This book develops the mathematical tools essential for students in the life sciences to describe interacting systems and predict their behavior. From predator-prey populations in an ecosystem, to hormone regulation within the body, the natural world abounds in dynamical systems that affect us profoundly. Complex feedback relations and counter-intuitive responses are common in nature; this book develops the quantitative skills needed to explore these interactions. Differential equations are the natural mathematical tool for quantifying change, and are the driving force throughout this book. The use of Euler’s method makes nonlinear examples tractable and accessible to a broad spectrum of early-stage undergraduates, thus providing a practical alternative to the procedural approach of a traditional Calculus curriculum. Tools are developed within numerous, relevant examples, with an emphasis on the construction, evaluation, and interpretation of mathematical models throughout. Encountering these concepts in context, students learn not only quantitative techniques, but how to bridge between biological and mathematical ways of thinking. Examples range broadly, exploring the dynamics of neurons and the immune system, through to population dynamics and the Google PageRank algorithm. Each scenario relies only on an interest in the natural world; no biological expertise is assumed of student or instructor. Building on a single prerequisite of Precalculus, the book suits a two-quarter sequence for first or second year undergraduates, and meets the mathematical requirements of medical school entry. The later material provides opportunities for more advanced students in both mathematics and life sciences to revisit theoretical knowledge in a rich, real-world framework. In all cases, the focus is clear: how does the math help us understand the science?

This volume is an interdisciplinary book which introduces, in a very readable way, state-of-the-art research in the fundamental topics of mathematical modelling of Biosystems. In short, the book offers an overview of mathematical and computational modelling of biosystems including biological phenomena in general. There is also a special introduction to Protein Physics which aims to explain the all-or-none first order phase transitions from native to denatured states.

Volume I of this two-volume, interdisciplinary work is a unified presentation of a broad range of state-of-the-art topics in the rapidly growing field of mathematical modeling in the biological sciences. The chapters are thematically organized into the following main areas: cellular biophysics, regulatory networks, developmental biology, biomedical applications, data analysis and model validation. The work will be an excellent reference text for a broad audience of researchers, practitioners, and advanced students in this rapidly growing field at the intersection of applied mathematics, experimental biology and medicine, computational biology, biochemistry, computer science, and physics.

This comprehensively revised second edition of Computational Systems Biology discusses the experimental and theoretical foundations of the function of biological systems at the molecular, cellular or organismal level over temporal and spatial scales, as systems biology advances to provide clinical solutions to complex medical problems. In particular the work focuses on the engineering of biological systems and network modeling. - Logical information flow aids understanding of basic building blocks of life through disease phenotypes - Evolved principles gives insight into underlying organizational principles of biological organizations, and systems processes, governing functions such as adaptation or response patterns - Coverage of technical tools and systems helps researchers to understand and resolve specific systems biology problems using advanced computation - Multi-scale modeling on disparate scales aids researchers understanding of dependencies and constraints of spatio-temporal relationships fundamental to biological organization and function.

Bioinformatics is an integrative field of computer science, genetics, genomics, proteomics, and statistics, which has undoubtedly revolutionized the study of biology and medicine in past decades. It mainly assists in modeling, predicting and interpreting large multidimensional biological data by utilizing advanced computational methods. Despite its enormous potential, bioinformatics is not widely integrated into the academic curriculum as most life science students and researchers are still not equipped with the necessary knowledge to take advantage of this powerful tool. Hence, the primary purpose of our book is to supplement this unmet need by providing an easily accessible platform for students and researchers starting their career in life sciences. This book aims to avoid sophisticated computational algorithms and programming. Instead, it mostly focuses on simple DIY analysis and interpretation of biological data with personal computers. Our belief is that once the beginners acquire these basic skillsets, they will be able to handle most of the bioinformatics tools for their research work and to better understand their experimental outcomes. Unlike other bioinformatics books which are mostly theoretical, this book provides practical examples for the readers on state-of-the-art open source tools to solve biological problems. Flow charts of experiments, graphical illustrations, and mock data are included for quick reference. Volume I is therefore an ideal companion for students and early stage professionals wishing to master this blooming field.

Volume II of this two-volume, interdisciplinary work is a unified presentation of a broad range of state-of-the-art topics in the rapidly growing field of mathematical modeling in the biological sciences. Highlighted throughout are mathematical and computational apporaches to examine central problems in the life sciences, ranging from the organization principles of individual cells to the dynamics of large populations. The chapters are thematically organized into the following main areas: epidemiology, evolution and ecology, immunology, neural systems and the brain, and innovative mathematical methods and education. The work will be an excellent reference text for a broad audience of researchers, practitioners, and advanced students in this rapidly growing field at the intersection of applied mathematics, experimental biology and medicine, computational biology, biochemistry, computer science, and physics.

This textbook is uniquely crafted for use in teaching undergraduate students in the life, math, computer and other sciences and engineering. It is INTRODUCTORY LEVEL, for students who have taken or are currently completing their undergraduate math requirements, and are acquiring analytical-thinking and doing skills, along with introductory biology, chemistry and physics subject matter. It's about learning HOW to model and simulate dynamic biological systems, which also makes it useful for graduate students and professional researchers who want a more rigorous treatment of introductory life science math modeling, integrated with the biology. It brings together the multidisciplinary pedagogy of these subjects into a SINGLE INTRODUCTORY MODELING METHODOLOGY COURSE, crystalizing the experience of an author who has been teaching dynamic biosystems modeling and simulation methodology for the life sciences for more than 50 years. DiStefano maximizes accessibility and "systems-math-biology" integration - without diminishing conceptual rigor. Minimally essential applied math and SYSTEMS ENGINEERING METHODS are included, along with a synopsis of the biology and physiology underlying dynamic biosystem modeling, all in a modeling pedagogy context. This textbook fills a major need in the training of contemporary biology students.Dynamic biosystems modeling methodology is presented over 12 distinctive chapters, primarily with systems diagrams and simple differential equations and algebra for expressing them quantitatively, integrated with the biology. Solving and analyzing (quantifying) the biomodels are then accomplished by simulation, using a facile control system simulation language Simulink, a GUI/Matlab toolbox that emulates control systems diagramming, rather than by "coding" the model in a standard computer programming language. Students see and work with the system model - not the code - a big plus. Higher math and complex analytical solutions are avoided.Each chapter begins with a list of LEARNING GOALS, to help with both perspective for the chapter material, and retrospective, to measure learning. EXERCISES for the student at the end of each chapter are designed to test and reinforce learning. A SOLUTIONS MANUAL for chapter exercises is available to qualified instructors from the author, as are LECTURE SLIDES and LAB ASSIGNMENTS AND SOLUTIONS, for courses that adopt the textbook for student use.