Exploring Mathematical Modeling in Biology through Case Studies and Experimental Activities provides supporting materials for courses taken by students majoring in mathematics, computer science or in the life sciences. The book's cases and lab exercises focus on hypothesis testing and model development in the context of real data. The supporting mathematical, coding and biological background permit readers to explore a problem, understand assumptions, and the meaning of their results. The experiential components provide hands-on learning both in the lab and on the computer. As a beginning text in modeling, readers will learn to value the approach and apply competencies in other settings. Included case studies focus on building a model to solve a particular biological problem from concept and translation into a mathematical form, to validating the parameters, testing the quality of the model and finally interpreting the outcome in biological terms. The book also shows how particular mathematical approaches are adapted to a variety of problems at multiple biological scales. Finally, the labs bring the biological problems and the practical issues of collecting data to actually test the model and/or adapting the mathematics to the data that can be collected.

About the Author
Dr. Sanft received her Ph.D. in applied mathematics from the University of Arizona. She then worked at Bryn Mawr College as a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Postdoctoral Fellow. During this time, she developed courses in mathematical modelling and worked with biology faculty to incorporate more quantitative training throughout their curriculum. Following this appointment, Dr. Sanft was an Assistant Professor of Mathematics at St. Olaf College where she led a team of faculty in mathematics and biology to develop a concentration (interdisciplinary minor) in Mathematical Biology. She is passionate about designing interdisciplinary classroom experiences. Her research interests are at the interface of mathematics, biology, and mechanics, with an emphasis on modelling growth in soft tissues. Dr. Walter received her Ph.D. in Physiology and Pharmacology from Duke University. Dr. Walter was a Fellow at the National Institutes of Health where she first worked collaboratively with mathematicians in the Laboratory of Mathematical Biology. Her research areas have included transport physiology, physical properties of biological membranes and their lipids and proteins. During her 30 years of teaching, she has taught courses in renal physiology, comparative animal physiology, cell physiology and neuroscience as well as general education. Dr. Walter has been at the forefront of interdisciplinary course development including an integrated introduction to chemistry and biology program, writing and science literacy, and the mathematics of biology. She also enjoys opportunities to guide students in international study to take interdisciplinary approaches to problems related to human and environmental health in India, evolution, ecology and conservation in Ecuador and water and climate change in Morocco.


Book Information
ISBN 9780128195956
Author Rebecca Sanft
Format Paperback
Page Count 254
Imprint Academic Press Inc
Publisher Elsevier Science Publishing Co Inc
Weight(grams) 540g