Mathematical models in biology and medicine cannot be based on natural laws as it is the case with physics and chemistry. This is due to the fact that biological and medical processes are concerned with living organisms. Mathematical models, however, can be used as a language by which certain aspects of biological or medical processes can be expressed. In general, several mathematical models can be designed in order to describe a biological or medical process and there is no unique criterion which model gives the best description. This book presents several of these models and shows applications of them to different biological and medical problems. The book shows that operations research expertise is necessary in respect to modeling, analysis and optimization of biosystems.

Reviews

From the reviews:

"The impact of mathematical modeling and analysis on biological applications has been significant. But the area of optimization is just beginning to be applied to biosystems, and this book illustrates some possible applications and techniques. ... An undergraduate student interested in population models and game theory could benefit from this book. ... This book would be a valuable source for game theory and examples of optimization of parameters, and for optimal control ... ." (Suzanne Lenhart, SIAM Review, Vol. 50 (3), 2008)

"The book comprises four lengthy chapters, with liberal use of sub-sections to make the whole more easily digestible. ... The book is clearly laid out ... . Each chapter has a short list of references ... . For those who seek a detailed introduction into mathematical modelling of biological systems this book would be a most useful resource." (B. Spedding, Journal of the Operational Research Society, Vol. 60 (2), 2009)

Book Information
ISBN 9783642090660
Author Werner Krabs
Format Paperback
Page Count 203
Imprint Springer-Verlag Berlin and Heidelberg GmbH & Co. K
Publisher Springer-Verlag Berlin and Heidelberg GmbH & Co. KG