Introduction to Modeling Biological Systems

The authors begin with simple examples and gradually add complexity. Each chapter focuses on one discipline, and begins each example with a brief overview of the biology, followed by presentation of the model with accompanying illustrations and flow chart, with a detailed discussion of results to illustrate key modeling concepts. The chapters cover a broad span of biological problems, including: pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, circulation, biochemical switches, cell division, and synaptic transmission. The text provides a step-by-step practical introduction on How to Build a Model. Again, the level is suitable for students without advanced training in math, but provides enough depth to allow readers to emerge with the ability to build their own models.
* Non-technical presentation explicitly aimed at those without special math training.
* Uses Berkeley Madonna, the most user friendly, fast, and powerful modeling tool available.
* Elegantly elucidates key modeling principles through carefully explained examples.
* Examples taken from across biology, including immunology, cell biology, pharmacology, biochemistry, and neuroscience.
* Includes end of chapter exercises.