Book Details :
Title : Introductory Mathematics for the Life Sciences (Modules in Life Science Series)
Author : David Phoenix
Paperback : 229 pages
Publisher : CRC Press; 1 edition (September 2, 1997)
Language : English
ISBN-10 : 0748404287
ISBN-13 : 978-0748404285
Size : 1.80 MB.
Type : Pdf.
Upload by : www.boxmaths.com
Book Description :

Introductory Mathematics for the Life Sciences offers a straightforward introduction to the mathematical principles needed for studies in the life sciences. Starting with the basics of numbers, fractions, ratios, and percentages, the author explains progressively more sophisticated concepts, from algebra, measurement, and scientific notation through the linear, power, exponential, and logarithmic functions to introductory statistics. Worked examples illustrate concepts, applications, and interpretations, and exercises at the end of each chapter help readers apply and practice the skills they develop. Answers to the exercises are posted at the end of the text.

Students are entering A-level and undergraduate life science courses with only GCSE mathematics. Many students do not possess a thorough understanding of the basic mathematical principles which are required in these courses and those that do understand the mathematics often have difficulty applying the principles to biological problems. These deficiencies are difficult to correct and can involve the need for intensive tutorial-based courses, but with increasing student numbers and decreasing staff time the support for material which lies ‘outside’ the standard life science curriculum is limited. This leads to many students struggling with basic concepts, such as concentration, and if courses include areas with a strong mathematical orientation such as kinetics, energetics or even pH calculations students tend to gain little, since their time is spent struggling with the mathematics; thus they often miss the biological importance of the material.

This book has been written after discussion with undergraduates to find out the areas with which they want help. It is intended to introduce essential mathematical ideas from first principles but without the use of mathematical proofs. In the body of each chapter are worked examples so that readers can apply the mathematics and develop their confidence. At the end of each chapter are a number of questions taken from biology and these allow students to try to apply the mathematics they have learnt. The emphasis is on essential mathematics, i.e. that which students will need at some time in most courses and some of which will be applied on a daily basis. Once the mathematics has been learnt, students need to apply it. It is useful to perform the following steps when facing a numerical problem :
(a) look at the problem and write down all the information that you have;
(b) write down what it is you want to know;
(c) work out what information is actually required and what is superfluous;
(d) establish the link between what is wanted and what is known;
(c) apply the mathematics and find the answer!