Introducing Mathematical Biology

Study overview of the reviewed opening

Best’s introduction describes mathematical models as tools for asking questions about biological and medical systems. It acknowledges that the wider field uses many forms of modelling, but deliberately limits this resource to ordinary differential equations. This helps a reader understand both what is included and what lies outside the book’s method.

The application areas range from interactions between populations to infectious disease, immune and cell dynamics, gene regulation and drug movement within a model. The introduction expects familiarity with basic differential equations and related mathematics, while offering optional reviews for readers who need further preparation.

The intended learning process is participatory. Readers attempt exercises that contribute to the development of the material, then compare their work with the available solution. Optional Python examples allow exploration without making prior coding experience a requirement for every reader. The page summarises the introduction and verified chapter map, not all models or their assumptions. The online version contains interactive features that should be distinguished from the static PDF.

Book contents

1. Introduction
2. Population ecology
3. Infectious disease
4. Immune and cell dynamics
5. Gene networks
6. Pharmacokinetics
7. Background reviews
8. Final thoughts and acknowledgements
9. References

Questions for study

The following prompts are Academic Master’s editorial material.

• What does choosing ordinary differential equations include and exclude?
• Which assumptions should be recorded when interpreting a biological model?
• How can computation complement an analytical solution?

Sources and coverage

Introduction read in full (PDF pages 9–12); title, licence and contents checked.

Source edition · Source licence