Listen to a sample
Mathematical Biology
- Author
- Philip K. Maini
- Narrator
- Ray Greenley
- Publisher
- Tantor Media, Inc
- Publish Date
- 10 March 2026
- Run Time
- 3 hours 36 minutes
- Format
- Audiobook
What to expect
Why are English Premier League football shirt patterns very similar to animal coat markings? And what do invasive species have in common with cancer cells in the body? Mathematical biology develops models which answer these questions, as they are applied to processes from the spread of a gene in a population, to predator-prey dynamics in an ecosystem, to the growth of tumors.
In this Very Short Introduction Philip K. Maini describes the art of modeling, what it is, why we do it, and illustrates how the abstract way of thinking that is the essence of mathematics enables us to transfer knowledge from one area of research to another. Using numerous examples, he explains how the same fundamental ideas have been used in different fields, and shows how mathematics is the language of science. The author also points to cases in science where the traditional scientific modelling approach—verbal reasoning—is incorrect and shows how mathematics can uncover, and correct, such flawed reasoning while, at the same time, enhance our intuition. This book provides a guide to the trajectory of mathematical biology from a niche subject in the 1970s to a well-established, popular subject that is truly inter-disciplinary, and points to exciting future challenges.
User Reviews
No reviews yet.
Details
- Author
- Philip K. Maini
- Narrator
- Ray Greenley
- Duration
- 3 hours 36 minutes
- Release Date
- 10 March 2026
- ISBN
- 9798331932381
- Format
- Audiobook
- Publisher
- Tantor Media, Inc
- Genre
- History of mathematics, Philosophy of mathematics, Mathematical physics, History of science
Synopsis
Why are English Premier League football shirt patterns very similar to animal coat markings? And what do invasive species have in common with cancer cells in the body? Mathematical biology develops models which answer these questions, as they are applied to processes from the spread of a gene in a population, to predator-prey dynamics in an ecosystem, to the growth of tumors.In this Very Short Introduction Philip K. Maini describes the art of modeling, what it is, why we do it, and illustrates how the abstract way of thinking that is the essence of mathematics enables us to transfer knowledge from one area of research to another. Using numerous examples, he explains how the same fundamental ideas have been used in different fields, and shows how mathematics is the language of science. The author also points to cases in science where the traditional scientific modelling approach—verbal reasoning—is incorrect and shows how mathematics can uncover, and correct, such flawed reasoning while, at the same time, enhance our intuition. This book provides a guide to the trajectory of mathematical biology from a niche subject in the 1970s to a well-established, popular subject that is truly inter-disciplinary, and points to exciting future challenges.
About xigxag
xigxag is an independent, UK-based audiobook platform and the UK's only B Corp certified audiobook company. We offer nearly 150,000 audiobooks, all with professional human narration. No AI-generated voices. xigxag is rated an Ethical Consumer Best Buy for audiobooks and a top-rated ethical bookshop.
There is no subscription. You buy the audiobooks you want, you own them permanently, and prices start at $13.95. The more you listen over the year, the less you pay per book, and there is always a selection in Listen for Less from $7.95. You can also send audiobooks as gifts using our audiobook gift cards or in-app gifting.
Every audiobook on xigxag has honest reviews covering both the book and the narration, and our community features make it easy to share what you are listening to, discover what others recommend, and find your next listen.
Download or stream on iOS, Android, or in your browser. Browse the full catalogue at xigxag.co.uk.