Mathematical Modeling for Life Sciences: A Primer

This textbook introduces mathematical modelling in life sciences in an interdisciplinary setting for students whose backgrounds range from medicine to mathematics, focusing on a set of topics that introduce mathematical thinking through biological questions.

This textbook introduces mathematical modelling in life sciences in an interdisciplinary setting for students whose backgrounds range from medicine to mathematics, focusing on a set of topics that introduce mathematical thinking through biological questions. Each chapter begins with a clear biological question and then introduces the mathematical tools required to analyze it. This iterative approach is a proven success in the classrom. Starting with population dynamics, because its concepts are intuitive to students from the exact sciences, the text then broadens the canvas to topics such as electrophysiology and chemical kinetics, demonstrating the wide applicability of the same mathematical techniques. This structure is intended to build intuition alongside technical skill—students learn why a model is useful before learning how to build it. Also included are short historical perspectives and vignettes about the development of key ideas. These historical contexts motivate students and help them better grasp why particular concepts matter and how they arose in response to real scientific problems. Whether you are a student seeking a first rigorous introduction to mathematical biology or an instructor looking for a compact course text, this book is designed to be accessible, adaptable, and practical: you will encounter clear problems, worked mathematical tools, and exercises aimed at building modeling confidence and insight.