Algebraic and Discrete Mathematical Methods for Modern Biology

Written by expert authors in both mathematics and biology, Algebraic and Discrete Mathematical Methods for Modern Biology offers a bridge between math and biology and provides a framework for simulating, analyzing, predicting, and modulating the behavior of complex biological systems. Each chapter begins with a question from modern biology, followed by the description of certain mathematical methods and theory appropriate in the search of answers. Every topic gives readers a fast-track pathway through the problem by presenting the biological foundation, covering the relevant mathematical theory, and highlighting connections between them. Multiple exercises and projects are embedded in each chapter. Many of the projects and exercises utilize specialized software, providing students with much-needed familiarity and experience with computing applications, critical components of the "modern biology" skill set.

Algebraic and Discrete Mathematical Methods for Modern Biology is appropriate for mathematics courses such as finite mathematics, discrete structures, linear algebra, abstract/modern algebra, graph theory, probability, bioinformatics, statistics, biostatistics, and modeling, as well as for biology courses such as genetics, cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, ecology, and evolution.

• Examines significant questions in modern biology and their mathematical treatments
• Presents important mathematical concepts, methods, and tools in the context of essential biology
• Features material of interest to students in both mathematics and biology
• Presents chapters in modular format so topics taught in class need not follow the Table of Contents
• Provides students with many examples and exercises to enhance comprehension
• Introduces projects appropriate for undergraduate research
• Utilizes freely accessible specialized software for visualization, simulation, and analysis in modern biology.
• Employs concepts from moderns discrete mathematics and abstract algebra, which do not require calculus as a prerequisite.