E-raamat: Exploring Modeling with Data and Differential Equations Using R

"What quantitative skills does the modern biologist need? Some might say just enough to run prepackaged programs and collaborate with the experts. In other words, enough to get into trouble. The ambitious new book "Exploring Modeling with Data and Differential Equations in R" by John Zobitz shows that another path is possible. Biologists with a background in calculus can see the foundational methods in mathematical modeling, statistics and programming put to work through the carefully chosen examples that build in this well-organized book. The philosophy is well-expressed by the first word of the title "Exploring", and the actual code and the graphs it produces are invitations to explore data with models, and not to hold the "math" at arms length. The student or researcher who works through this friendly guide will have the tools and confidence needed to get into the kind of good trouble that leads to insight and discovery." -Fred Adler, Professor of Mathematics and Director of the School of Biological Sciences University of Utah

It will be so exciting to teach from this book, with its thorough incorporation of computing and data sets. From the start, the topics interweave standard differential equations concepts (analytical solutions, Eulers method, qualitative approaches, single equations, systems of equations, stability analysis, and more) with an introduction to the R programming language, probability, and statistics. There is significant time spent on stochastic differential equations and on determining model parameter values based on data. These are timely, as current-day mathematical modelers frequently incorporate stochastic effects into their models, and connecting with real data sets is absolutely crucial. Exploring Modeling with Data and Differential Equations Using R works well as a main text or supplement for a course in Differential Equations or Mathematical Modeling. Alternately, it is a resource for those learning new methods while pursuing independent research projects. - Meredith Greer, Professor of Mathematics, Bates College