This supplemental text for introductory biology courses presents a set of problems designed to help students develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It includes computer-based and
This introductory text presents the use of statistical methods as an integral part of biological investigation, yet one whose superficial complexities have deterred many biologists from using them. The author argues that the difficulties, such as they are, do not lie in mathematical manipulation, but in grasping a few simple, but unfamiliar concepts. He emphasizes the need for precisely defining problems and for careful selection of the most appropriate methods - a wide range of which are described and illustrated. Each chapter ends with a set of problems which are intended to help the student gain practical experience. No previous knowledge is assumed, and the student is encouraged to develop a competent and critical approach to analysing numerical data. In this second edition, the scope of the book has been extended, problems have been solved in a more satisfactory way, and a greater number of illustrative examples have been added.
Introductory Biomechanics is a new, integrated text written specifically for engineering students. It provides a broad overview of this important branch of the rapidly growing field of bioengineering. A wide selection of topics is presented, ranging from the mechanics of single cells to the dynamics of human movement. No prior biological knowledge is assumed and in each chapter, the relevant anatomy and physiology are first described. The biological system is then analyzed from a mechanical viewpoint by reducing it to its essential elements, using the laws of mechanics and then tying mechanical insights back to biological function. This integrated approach provides students with a deeper understanding of both the mechanics and the biology than from qualitative study alone. The text is supported by a wealth of illustrations, tables and examples, a large selection of suitable problems and hundreds of current references, making it an essential textbook for any biomechanics course.
This unique introductory text explains cell functions using the engineering principles of robust devices. Adopting a process-based approach to understanding cell and tissue biology, it describes the molecular and mechanical features that enable the cell to be robust in operating its various components, and explores the ways in which molecular modules respond to environmental signals to execute complex functions. The design and operation of a variety of complex functions are covered, including engineering lipid bilayers to provide fluid boundaries and mechanical controls, adjusting cell shape and forces with dynamic filament networks, and DNA packaging for information retrieval and propagation. Numerous problems, case studies and application examples help readers connect theory with practice, and solutions for instructors and videos of lectures accompany the book online. Assuming only basic mathematical knowledge, this is an invaluable resource for graduate and senior undergraduate stud
