This short textbook introduces students to the concept of describing natural systems using mathematical models. We highlight the variety of ways in which natural systems lend themselves to mathematical description and the importance of models in revealing fundamental processes. The process of science via the building, testing and use of models (theories) is described and forms the structure of the book. The book covers a broad range from the molecular to ecosystems and whole-Earth phenomena. Themes running through the chapters include scale (temporal and spatial), change (linear and nonlinear), emergent phenomena and uncertainty. Mathematical descriptions are kept to a minimum and we illustrate mechanisms and results in graphical form wherever possible. Essential mathematical details are described fully, with the use of boxes. The mathematics supports but does not lead the text.

Undergraduate students of the natural sciences taking courses in, for example: mathematical modelling, ecological modelling, mathematics for biologists, mathematics for environmental sciences, computational biology, modelling natural systems, mathematical methods

Book Information
ISBN 9781786393135
Author Edward Gillman
Format Paperback
Page Count 280
Imprint CABI Publishing
Publisher CABI Publishing
Weight(grams) 671g
Dimensions(mm) 246mm * 189mm * 15mm