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Biology by Numbers Richard F. Burton (University of Glasgow)

Biology by Numbers By Richard F. Burton (University of Glasgow)

Biology by Numbers by Richard F. Burton (University of Glasgow)


$17.19
Condition - Very Good
Only 4 left

Summary

The number-shy biology student is a common species. This introductory text shows how to apply simple mathematical principles to a range of biological examples to reveal vital insights and understanding. Packed with questions and calculations and covering the whole range of biology, this is for all maths-shy biologists, from first-year undergraduates to graduates.

Biology by Numbers Summary

Biology by Numbers: An Encouragement to Quantitative Thinking by Richard F. Burton (University of Glasgow)

Biologists are notoriously reticent about using mathematics. This textbook is both an introduction to quantitative biology and a guide for the number-shy. Richard Burton fosters a sense of the fundamental importance and usefulness of mathematical principles in biology, with a fascinating range of examples. The book is geared towards the non-mathematician, and covers the basics as well as various more advanced topics from many diverse biological disciplines. Questions and calculations encourage active participation without holding up the reader. A key feature is the structure of the book. Rather than building it around biological disciplines, Dr Burton emphasises the common ways of reasoning used in areas as diverse as insect and population growth, seed mortality and sensory response (to mention a few that use logarithms). Written primarily for beginning undergraduates, this enlightening text will also be an essential aid for students throughout their undergraduate and graduate years.

Biology by Numbers Reviews

'As a gentle introduction to mathematics for the numerically phobic biology undergraduate, Richard Burton's Biology by Numbers could hardly be bettered. Well-chosen examples take the agony out of algorithms and the confusion out of calculus.' New Scientist
'If you have ever fancied doing some biologically relevant maths, but haven't known how, this could be a good place to start.' John A. Lee, Biologist
'The book contains lots of examples of numerical common sense that bring biology to life. Thre is a wealth of information to be learned too.' Hugh Fletcher, Journal of Biological Education
'... I recommended this book to fill a gap in undergraduate teaching about number crunching - I'll be using it.' Australian Journal of Ecology

Table of Contents

Preface; A guide to the book; 1. Putting two and two together; 2. Units, formulae and the use of old envelopes: confronting some obstacles to quantitative thinking; 3. Aspects of energy metabolism; 4. Getting things in proportion; 5. Perilous percentages, dangerous ratios; 6. Building a trophic pyramid; 7. Sodium in animals and plants; 8. Exchanges of water and carbon dioxide; 9. A geometric series; 10. Introduction to logarithms; 11. Bringing logarithms to life; 12. Exponential relationships; 13. Aspects of allometry; 14. More on allometry, and on quantitative patterns in nature; 15. How the abundance of food affects rates of feeding; 16. The characterization of trees and other branching systems; 17. Epilogue; References; Notes; Index.

Additional information

GOR002829679
9780521576987
0521576989
Biology by Numbers: An Encouragement to Quantitative Thinking by Richard F. Burton (University of Glasgow)
Used - Very Good
Paperback
Cambridge University Press
19980226
256
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us

Customer Reviews - Biology by Numbers