Foundation Mathematics for Biosciences

Foundation Mathematics for Biosciences provides an accessible and clear introduction to mathematical skills for students of the biosciences.  The book chapters cover key topic areas and their associated techniques, thereby presenting the maths in context.

A student focused pedagogical approach will help students build their confidence, develop their understanding and learn how to apply mathematical techniques within their studies. Students will be able to use the book as a resource to complement their theory-based textbooks and to prepare themselves for practical classes, tutorials and research projects.

Key features

The book progresses in a logical manner, opening with fundamental problems and then building to more complex calculations aligned to different disciplines in the biosciences.

• Worked examples with detailed solutions provide step-by-step guidance through each calculation to help students build their practical skills.

• Important rules and key points are highlighted in text boxes to help students consolidate their understanding of techniques and theory.

• Illustrations provide insight into what students are likely to encounter in the laboratory.

• Self-assessment questions are provided throughout to enable students to manage their learning and track their progress.

• Learning objectives and key terms also help students to monitor their study.

Suitable for students on courses from the pure end of the spectrum to more applied courses such as biomedical sciences, microbiology, molecular biology, physiology, and forensics.

Dr Ela Bryson is Senior Lecturer in Molecular Biology at the School of Life and Medical Sciences at the University of Hertfordshire

Dr Jackie Willis is Associate Dean of the School of Life and Medical Sciences at the University if Hertfordshire

This book can be supported by MyMathLabGlobal, an online teaching and learning platform designed to build and test your understanding. The book and the MyMathLabGlobal system provide a range of benefits including:

• A tool for the diagnosis of existing strengths and weaknesses in maths

• A comprehensive set of algorithmically generated questions that can be used by students to practise and develop their skills in an independent and flexible manner and by the tutor to evaluate progress

Need extra support?

Were you looking for the book with access to MyXLab? This product is the book alone, and does NOT come with access to MyMathLabGlobal. Buy Title with MyMathLabGlobal access card (9780273774655)  if you need access to MyMathLabGlobal as well, and save money on this resource. Ask your instructor about using MyLab.

• Chapter 1  Basic arithmetic skills
• 1.1  Elementary Arithmetic Calculations
• 1.2  Indices, BODMAS and Use of Equations
•  
• Chapter 2  Fractions and Decimals
• 2.1  Use of Fractions
• 2.2  Decimal Fractions, Approximation and Scientific Notation
•  
• Chapter 3 Units
• 2.1 SI Units
• 2.2 Interconversion of units
•  
• Chapter 4  Ratios and Percentages
• 4.1 Ratios and Proportions
• 4.2  Percentages
•  
• Chapter 5  Logarithms
• 5.1 Rules of Logarithms
• 5.2 Application of Logarithms
•  
• Chapter 6  Solutions and Dilutions
• 6.1 Moles and Molarity
• 6.2 Dilutions and Serial Dilutions
•  
• Chapter 7  Measurements in Biology
• 7.1 Cell Biology and Microbiology
• 7.2 Physiology and Pharmacology
•  
• Chapter 8  Analytical Biology
• 8.1 Analytical Methods
• 8.2 Chromatographic Techniques
•  
• Chapter 9 Molecular Biology
• 9.1 DNA Analysis
• 9.2 Protein Analysis
•  
• Chapter 10 Enzyme Kinetics
• 10.1 Michaelis-Menten Equation
• 10.2 Enzyme inhibition and Cooperative Binding
•  
• Chapter 11  Statistics
• 10.1 Descriptive statistics
• 10.2 Statistical testing
•  
• Chapter 12  Graphs and Charts
• 11.1 Presenting Data using Graphs and Charts
• 11.2 Correlation and Regression