Synopsis

Mathematical Modeling for Society and Biology engagingly relates mathematics to compelling real-life problems in biology and contemporary society. It shows how mathematical tools can be used to gain insight into these modern, common problems to provide effective, real solutions.

Beltrami's creative, non-threatening approach draws on a wealth of interesting examples pertaining to current social and biological issues. Central ideas appear again in different contexts throughout the book, showing the general unity of the modeling process. The models are strikingly novel and based on issues of real concern. Most have never appeared in book form. Through the relevance of these models mathematics becomes not just figures and numbers, but a means to a more refined understanding of the world.

A text for the upper-level undergraduate modeling course that draws on social and biological problems to illuminate mathematics. The volume's nine chapters include such themes as crabs and criminals; municipal workers, congressional seats, and the Talmud; measles and blood clots; sardines and algae bloom; and submarines and trawlers. An appendix addresses conditional probability. Includes solutions to select exercises. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)