Biomathematical Modeling

The increasing relevance of mathematical biology and ecology supports offering university courses that introduce students to these fields at an earlier stage in their programs of study. This book introduces readers to mathematical biology and ecology along with useful technology through three areas: Compartmental models with Berkeley Madonna; agent-based models with Netlogo; and using an R Shiny app for cluster analysis. This will be accomplished through two chapters devoted to each of the three topics. The first of each pair of chapters will introduce the reader to: The topic; the technology of interest; generalized examples of using the technology; a formal statement and discussions of the model; open-ended exploratory exercises; and relevant closing comments. The second of the pair will provide introductions to a reasonably broad and accessible collection of further historical, recent, or proposed applications and a sampling of useful resources. This book will fill a gap in the available literature, serve as a resource for instructors interested in developing an introductory or intermediate level undergraduate course on mathematical biology and ecology, and also draw new scholars (and students) to the field.