Exponential and logarithmic functions; PART 2: CALCULUS AND DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS; 11. Instantaneous rate of change: the derivative; 12. Rules of differentiation; 13. Applications of differentiation; 14. Techniques of integration; 15. The Definite Integral; 16. Differential equations I; 17. Differential equations II; 18. Dynamical systems